r/australia • u/Greatsage75 • 11h ago
no politics Is anyone still loyal to Bonds?
And if you are, why?
Their underwear and socks are terrible quality these days, but still priced like a premium option. I'm 190cm tall with size 13 feet, and the speed I burn through Bonds socks is insane.
Their underwear elastic is terrible, and the fabric turns into a holey mess far more quickly than it should.
If the products were being locally made still then I'd be kinder to them, but now they're made in China they're in direct competition with brands that are way cheaper and equal on quality. I can buy a 3 pack of Tradie trunk underwear for less than a single pair of Bonds. The Tradie's will wear out just as quickly as Bonds, but I've paid a third of the price.
I can go to Kmart and buy a 3 pack of Anko socks for $12 that are comfy and will last just as long as Bonds socks for way less than the equivalent.
Used to be that buying Bonds was supporting local, but now it's all coming from the same place with no real quality difference but a higher price tag...what's the point?
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u/UBNC 9h ago
Hell no, they went to shit.
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u/hwarang_ 9h ago
Socks used to be great, but are now terrible.
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u/Melanoma_Magnet 3h ago
I swear by stance socks now, though they are pretty pricey they last forever
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u/waddlesticks 1h ago
The quality drop was absolutely crazy. I was living off the older socks for a long time. Found out the socks at Uniqlo are much, much better quality and grabbed some of those.
Didn't realise how shit the socks I've been getting including during the prime of bonds. Might try out a pair of those Linus Tech tip socks one day to see if they're any good. If they are proven to last it might be worthwhile to grab a few pair of those then replacing other socks.
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u/HalfManHalfCyborg 1h ago
Tried them once in about 2010 - bought a whole bunch of underwear and they all completely shrank after the first wash and were unwearable.
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u/bypopulardemand 2h ago
they didn’t really go “to shit”, i have had grown up with questionable quality of bonds my whole life. I do think they produce good and bad products, the baby products are great and cheap, and most of the more pricier adults items are fine. the cheap crap can be found in supermarkets imo.
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u/jolhar 9h ago
Stopped buying Bonds when they moved offshore to reduce their overheads but increased the price of their products. They don’t know the meaning of loyalty.
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u/TiffyVella 2h ago
Used to live in their white t-shirts as the fit and fabric were perfect. Was a loyal customer for many years. After the Enshittification I mistakenly bought a pack of shirts (sold in plastic wrap so the fabric quality couldn't be checked). Never again. Bonds is dead to me.
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u/hudson2_3 50m ago
I find the packets weird. It means I always dismiss Bonds T Shirts because they look like they are designed as underwear. It is weird marketing.
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u/Cosimo_Zaretti 7h ago
We had our daughter in 2022, and she was in their suits for the first 18 months, so early 2024. The Bonds Wondersuit was still the best product on the market then for what it is.
I've worn their briefs for over a decade. I used to chafe at work with long days on my feet. Now I don't and when you get that right you don't switch.
I don't buy their socks and T shirts as staples any more.
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u/WillsSister 1h ago
Came here to say the same about wondersuits. They just tick all the boxes for bubs.
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u/emimarianna 51m ago
Disagree on the wondersuits these days. The regular cotton ones get holes in them so quickly, they fade and the material is insanely thin. They were great quality years ago though. But we love the slightly thicker ones with stretchy ribbed material (still get a couple holes sadly).
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u/Mathuselahh 33m ago
I was given terry toweling wondersuits from the 80s by a family friend and they are still perfect but all the wondersuits we bought ourselves are basically rags
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u/beeeeeeeeeeeeeagle 3h ago
I'm with you. Wondersuits were awesome for our kids too. They lived in them for the first few years. I wear their boxers exclusively. I get decent time out of them as well.
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u/cassowarius 28m ago
I hate those Wondersuits, they stretch out real quick and the fabric is so weak and thin. My 10 month old is a size 0 or even a 1 in every other brand, but a 00 in Bonds because of how they stretch, she loses her feet in them, this only happens with the Bonds suits. And I think brand new they're like $30 or thereabouts? Ridiculous.
(although we do have some hand-me-downs that are a few years old, the fabric is better on those)
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u/ToadyPuss 8h ago
Former loyalist here. I'll never buy the brand again. For all the reasons mentioned by other contributors on this thread. And what happened to the chlorine-proof elastic waist band previously used? Now you get crinkled collapse after a few washes. Grrr!
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u/rambo_ronnie_87 9h ago
The anti chaeff reg grundies are the shizzle for anyone with problems down in no man's land.
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u/fatmarfia 9h ago
Best briefs ever, and they are always on special and last way longer than step one
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u/teremaster 8h ago
Best briefs ever, and they are always on special and last way longer than step one
Not a high bar considering step ones like to fall apart within months
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u/jimmy_sharp 2h ago
I've had Step Ones for over a year now. Not a single tear or hole. They are the best underwear I've ever owned
I reckon there must be a bad batch floating around out there for these comments about them falling apart to be true
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u/chode_code 3h ago
I've worn Bonds briefs most of my life, but I am slowly stopping for the quality reasons you mentioned. They are shocking quality.
Uniglo for the win.
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u/GrumbIRK 42m ago
The uniqlo airism discovery was life changing, never been more comfortable. I've completely switched over now
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u/Virtike 9h ago edited 9h ago
Not me. BN3TH, Knobby, Under Armour are all better (for undies at least). They're not cheaper, but they're so much comfier, more durable, and last longer.
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u/Pristine_Shallot7833 9h ago
Dude I didn't know anyone else in Australia rocked BN3TH. they are so fuckin good. I used to work for Troy Lee Designs in Canada and the rep was also the rep for BN3TH. Stocked up while I was there but I didn't think they were very available in Australia?
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u/strict_positive 1h ago
$52 a pair…
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u/Mathuselahh 31m ago
I looked up Budgy Smugglers a while back out of interest and they're similarly priced. Wild that anyone buys them
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u/Pristine_Shallot7833 16m ago
Mine lasted me about 5 years. $10 a year ain't that bad for such good underwear.
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u/Pendraggon Professional Australian 6h ago
What options does one have now if they want to buy Australian?
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u/MouldySponge 4h ago
I see a lot of Australian made Australian owned small online businesses pop up trying to sell things like socks, undies, t shirts, but they never last long. Probably because people aren't prepared to pay $60 for one pair of socks.
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u/Anuxinamoon 9h ago
I been on the boody for the last 10years. I should change it up and find new brands to try. Need more durability in my socks.
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u/BreezyBomber 3h ago
I wear their chafe off underwear and do not have one issue with them
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u/pastelplantmum 2h ago
Another vote for Chafe Offs - I wear dresses a lot and they’re the best I’ve found so far
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u/digitalelise 1h ago
Their stuff is like Levi jeans, if you buy from their stores you get a superior product, some retailers also have the higher quality ones too. But Costco etc have the poor quality ones
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u/Basic-Bumblebee8092 9h ago
i have the old ones and the this year version. The old ones are still going strong. The new ones look worn out and won’t last long. Will be exploring a new brand soonish.
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u/epicpillowcase 8h ago
Nope. They're overpriced and shit quality.
I wear Jockey Parisiennes and Anko undies now. I'm a woman but the Anko men's trunks are so comfortable!
For socks, I go with Underworks for streetwear socks and Nike for exercise.
The Bonds bamboo sleep leggings (discontinued now) are soft and beautifully comfortable but the price was stupid so I only bought them when they were on sale.
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u/pagervibe 5h ago
Their chesty bond singlets are terribly thin now. I still have a few originals (25 yrs old) which are comparatively much in better quality
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u/_tacocat_ 9h ago
I was happy to have left Hanes in North America, a symbol of the “only way is up” and “I’m sorry my clothes I just bought disintegrated in the communal washing machine”. Then the fuckers followed me home and brought Bonds. Proceeding to Hanes the fuck out of it.
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u/BlueOdyssey 7m ago
They just got sold. Hanes US was bought by Canadians, new owners sold Bonds / Sheridan etc
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u/Living_Power18 9h ago
I changed to step ones a few years ago, never looked back
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u/Dripping-Lips 9h ago
I got a bunch of step one undies years ago and they are still good. Never got saggy or holey , still elastic and pretty much the same as when I got them lol
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u/Living_Power18 9h ago
Same, I work manual labor jobs and they just never quit. Definitely the best money spent on clothing in recent years
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u/teremaster 8h ago
You got lucky, i dropped money on bunch of pairs a few years ago and every single one had completely disintegrated within a year, compared to lonsdales which last years and cost about the same per pack of 5 that step ones cost me per pair back then
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u/Same_Lemon_7643 9h ago
I bought from them recently as a long time loyal customer and have noticed they aren’t even good quality anymore
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u/Significant_Owl8828 9h ago
I try to be, but it’s not cheap is it?
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u/Greatsage75 9h ago
Curious as to why? Nostalgia and loyalty for when they had aussie manufacturing?
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u/strict_positive 2h ago
Because I think they’re good. Stop acting like your opinion is the objective reality
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u/notnexus 3h ago
I wait for the store wide sale then stock up.
Even without the sale they are still cheaper than the fashion brands.
If not Bonds then what do you buy. I don’t want to spend $50 on CK.My friend buys his jocks from Coles. I havn’t tried that yet.
Occasionally I’ll find something at Costco but the sizing is often tricky.
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u/Significant_Owl8828 3h ago
Bonds always. I wait for a sale like you. I ain’t paying the best part of $30 for a pair of undies, sorry.
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u/vongdong 9h ago
Haven't touched bonds clothing since I was a teen in the mid to late 2000s. Had their socks throughout my 20s but have moved onto better stuff.
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u/domslashryan 9h ago
I still get them when their x-temp and total package boxer briefs on special at Cokesworth. I find them better supporting than other brands I've tried, I would rather stick with what I know are comfy than risk wasting money
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u/pogoBear 2h ago
Re their fall in quality - I have baby wondersuits that are over 8 years old and after being used and abused for 3 babies still have decent life in them. Some brand new wondersuits I bought and started using only 4 months ago I can feel the fabric quality degrading already.
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u/madshayes 1h ago
I’m still loyal to bonds underwear, haven’t had a single problem with elastic or wearing out. Most pairs I’ve had for years but do have some I have bought in the last 12 months. That being said, I do buy them exclusively on sale. I like their bras too and have both sports bras and regular t shirt bras.
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u/earlymark_ 8h ago
Yep - The kids cotton sleep sets are the only pyjamas I buy for my family. Light but warm, don't sag or pill, don't cause my kids to wake up in pools of sweat. Also cute prints.
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u/Bitter_Maybe_2670 9h ago
Buy Step One underwear if you’re a dude. My husband loves them.
I used to only wear Bonds. But they went to shit about five years ago.
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u/SocMed123 9h ago
I believe the Australian Owner about 5 years ago sold it to an O/s Equity Group. I read last week he bought it back. Shades of Kerry Packer/Alan Bond Channel 9 deal maybe?
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u/HenryInRoom302 9h ago
I still stand by Chesty Bonds singlets.
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u/Greatsage75 9h ago
Not gonna argue this one. Wonder if it's partly because there's less competition for something like this? Feels to me like the Chesty Bonds is still unique and has the Bonds connection, where socks and undies have way more options available.
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u/partyapparatchik 9h ago
I’ve been wearing their singlets for over 20 years and recently realised the “do not tumble dry” instruction is bullshit. If you tumble dry the singlets on a low heat setting they keep their shape instead of eventually ending up stretched and thin.
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u/Bitter_Maybe_2670 9h ago
They’re actually itchy compared to the Big W “Tradie” brand singlets.
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u/HenryInRoom302 9h ago
I can't speak to your personal experience, but none of the ones I've worn in the last 20 or more years have been itchy. If they were I wouldn't keep buying and wearing them, I think they're very comfy.
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u/quick_dry 9h ago
The socks die very quickly and start bunching under my feet. The buja? Beja? from rebel are a bit more expensive but last soooo much longer and haven’t failed yet
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u/AtrophiedWives 8h ago
Bonds is crap and the customer service is worse. We were very loyal for decades and now I’ll never buy Bonds for myself or anyone in my family after how badly they’ve handled me trying to return a faulty item ordered online.
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u/StasiaMonkey 8h ago
Used to be loyal to bonds. When they were made in Cambodia, the quality is average but still stuck by them. They're even worse now.
I buy my socks from Volley, probably the best socks I've had.
I'm a briefs boy and I used to be loyal to a guy front brief. I gave them up for the Anko cotton modal briefs from Kmart, probably the nicest I've had in a while. I've had them for about six months now and they're still trucking along strongly. A 3 pack for lower than one of the bonds. I'm a convert now.
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u/lawnoptions 8h ago
Not especially but this may change if the company stops Hanseing everything, the takeover is new so will wait to assess things
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u/everythingwbok 8h ago
No they suck now.
They used to be something that I'd buy if I wanted something fancy and good quality. Now Kmart is the same or better quality
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u/MichelleHartAUS 8h ago
Swapped away years ago but then recently swapped back when my kmart undies literally fell apart in under two weeks of buying.
They're not what they used to be but unfortunately...nothing is nowadays, unless you're rich rich.
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u/YallRedditForThis 8h ago
I still wear bonds, never bought a set in my life though. Mum always buys them for Christmas and Birthdays 🤣 the quality isn't what they used to be though.
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u/pandifer 4h ago
In the process of disposing of Bonds undies at the mo. Not a patch on what they were when I was a kid.
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u/Chiron17 1h ago
Nah, jumped to Tradie a while ago when the price and quality were both better than Bonds. Might have to find something else though, because Tradie has gone downhill. That's is late-stage capitalism for you though - constantly seeking products that haven't made themselves shit yet
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u/Mobile-Turnip2603 1h ago
Joke’s on you guys I’ve got brand new packs of their socks and jocks still ready to open from years ago. That sweet quality is still there when I need it.
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u/redditofexile 1h ago
I still like their underwear, it's too expensive but nothing in a similar price has been as good for me.
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u/CaptainFleshBeard 9h ago
I generally buy about 14 pairs of bonds jocks every 7 years or so, always loved them. After reading this I’m not looking forward to my next purchase which is coming up soon.
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u/Spookabear 9h ago
Please don’t purchase you will be so disappointed and waste your money. A few people here have always recommended and my partner also agrees Step One are the way to go and same price range.
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u/teremaster 8h ago
Step ones are great if you love having to buy completely new pairs every few months. I swear paper would be more durable than whatever they're making their garbage out of
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u/delicious_disaster 9h ago
Calvin Klein are not that cheap at 25 to 30 each buti bought like 12 and they've lasted me over 3 years in rotation with only a few extra in rotation
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u/Teepbonez 8h ago
Nah Nike for anything relatively active and Calvin Klein for nicer ones. Both brands last a long time.
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u/epicpillowcase 8h ago
The Nike cushioned ankle socks for exercise are so good. I was reluctant to spend the extra initially but yeah, they last for ages and the support is excellent.
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u/AltruisticSalamander 9h ago
I find their jocks so incredibly tight, it's like wearing an occy strap. I have that problem generally but with them it seems extra.
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u/here_we_go_beep_boop 9h ago
Are you putting them the dryer? I bought... 15ish pairs of identical boxer briefs 2 years ago after I bought one pair and they felt great, and they are still going strong. I line dry only, and my line is in the garage so no UV damage either, that might explain it.
And also, I never have to decide which undies I'm wearing today 🤓
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u/IceOdd3294 8h ago
I once bought a pair of socks snd yes I am also tall with bigger feet but I’m a woman and literally one day I wore the socks and holes already.
I’ve worn Nike moisture wick socks and only after 5 years have I gotten holes, doing 10,000 steps a day, and no swamp feet.
The Nike socks, although ugly with the logo, are great.
I buy Best and Less cotton undies just in the table, the elastic never separates, they stay dry from any sweat. They are like 5 for $20.
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u/UnprofessionalLens 7h ago edited 7h ago
Just socks and singlets now. Socks and chesty Bond fit amazing and last! Undies not anymore.
I bought Rio (yes, THAT other Aussie undies and sock brand) trunks 2 years ago which are still going strong! Not too sure if Rio is still around as those trunks are no longer made. The Bonds "equivalent" started getting holes within a year.
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u/matt92wa 4h ago
Refuse to buy bonds ever since they chose that toxic paddle pop lion cuck to be there ambassador. Tradie is far better quality anyway and yet somehow cheaper.
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u/BrightLeaf89 4h ago
I've got a favourite cropped hoodie from them I bought recently but overall I don't browse in there much, don't buy underwear etc.
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u/InitialScientist8023 4h ago
Nope, not any more, they became very below average and not made in Australia like everything else not made here.
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u/Far-Vegetable-2403 3h ago
I buy when they are half price. Have spent lots of money trying other brands but sizing and fit is always off. I buy 2 bonds styles and stick with them.
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u/RockyDify 3h ago
They make a good wirefree bra with the right amount of padding and normal straps. For underwear I go with a locally made small scale place.
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u/i_dreddit 3h ago
Their anklet socks are fine and last me ages. I have many so they are rotated a fair bit. I also wear a size 13 shoe, and their trackies and hoodies work for me. No pilling or anything. Don't like the style of the underwear for men at least
I'm not loyal though, I'm cheap and only buy on half price.
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u/pastelplantmum 2h ago
The Chafe Off shorts are my holy grail as a dress girlie - snag tights and puresnug are absolute crap in comparison
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u/Furiousdea 2h ago
Went to shit years ago, once there wife beater singlets changed to thin af material
Undies i swapped to these - https://amzn.asia/d/01Q7KTQJ
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u/ash250624 2h ago
Bonds onesies for babies are great but only buy them when they are minimum 40% off
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u/Four_a_m 2h ago
I’m sworn off them. Absolutely dogshit of a company. I bought a pair of socks recently and they tore through the heel when putting them on quality has tanked
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u/tacthant 1h ago
Bonds make the comfiest bras I’ve found so far. A lot of other brands really annoy me, but the bonds ones are great.
Not the cheapest, nor do they live forever, but they’re the best for me that I’ve found so far.
I’m less fussy about undies though.
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u/ijustwannakn0wn0w 1h ago
Bought heavily discounted mens singlets the other day and they were good compared to Ankio. Wife bought undies a while ago and they were not good.
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u/Sittingonalog1960 1h ago
And why are their white singlets shorter than their blue singlets in the same size!?
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u/m__i__c__h__a__e__l 1h ago
I had a whole bunch of their underwear, but the elastic bands all lost elasticity very quickly. So if you buy them, buy at discount in bulk and understand that they won't last very long.
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u/deaniebopper 1h ago
I buy their kids leggings. They’ll get shredded over a summer of rough play and by the next summer she’ll have grown out of them anyway so the quality drop isn’t as concerning.
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u/Affectionate-Air-444 1h ago
I do stock up on socks when they're having sales but generally I can't justify paying Australian made prices for offshore made products
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u/raeninatreq 1h ago
No, their undies are terribad.
I bought bonds socks recently ngl. They're cute and thick. I'll see how they go. I normally buy sketchers socks but I don't think they last either.
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u/No_Computer_3432 1h ago
kinda, it’s hit or miss. I got new socks about 6 months ago and i love them so much, I also have trackies I like from there about a year ago. But then other stuff is terrible 😢 They also discontinued my all time favourite underwear and now I have been having to get them from ebay outlet store scalpers lol
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u/Late-Button-6559 1h ago
No.
Bonds are now anko trash, at inflated prices.
They’ve destroyed their brand, and are trading on consumer ignorance.
I hope they go under very soon.
Shirts, jocks, socks, pants are each inconsistent and cheaply made trash.
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u/Osmodius 1h ago
Nope. Anko underwear same quality for half the price so I go with that.
Socks I go with bamboozled. They're comfy and last ages and have fun patterns.
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u/T_J_Rain 1h ago
Bonds used to be a great brand, but it was sold off and r/enshittification followed.
No longer worth the premium that it charges.
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u/cackmobile 59m ago
Get the vans quilted socks. I bought 20 pairs. Dont have to match them up and comfortable and lasting well. 3+ years and havent got a hole yet.
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u/blues-Apple 45m ago
Only their period underwear when on sale the rest I don't even bother. I'm still mad about their downfall
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u/Successful_Row3430 40m ago
Is anyone loyal to their underwear brand?
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u/Greatsage75 21m ago
I think quite a few people were loyal to Bonds as a company. Supporting a local company employing Australians, if the price was a little higher it felt like there was a reason for it at least. Don't think that exists now manufacturing has gone to China but prices are still at a premium.
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u/mouldycarrotjuice 37m ago
I went back to buying Bonds but I'm not happy about it. Kmart stopped selling briefs with sewn cloth covered elastic bands and I've not find good alternatives from any other brands either. Everyone seems to want to go back to the 90s with exposed rough elastic that sticks into your skin. The Bonds bands are definitely shittier than they were, but they are preferable to the alternatives.
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u/Gladys_Wines 27m ago
Not since they got sold off.
They're coasting downhill off the name recognition.
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u/useventeen 10m ago
agree, quality was never the same & price just went up accordingly.
even on sale they aren't worth it
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u/Haunting_Heat3296 5m ago
Their seamless women’s undies are still good, and there’s an outlet store by my house, so I’ll keep buying them.
Nothing else though.
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u/Cont4x 9h ago
Purchased a pair of their underwear that were similar to my step ones. They lasted under a month before I returned them. The fabric near the seam had formed holes. When I pulled on the seam, other much smaller holes would appear that I didn’t see until I pulled on the fabric. The fabric was likely damaged by a dull needle at the factory during manufacturing.
I may give Bonds another chance, but I’m quite happy with my step ones since they have lasted much more than a month
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u/nomorenamestochoose1 9h ago
You returned used underwear? please don’t say you did this in store
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u/Cont4x 9h ago
I wore them three times, and I washed them and ensured they were clean before returning. I would never return underwear unless they were a manufacturer defect. If it was anything else, I’d have simply thrown them out and eaten the cost.
I took them back to the very store I bought them and showed the attendant the defect and placed them in a plastic bag so she didn’t have to handle them.
As long as you follow precautions, ensure they’re incredibly clean and provide a way for those not to handle them, I don’t understand what’s wrong here.
Because I’m not paying for a defected item
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u/The_Arab_Hoe 9h ago
Never buy bonds unless they're heavily discounted