Underwear is one of the things that I struggle to use second-hand, and I’m not sure if I intend to change that (lest some nowaste people teach me mystical ways and methods :P) But the fact is that I can only use what I’ve got currently for so long, and so I turn to you.

I am not looking for specific reccomendations exclusively, and the type of underwear (underpants, brasseries, undershirts) are all welcome for discussion! But I’m hoping to find advice which will help me find something that will last, and to a decent standard (i.e, don’t use polyester socks, due to smell).

So please lend your advice for finding Bras, Briefs, Bobbysocks, and Bundershirts!

EDIT: Also advice on what materials are better suited to different climates is also well appreciated! (I tend to leave my posts personal detail agnostic so they can serve as resources for others :))

  • 🕸️ Pip 🕷️@slrpnk.netEnglish
    1·
    1 day ago

    So in terms of purchasing undergarments, I have some main tips which mostly involve shopping in person if you can.

    1. Look at the thickness of the fabric. If you don’t have any issues with wanting razor-thin seamless undergarments, thickness might guarantee more sturdy fabric.

    2. Look at the stitching. This sounds risky, but feel it up, tug at the seams, look at the degree of separation. It should feel sturdy. Also try avoiding elastics as much as possible.

    3. Check if the product is pre-washed or pre-shrunk, like in the case of cotton garments. Maybe check the washing label too. Your clothes should not lose quality and hold up well after many cycles of washing.

    4. Make sure the fit is comfortable. Tugging and stretching the clothing is going to wear them out a lot faster. But I also would avoid suspiciously stretchy fabric.

    5. Obviously, material. Yes this is basic, but opt for natural materials and natural colours. Yes, there’s a lot of cool synthetic fabric out there, but tried and true is usually the best. (Also the best for the water that’s gonna be used to wash those pieces of clothing)

    Personally I think Pact is pretty neat. Affordable and they’ve got plenty of options and ship to a lot of places.

    Personally the last underwear I bought was from a UK company called Knickey (now renamed to Subset) and some menstruation underwear from Wuka. The Subset ones are in perfect condition but the thick elastic from Wuka has started fraying unfortunately… It’s up to you whether you buy something expensive or cheap, but how you treat your clothing will be the most important in making sure you don’t have to keep buying new ones.

    Also in my experience (and I know for a lot of people they’re cute, but) AVOID. LACE. If you rly want cute undergarments, get a pair or two. But your everydays should be structurally simple. Any lace undergarments I’ve had (against my will) have deteriorated incredibly fast. I would advise against it.