How often do you get your knickers in a knot?
If I can go by the number of emails I receive on this topic, it is A LOT!
It seems that even with all the technology, fancy fabrics, multitude of designs and brands names at our disposal, we still can’t find the perfect pair of knickers. Well I’m tired of a drawer full of underwear I never wear, tired of them creeping where they don’t belong, leaving nasty red marks on my body, and VPL’s. All those ones that promise no VPL’s only work for me because they disappear to where they aren’t meant too! Seriously, it can’t be that hard right?
Over the last few months, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect pair of everyday underwear. I’m not looking for fancy, I’m not looking for overtly sexy, and I’m certainly not looking for something that will break the bank. What I had in mind was something that hugged and supported my body nicely, and didn’t leave me tugging at them. Something I could just throw in the machine and know that wouldn’t kill them, and something that had a great retro vibe.
I do own a few pairs of some very fancy, high waisted vintage styled numbers; and while they are beautiful, their prices tags weren’t. Yes, worth it for what they were, but certainly not something you’d fork out for ten pairs of just for every day. I had a picture in my mind of pants that looked great with my vintage long line bras. Something that covered my butt properly, and were cute enough to wander around in while getting dressed.
Then Bonds came out with a cracking ad campaign featuring Sarah Murdoch looking all 50’s glam. It wasn’t just her look that made my heart skip a beat, but what she was wearing! Was it my holy grail of undies? It was the Bonds Cottontail –revamped. Ohh, maybe this was it!
I raced out and promptly got myself a pair to try, and here are the pro’s and cons I came up with.
Pro’s: Good fabric composition, nice stretch, fabric memory, more “body” space.
Con’s: Not really high waisted enough for a full retro feel. The big wide branded elastic waist band – well, I’m not a fan. I like a nice flat stretchy waist band, and I understand the trend, but putting this on women’s pants gave them a strong masculine vibe that was contrary to the whole retro, girly styling I was looking to achieve.
Okay, so they weren’t a total winner, so I decided to revert to the originals. I’d never worn Cottontails before, as they seemed to be marketed to a very different demographic, but what the hell – it was a quest right?
So I got my white cottontails home, irrationally excited by the prospect of trying out a pair of undies that have been Nana’s favorites for years. I held them up, marveling at their size – what the hell would the neighbours think seeing these on the washing line?? But you know what, I put them on and my doubts melted away. I was instantly transformed into a 1950’s saucy housewife type; a Betty Draper getting ready for a day with the kids. There was nothing in the least revealing about them, but it was the way they looked like a pair of retro shorts that made it work. The cut was high enough to reach my belly button (no hipsters for me), and the legs actually fitted under my butt, giving it a nice perkiness. (Stop me if this is too much information). In fact I was so pleased with the overall styling, that that evening, while watching T.V with the Mr., I decided to hang out in my underwear and sheer robe to see what kind of reaction they got. Let’s just say – A Big Thumbs Up!
So, all is going well, but being the perfectionist I am, I wanted to test how they would wear after a wash or two. The original Cottontails are just that, Cotton. So the fabric memory wasn’t the best, and while they still fitted, they didn’t have quite the snap back I was looking for to keep a nice smooth silhouette. But would that stop me in my tracks? No, I hopped onto the Bonds website and filled in a customer feedback form. I don’t know about you, but when I send those things off I always imagine them ending up in a virtual trash bin and only an auto response ever being sent. But kudos to Bonds, not only did they answer my email, they organized a phone conference with their development team to get my feedback!
The team was brilliant, filling me in on all the details of the whole Cottontails range. I had no idea there were so many to choose from. So we chatted about what it was I was searching for, the pro’s and con’s of those I had tried; and they decided to send me out samples of the whole range to trial. I have to hand it to them, that is dedication to customer satisfaction and I was infinitely impressed.
Here is what I’ve learnt. Cottontails were designed in 1955 and their design has not been altered since. There are variations in stores with different finishes, lace trim and extra lycra, but essentially the pattern remains the same. Bonds has kept with tradition (unlike so many other companies) and provided a product that is unchanged from the design that Nana wore as a little girl. And while the technology may be shy of what I have come to expect from modern lingerie, you couldn’t get a more authentic piece of vintage underwear on regular supply if you tried!
So taking into consideration that Cottontails are made to fit a certain size range (I was in the smallest size) and reach a much older demographic than myself, I had to understand what was happening with each pair. The pedantic scientist in me even made charts for comparison!
The results are this: For me there was one clear winner in the group. It fitted my body shape, size and stood up to all the washing, the wear and tear and still looked Retro Sexy at the end of one months wear. The Cottontail with Extra Lycra comes out on top. It has a nice wide banded leg that fits under your butt in a way that means it will not disappear inconveniently. The waist is high for extra retro points, and it comes in basic colours with no fancy trim so it is easy to wash without fear of fading, tearing or losing some delicate piece.
Yes, I’ll still be forking out the big money for the special occasion pieces, but for a day to day, vintage underwear look I think I’ve found the best solution currently on the market.
That is until Bonds and I collaborate on the Candice DeVille Cottontail range! (have your people call my people)*wink*
Update: You can find the range of Cottontails with Lycra at Big W stores. Sizes 14 – 26, in Black, White and a light beige for $10.32. I went and checked personally today as it seems their marketing department is not interested in getting back to me. If I find a US or UK supplier, I’ll let you know!
N.B: This post was in no way sponsored by Bonds. They were kind enough to help me in my quest and give me full permission to reproduce their images here. Please do not use any of these images without their express permission.
Ooh, brilliant! This is so helpful. I have been on the same quest – and I’m sure I’ll be able to find those here in NZ.
Saw the Bonds Cottontails at KMart here in Auckland yesterday – made me think of this post!
[...] News Sources wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptHow often do you get your knickers in a knot? If I can go by the number of emails I receive on this topic, it is A LOT! It seems that even with all the technology, fancy fabrics, multitude of designs and brands names at our disposal, we still can’t find the perfect pair of knickers. Well I’m tired of a drawer full of underwear I never wear, tired of them creeping where they don’t belong, leaving nasty red marks on my body, and VPL’s. All those ones that promise no VPL’s only work for me b [...]
Do they have them in black? I wear other styles of Bonds but haven’t even looked at the cottontails range.
If it’s not too much trouble, I’d love to know if/where they are available in the US (they sound just grand).
Odette: I’ll see what I can find out for you.
Icy:They sure do! Just wanting on ‘approval’ from the department store in question to publish the details! (am amazed that they wanted official approval for this).
I would love to find them in the US also. I am always on the hunt for something like this!!
sounds comfy… i’ll have to look into them
You have no idea how much that title scared me!
Ahhh that ad made me unashamed to admit I wear Bonds.
I wear bonds but only their plain cottons and their “bonds intimates” range. None of that ‘high tops/colour’ stuff, I mean seriously do we need to see what underwear you’re wearing and it spelt out in MASSIVE fluro writing above your too-tight-and-low skinny jeans?
Great post! Very informative.
XXASAB
They sound fab – any chance of a UK outlet?
do they go under another name in the UK – sorry to ask so many questions but now you are officially font of all knowledge on this matter!
That is a very informative article, SKM! (Hello, by the way, from a regular reader from Germany, it’s my first comment!)
I have a tip for fellow German readers of your blog, who might be looking for underwear that is cut in a similar way: The brands Speidel, Mey or Schiesser. These are traditional brands that carry high waisted pants at a reasonable price – not dirt cheap, not high end luxury underwear but just right for everyday wear (Speidel also has a line that has bamboo fibres in it – very nice and soft feel!).
that ad makes me want to run out and buy a pair of cottontails, just to try and recreate sarah’s look. it’s incredible.
but then every time i see cottontails i just think nannapants! my mother used to make me wear similar undies… until i turned 16, got a job of my own and discovered that there were other styles of undies out there. i seriously think i am scarred.
Wow I must have been living under a rock because I have never heard of Cottontails – nor seen that ad. They look mighty cute though! And wondering about stockings too. Though likely *my* boyfriend will just call them Nanna Pants hahaa. Too bad – If they are awesome I would wear them anyway hehe.
hehe cottontails, oh dear.
I can;t do them, as I mostly wear hipster or lowish styles of pants. I tend just to wear little bikini briefs under dresses.
I like my wide bands- I have a huge number of Mossimo underwear I’ve bought over the past couple of years with the wide band.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!
Have you tried the Jockey Paris lace bikini style? Generous, comfortable and sexy as hell. These are a cult undie and I just can’t wear anything else now. Unfortunately they are about $16 a pair which is a bit pricey, but they’re worth it.
I so wish I could find this brand here. You’ve sold it fabulously!
I just rely on thongs. At least they’re SUPPOSED to be where they are and there’s a minimal amount of material in said area.
These sound perfect! It’s too bad that there doesn’t seem to be a US source for them.
They sound fantastic, especially after a day in the amazing disappearing knickers!
I’ve never tried vintage style undies, but a modern boy-short in lace is perfect if you’re not too concerned with the vintage look: no creeping, very comfortable, and no VPL. My undie drawer is full of them!
I have my own Daily Outfit post that I wouldn’t mind you (and anyone else) stopping by to take a look see.
Cheers!
~Paige
This may just be on my next shopping list. I mistakenly bought lots of boys legs thinking they could be comfortable… hmmm ..no.
Also… I was given a Splash Award the other day from someone whom I allure, amuse, bewitch, impress or inspire. .. and am required to pass it on. So I have posted your blog on my blog. Hopefully new readers will be introduced to the fabulous world of Super Kawaii Mama!
MJ
Neat! I may have to try these, they are a long way from what I usually wear, but they look pretty great.
WOW. that’s some old school bonds!
i’m going to try the cottontails range now!!
I always secretly eye cottontails but have been too scared to buy them myself – maybe now I won’t be! Thanks for this post – it was very informative and helpful. I’m always trying to find a comfy pair of knickers – it seemed an elusive quest.
-Andi x
I’ve always discreetly eyed the cottontails whilst never being brave enough to purchase any – maybe now I shall have the courage! Thanks for this post – it was very informative and helpful. I’ve found the quest for a comfy pair of knickers to be elusive in the past (when I have found comfy ones, I’ve never been able to find the same style/brand again).
-Andi x
Oops. Sorry for commenting twice – I thought the first one didn’t work.
Just bought a pair (with Lycra), can’t wait to wear them tomorrow! Thankyou for the comprehensive review, it can be so hard to know where to start in a market with so many options.
I’ve actually been looking for the perfect seamless knickers to wear under a very tight Wheels&Dollbaby skirt for some time, got a pair of high waisted Holeproofs too and will compare!
Anyone ever thought of buying real men’s undies? I buy boys size 12 0r 14 [ I am size 10 women ] boy leg with a fly and all!! but they fit well and give you a lovely free feeling crutch wise [sorry] they sit well on the bottom come up to just below or above the belly button and are very hardy in the wash as they are made for boys.
Not for wearing with everything, mostly I wear them with flowing skirts and loose jeans in winter as they add warmth, but honestly I would never go back now I have found them, only draw back is design and colour… kids undies can have cartoon characters plus shocking colour sceams but if you look around well ….hello daddy !!
Thanks for a wonderful, interesting and informative blog and this very helpful post about Bonds Cottontails. Have you done a similar research project about bras? If not, perhaps that could be a future project. I am very small busted but wide across the back. Every bra I buy rides up (halfway up my bust!) and I HATE underwires – they dig into my ribs at the sides. I have lost count of the number of times I have been “professionally fitted” to no avail.
I am not young and due to living on a pension have a very limited income, so op shops feature large in my shopping experience of late. However, I would NEVER consider buying either underwear or shoes from an op shop. I loved your article on KUMFS shoes; having very wide feet I have been a KUMFS lover for years. Am now madly saving for your sneaker alternatives from the KUMFS range (if I can find them here in Adelaide).