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merino underwear stretching out.
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Jan 30, 2014 at 4:26 pm #1312666
I have some minus 33 merino wool underwear. After wearing them they quickly start to stretch out and loose their tight fit. I need that tight fit for chaffing issues. If I get them wet and throw them in the dryer they will shrink back to their original size.
Is this an issue with all merino wool underwear? I don't want to go back to synthetics but the tight fit is important.
Jan 30, 2014 at 4:37 pm #2068053I can't speak to the Minus 33 stuff, bit the dryer isn't an issue for Smartwool or Icebreaker boxers and t's. At least not the ones I have. I really prefer merino over synthetic for almost everything, though I do now air dry all my t-shirts, boxers go in the dryer and I wear them daily.
Jan 30, 2014 at 4:40 pm #2068055The dryer is actually not an issue.
After a day of use the boxers stretch and out and are not tight fitting.
If I wash them and throw them in the dryer they shrink back the original tightness and fit perfectly.
But I don't have a dryer in the backcountry…Jan 30, 2014 at 4:44 pm #2068057Sorry Justin, I read your question wrong, I need to slow down a tad. Smartwool and IB boxer-briefs are still good fitting for me after 5 days out. They do stretch a tad, but definitely not what it sounds like you're describing.
Jan 30, 2014 at 4:47 pm #2068058They fit like slim fitting running shorts (not tight at all) after a day of hiking… very dissapointing.
I'll look into the sw and ib boxers, thanks!
Jan 30, 2014 at 4:50 pm #2068060"After wearing them they quickly start to stretch out and loose their tight fit."
Dude, there aren't that many women reading these forums. Nice try though…..
Jan 30, 2014 at 5:36 pm #2068084Ive got some sugoi and bankbreaker i wear for social situations
I find they stretch somewhat …. Hopefully not from my ginourmous belly !!!
Synthetics and blends are more predictable IMO in their durability
;)
Jan 30, 2014 at 6:09 pm #2068093"Synthetics and blends are more predictable IMO in their durability"
My favorites continue to be the Ex Officio boxers. Breathe well, retain their shape well.
Jan 30, 2014 at 7:17 pm #2068120It doesn't hurt to try Doug.
Jan 30, 2014 at 7:20 pm #2068121My main reason for switching from synthetics was the odor issue. Also with wool underwear my crotch area doesn't feel all sticky and nasty like with synthetics… a but TMI I know. I would normally carry an extra pair of synthetic underwear for sleeping in.
Maybe I will try some cotton briefs. I've worn cotton underwear hiking in the past and it wasn't an issue because I'm not a super sweaty dude. Wouldn't want to wear them in cold/wet but for warm/dry weather they might be a good compromise.
What are y'all experiences with anti-odor treated synthetics?
Jan 30, 2014 at 7:32 pm #2068122i had that issue with some early icebreaker leggings, from memory just the standard 200 series. i then switched to the icebreaker gt stuff, which i think has a little 3% spandex in it… seems heaps better. i now just use the orig stuff as base layer for around home, going down town when its cold or if im going to watch my nephew play rugby on a cold winters day. i guess their short boxer style stuff should be the same.
Jan 30, 2014 at 7:55 pm #2068128The 2014 cap1 has polygiene which is supposedly permanent … The folks at prolite have reported good results
Im waiting for MEC to switch over to polygiene for their T series
The T3s are already so treated
Spandex and elastane wear out which is why MEC has moved away from it for some of their layers
;)
Jan 31, 2014 at 4:52 am #2068196My patagonia merino shirts stretches quite a lot even though I think there's some synthetic in it. It fits nice for a day or so and then stretches to be loose and baggy. A wash/dry brings it back, but that poor day 2-5 fit is the reason why it's not coming on my thru hike this summer.
Jan 31, 2014 at 7:02 am #2068211I've had the same problem, Justin. I use the Underarmour compression shorts, as no wool underwear has worked yet.
Jan 31, 2014 at 8:34 am #2068245i bought a pair of icebreaker boxer briefs a number of years ago for all the reasons i love merino socks. i have worn them maybe twice. after a matter of minutes of walking (or the first time i take a steep step uphill) the legs ride up to the point of becoming briefs. at this time i'm stuck with 2 inches of fabric rolled up into a tube around each leg. talk about uncomfortable. i was very, very disappointed, especially given the price tag…
back to under armour permanently, which stays where it is supposed to be…
Feb 1, 2014 at 1:04 pm #2068674bummer…. guess it's back to synthetics and cotton for me.
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