M&S socks

[Keef]

Now, while we're on M&S and the changes in product...

Does anyone know a stockist of decent underpants for the "larger" man?

For the last few decades, I've bought my "classic briefs" at M&S. As part of the cost-cutting régime there, they've done two things to them: first, they reduced the quality of the elastic so they only last a few washes before they fail to stay up. Then, they reduced the overall length so they no longer reach my waist (hence they don't stay in position over the beer-belly).

I had a goodly stock of the last "good ones", obtained from a friendly rural M&S (Ipswich), but that's now running out. They no longer offer the real ones. Has anyone else had the problem, and know where to shop?

And before you suggest "lose weight", I've been this size since 1960 and don't have any immediate plans to change - certainly not to simplify M&S product policies.

[JoeC]

(hence they don't stay in position over the beer-belly).

Hmmmm, trying really hard not to picture it but I don't think you pants should be pulled up over your belly. Beery or not.

[AerBabe]

they only last a few washes before they fail to stay up.

You really shouldn't need to boil wash them, Keef.

[Jim Jones]

If only it were that simple. I have black socks and black socks. Variations in size, fit, colour variation and material make this pursuit of perfection almost impossible. I too changed to the all black strategy (in my callow youth) but have now self-actualised and moved to a higher plane and gone for the full colour strategy: Blue, green, orange, red, purple, magenta, aqua marine, brown means that every sock has it's easily identifiable partner, not just in colour, but in fit, style and trim. Life doesn't get much better.

It is essential to match not only colour (and black goes with most stuff, and more importantly is never a lighter shade than the trouser); but consideration must be given to the weight of the material. Heavy wool socks are ok with corduroy, cavalry twill, tweed etc. More delicate textures are necessary for such as evening dress trousers.

And I too am sorrowed by M&S policy on undergarments. I did track down some proper waist-fitting y-fronts recently and stocked up. Longevity of elastic is yet to be determined.

[Pete L]

This seems an opportunity for one or more of the spinsters of this forum to come to the fore. You could always hold a darn-in

[Keef]

You really shouldn't need to boil wash them, Keef.

A couple of false assumptions there

They go into a machine of which I wot little, and emerge clean (but with deteriorating elastic).

[Lowtimer]

Seriously, Keef, I suggest you ask the management what temp is in use, because it may be way more than is necessary with today's powders. (Hey, I sound just like an advert!). 40 degrees is more than enough, and elastic-friendly.

[Bill McCarthy]

.........or you could keep them on 24 hours a day for three months a la submariner then remove them, whereupon they will walk to the bin on their own.

[Timothy]

Blatant favouritism here.

A while back, I posted a perfectly good genuine question about bidets and it was instantly donked.

But now we are talking about the cleanliness or otherwise of Keef's knickers and no-one's batting an eyelid.

Is it because the boss is here in Sywell and the mice are playing?

[Pete S]

What was the bidet question? I missed it: we've got two of 'em.............

[Keef]

No, apart from the inevitable schoolboy gags, we're discussing the non-availability of a much-lamented item of apparel and the possibility of finding a substitute. Fruitless, as it happens, but one has to try.

[Keef]

What was the bidet question? I missed it: we've got two of 'em.............

I dunno. I missed it too.

[Foie Gras]

Hanes underwear for me - good quality, cheap enough and widely available...



...in any US Walmart

I stock up on each visit




FG

[Gerard Clarke]

I go away for a few days and when I get back people are talking in too much detail about their underscuddies? WTF?

[Keef]

Depends on where your interests lie, I suppose, G. Scotland, Paris and Berlin have more attraction, I grant you, especially with a blonde for company.

It seems I need to buy my undies by mail-order from the USA. Information sought, information obtained. Job done.