International Jock

Monday, April 04, 2011

Wearing my Grundies... A Review

We've spoken a couple times on here about an up-and-coming Australian brand called Grundies.  Today I want to give you my opinions on one of their most prevalent and popular cuts - the fit short (read "trunk").  So without further ado, I bring you today's review.

For the purpose of today's review, I tried the Tattoo Fit Short in blue.  I really like the fit of these trunks, this is one of my favorite fits to wear period (regardless of brand).  They give you nice full coverage while still being revealing and hip.  You don't have to worry about anything falling out or being on display but they're still small and tight enough to subtly show off your physique.  The legs on these trunks are just about even with the bottom of the pouch and the waistband rises to about where your low-rise jeans would sit.  So they're not a super low-rise but they're not up to your navel either. 

These things are comfortable for all day wear.  As is common in a lot of undies, the tag is screen-printed onto the back so there's no itching to worry about.  The pouch is made of a single piece of fabric (no seams down the middle, which is often the case).  It isn't quite what I would call a contoured pouch, but it gives you enough room to hang in.  If you look at the cut of the design, the pouch is actually a sort of filled-in U-shape that extends down to your perineum area.  Made of 90% cotton and 10% elastane (to hold its shape), this fabric hugs the body snugly but not too tight.  I feel like I can breathe in these.  The legbands are simply the fabric rolled over a couple times, so there is no uncomfortable pinching.  The logo waistband is not only stylish but quite soft on both sides.  It stays in place but doesn't cut in.  The back is seamless for a nice smooth look. 

While the cut of these is quite basic, there is still some stylish flair.  The blue color against the black waistband really pops.  On one leg (on this particular pair) is screen printed the "Grundies" logo and then a few stars are printed on the other leg to mimic the Australian flag.  These are nice touches that make these undies (or should I say Grundies) stand out.  Also, as their signature on all their undies, Grundies puts a small red tag with their logo on the left leg attached to the bottom of the waistband.  I think this is a nice designer touch that shows the care and attention to detail that this company has.

These undies are pretty well made, I'd say.  I've worn them numerous times (keep meaning to do this review) and have washed them just as many and they've held up well.  The elastane helps them to keep their shape after each wash.  And just by glancing over them, you can tell they are made well: the waistband is held on by at least three rows of stitching.  The fabric, does, however fade a little after a few washes.  But that is to be expected with such a bright blue.  The screen printing also cracks a little bit, but that is to be expected on fabric that is constantly stretching and moving.  Other than that, these undies hold up fantastically.  They are currently on special for $19.95 (normally $24.95).  I would say for the style in combination with the comfort and great fit these are worth it.  Give Grundies a try. 


MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Grundies Tattoo Fit Short a total score of 9 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 9 (out of 10) - Modest trunk.  Covers just enough but still shows off physique.  
COMFORT -- 9 (out of 10) - Good all day wear.  Tagless, no cutting on elastic. 
STYLE -- 9 (out of 10) - Basic with some Aussie flair
QUALITY -- 8 (out of 10) - Excellent attention to detail.  Will fade a bit though. 
VALUE -- 9 (out of 10) - Good bang for you buck.

**********9

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