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 :))
I have recently started buying bamboo based socks and boxer shorts, and it’s pretty great and seems to stay elastic and soft a really long time. A bit too soon for clear conclusions, but talking to others who have used it longer it seems promising.
Shouldn’t be too bad for the climate either, as bamboo is a pretty easy going and fast growing plant.
Unfortunately the environmental impact depends on the processing used. The cheapest and easiest version is unfortunately chemically intensive and basically the same way they make rayon. There are other options, but then the price goes up. So extra due diligence is required if you are concerned about the impact of your bamboo clothes.
Thanks! That’s something I will have to read up on for sure.
I’ve heard bamboo can be good. How is your experience with them in extreme temperatures?
I pretty much only wear darn tough socks at this point, and have used them down to -60F windchill and up to 110F. Obviously different pairs, but they have a lot on offer for pretty much any situation.
I’ve used them in the desert before, hiking into the 100-110F range and nothing is super comfortable for me at that temp range but they did good. My shoes were more the limiting factor on my feet breathing there. They held up well with sand getting thru my shoe’s mesh and I didn’t get blisters or anything. I am very blister resistant normally tho.
Bicycling in -60F they also did super well in, though that was even moreso because my other layers were pretty dialed in. I didn’t stay dry per se between sweat and snow, but I stayed warm enough between my other layers and physical activity to be relatively comfortable.
Edit: realized after posting that I replied to the wrong comment.
Oh I can help! Got me some bamboo boxer briefs, they’re at least comparable to “normal” ones if not better in ~100°f or so heat, but of course it’s still fucking hot.
I haven’t tried in very warm climates yet, but I think they should do well. Seem to breathe well - yesterday I had a full day of traveling in heavy hiking boots from the snowy Alps through hours on a bus then plane and finally relatively warmer climates, and the socks performed great the entire way. No need to change them when I finally got home, which is certainly not to my feet’s credit.
I think they will perform well in pretty much any setting where you would traditionally use cotton socks. When I went on hikes in the Alps I wore woolen socks, so I don’t know how the bamboo ones would have held up.