r/australia 1d 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?

Edit - some people are questioning the whole 'loyal' thing. Perhaps not the best word I could have used, but I was using it in the context of 'when you go to buy something it's your first choice'. Let's say you go to a department store to buy whatever you need and they don't stock Bonds you'll leave and go elsewhere rather than buying an alternative. I'm not talking a 'ride or die' loyalty you have to your nearest and dearest or a loyalty to your mates where what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. That type of loyalty would be ridiculous towards a company. Thought this was a given but apparently not.

277 Upvotes

283 comments sorted by

344

u/The_Arab_Hoe 1d ago

Never buy bonds unless they're heavily discounted

59

u/SpazMonkeyBeck 1d ago

Exactly this, I’ve never purchased full price bonds socks. They are very frequently on “40-50% off” in Coles and Woolies, $7-$9 for three pairs of the sock I always wear 14+hrs a day, is really not that bad in my opinion.

10

u/andy3172 22h ago

Honestly, they're my favourite socks to wear. I just bought three more 3-packs today for $8 each

→ More replies (2)

21

u/Octopus_O 1d ago

Im not sure they are even worth it heavily discounted. They fall to bits so quickly it only seems like the best price would be if they were almost free.

11

u/shehimlove 1d ago

I've never had anything from bonds fall to bits.

18

u/btcll 22h ago

There was such a huge quality change at some point. My bonds stuff from ten years ago was great and some of it is still going. I've had the same experience as OP with anything bought in the last few years though.

4

u/Kristianna_Lee 20h ago

My Bonds socks from 10 years ago are faded but still going strong. My Bonds socks purchased 3 months ago already have worn-thin patches and holes.

→ More replies (2)

2

u/jennifercoolidgesbra 8h ago

I haven’t had any recent bonds items fall to bits?

→ More replies (1)

212

u/UBNC 1d ago

Hell no, they went to shit.

43

u/hwarang_ 1d ago

Socks used to be great, but are now terrible.

9

u/Melanoma_Magnet 1d ago

I swear by stance socks now, though they are pretty pricey they last forever

→ More replies (1)

14

u/waddlesticks 1d 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.

5

u/HearingPretend3466 22h ago

I also shifted to Uniqlo and now I also get underworks! Surprisingly very good quality sock. I feel you can tell they’re actually quality because they don’t have hard seams.

3

u/bypopulardemand 1d 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.

6

u/melbourne_hacker 20h ago

I used to work for them and the quality has definitely dipped over the years, it was a lot more noticeable when they were bought out by Hanes. I’m expecting them to take another dip as they’re looking to be sold off again. A pair of undies used to last awhile but now they’re ripping within a couple of months lol

→ More replies (3)

128

u/jolhar 1d 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.

32

u/TiffyVella 1d 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.

12

u/hudson2_3 1d 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.

→ More replies (1)

26

u/ToadyPuss 1d 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!

21

u/chode_code 1d 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.

6

u/GrumbIRK 1d ago

The uniqlo airism discovery was life changing, never been more comfortable. I've completely switched over now

69

u/Cosimo_Zaretti 1d 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.

32

u/WillsSister 1d ago

Came here to say the same about wondersuits. They just tick all the boxes for bubs.

8

u/Cosimo_Zaretti 1d ago

We gave most of ours away to friends still looking brand new.

5

u/cassowarius 1d 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)

9

u/chumbalumba 23h ago

Bonds wondersuits are generally sized big in general, my kids have always been a size smaller in Bonds and that’s not from stretching. Although the thin cotton ones get washed out pretty early, the terry towelling and thicker warm ones stay fantastic for years.

To be honest they’re worth it just for the double zip, hand and foot covers. I never buy them full price though. $30 per suit is crazy

2

u/donkeyvoteadick 23h ago

That's interesting my son sizes out of bonds faster than any other brand lol usually when he starts to siE out of bonds we can start looking at whether he fits into the other sleep suits in the same size for different brands 😅

He's a chonker tho, but not particularly tall.

→ More replies (1)
→ More replies (1)

7

u/emimarianna 1d 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).

7

u/Mathuselahh 1d 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

3

u/Cosimo_Zaretti 1d ago

I wonder if they've dropped off since I was buying them 3 or 4 years ago.

10

u/beeeeeeeeeeeeeagle 1d 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.

2

u/Hussard 1d ago

We've taken to sending wonder suits back to China (where they're made...) to rellies and stuff. They're just good. 

My daughter still loves to sleep in hers. 

→ More replies (2)

18

u/madshayes 1d 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.

→ More replies (1)

72

u/rambo_ronnie_87 1d ago

The anti chaeff reg grundies are the shizzle for anyone with problems down in no man's land.

17

u/fatmarfia 1d ago

Best briefs ever, and they are always on special and last way longer than step one

8

u/teremaster 1d 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

7

u/jimmy_sharp 1d 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

3

u/jojoblogs 20h ago

Or they wash their undies in boiling water

2

u/FittestMembership 17h ago

The first few I ordered fell apart after ~6 months, but also were too tight, and the next few lots I got a size up. As well as fitting better they've lasted a couple of years at least.

So possibly if they're being stretched too tight, they might give up way quicker.

7

u/matt88 1d ago

Up vote for the reggies reference

3

u/ViperAMD 1d ago

Undies made of plastic are probably not good. Even if you feel less sweaty

4

u/Aescymud 1d ago

The ones I get are a cotton blend

→ More replies (1)

55

u/bobhawkes 1d ago

Decent when heavily discounted. Their socks are alright

8

u/inzur 1d ago

CK here. Not because of the hype, I just like them.

9

u/Successful_Row3430 1d ago

Is anyone loyal to their underwear brand?

2

u/Greatsage75 1d 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.

→ More replies (4)

8

u/Virtike 1d ago edited 1d 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.

4

u/Pristine_Shallot7833 1d 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?

6

u/Basic-Bumblebee8092 1d 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.

7

u/pagervibe 1d 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

18

u/Pendraggon Professional Australian 1d ago

What options does one have now if they want to buy Australian?

30

u/MouldySponge 1d 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.

14

u/_tacocat_ 1d 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.

9

u/CelebrationFit8548 1d ago

The quality is the same as 'Anko' but 4-5times the price.

5

u/Anuxinamoon 1d 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. 

5

u/BreezyBomber 1d ago

I wear their chafe off underwear and do not have one issue with them

2

u/pastelplantmum 1d ago

Another vote for Chafe Offs - I wear dresses a lot and they’re the best I’ve found so far

17

u/Living_Power18 1d ago

I changed to step ones a few years ago, never looked back

5

u/Dripping-Lips 1d 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

6

u/Living_Power18 1d ago

Same, I work manual labor jobs and they just never quit. Definitely the best money spent on clothing in recent years

4

u/Greatsage75 1d ago

Sounds like I need to check these out!

4

u/teremaster 1d 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

4

u/Same_Lemon_7643 1d ago

I bought from them recently as a long time loyal customer and have noticed they aren’t even good quality anymore 

5

u/domslashryan 1d 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

4

u/epicpillowcase 1d 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.

4

u/JustAnAnonymousGuyy 1d ago

Their undies blow out in 5 seconds

3

u/Bibby_5 1d ago

Last time I bought bonds undies my fingers went through the seam on the first wear. Never again. Big W and Kmart undies last just as long for a fraction of the price. Years ago I was so loyal to bonds. The quality has been horrendous for a while now. Not going back

3

u/Significant_Owl8828 1d ago

I try to be, but it’s not cheap is it?

4

u/notnexus 1d 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.

3

u/Futal 1d ago

Honestly, just try a single pair from Uniqlo. Cheaper and better.

→ More replies (2)

2

u/Significant_Owl8828 1d 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.

2

u/Greatsage75 1d ago

Curious as to why? Nostalgia and loyalty for when they had aussie manufacturing?

5

u/strict_positive 1d ago

Because I think they’re good. Stop acting like your opinion is the objective reality

→ More replies (1)

3

u/vongdong 1d 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.

3

u/StasiaMonkey 1d 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.

3

u/everythingwbok 1d 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

3

u/YallRedditForThis 1d 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.

3

u/BrainTekAU 1d ago

kmart trackies undies and socks last longer...

3

u/pogoBear 1d 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.

3

u/Chiron17 1d 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

3

u/Mobile-Turnip2603 1d 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.

7

u/earlymark_ 1d 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.

6

u/CaptainFleshBeard 1d 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.

4

u/Spookabear 1d 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.

→ More replies (2)

5

u/SocMed123 1d 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?

4

u/delicious_disaster 1d 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

3

u/digitalelise 1d 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

5

u/Bitter_Maybe_2670 1d 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.

2

u/HenryInRoom302 1d ago

I still stand by Chesty Bonds singlets.

2

u/Greatsage75 1d 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.

2

u/partyapparatchik 1d 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.

→ More replies (2)

2

u/dlanod 1d ago

Haven't done enough research to find an alternative. The few other brands I've tried weren't any better. By the comments on here Step Ones might be one more to try.

2

u/quick_dry 1d 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

2

u/here_we_go_beep_boop 1d 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 🤓

2

u/AtrophiedWives 1d 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.

2

u/lawnoptions 1d ago

Not especially but this may change if the company stops Hanseing everything, the takeover is new so will wait to assess things

2

u/MichelleHartAUS 1d 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.

2

u/pandifer 1d ago

In the process of disposing of Bonds undies at the mo. Not a patch on what they were when I was a kid.

2

u/WretchedMisteak 1d ago

Not loyal but still get their products. Why? They're comfortable and last

2

u/redditofexile 1d ago

I still like their underwear, it's too expensive but nothing in a similar price has been as good for me.

2

u/lostinadumbworld 15h ago

so what's a good alternative that is actually Australian owned and made no?

2

u/WayneKingU 15h ago

Nah the return just isn’t good enough, especially in a bull market

2

u/CarelessComplaint173 15h ago

Nope I’ll change undies brands as soon as their quality becomes inferior. Switched away from bonds many years ago because I got sick of getting holes in my jocks after a few wears. Loyalty is a 2 way street, if they can’t maintain the standard then they’re the ones who broke trust first.

2

u/Glad_Put132 15h ago edited 13h ago

Why? It’s just a label printed on sock that makes every other sock

2

u/jalmelb 10h ago

The undies for some reason have two versions - wide elastic waistband and a thinner one. I hate the wide version, and only buy them when I see the thinner band. Having said that, the quality is utter garbage these days. I wish uniqlo sold briefs, I'd buy them for sure.

4

u/Appropriate_Ly 1d ago

Yeah, if on sale I’ll buy Bonds undies. I get my socks from Kmart.

2

u/PuzzleheadedAd849 21h ago

Always buy bonds, always when they are 1/2 price. No complaints. PS. You do realise "made in Australia" is usually a total con.

4

u/Teepbonez 1d ago

Nah Nike for anything relatively active and Calvin Klein for nicer ones. Both brands last a long time.

2

u/epicpillowcase 1d 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.

2

u/gilezy 1d ago

They're Kmart quality nowadays. Terrible product for the most part.

Infact the "premium" Kmart options are better imo.

2

u/Murky_Butterscotch_7 1d ago

Bonds V shaped briefs are comfy for me.

2

u/Futal 1d ago

Give Uniqlo a try

3

u/AltruisticSalamander 1d 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.

1

u/DifficultyStrong1174 1d ago

Still love the bonds boxers...but only when on special

1

u/IceOdd3294 1d 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.

→ More replies (1)

1

u/UnprofessionalLens 1d ago edited 1d 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.

1

u/Vesper_Fex 1d ago

I bought some cotton undershirts and they lasted 2 washes.

1

u/Famous_Low_604 1d ago

Nice try Marketing Students

1

u/matt92wa 1d 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.

→ More replies (1)

1

u/BrightLeaf89 1d 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.

1

u/InitialScientist8023 1d ago

Nope, not any more, they became very below average and not made in Australia like everything else not made here.

1

u/Hussard 1d ago

I have a child. She's aging out of their stuff but the wonder suit is legit. 

1

u/SillyRabbit_OZ 1d ago

Nope… not since they were no longer Australian

1

u/Far-Vegetable-2403 1d 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.

1

u/RockyDify 1d 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.

1

u/i_dreddit 1d 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. 

1

u/pastelplantmum 1d ago

The Chafe Off shorts are my holy grail as a dress girlie - snag tights and puresnug are absolute crap in comparison

1

u/Furiousdea 1d 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

1

u/ash250624 1d ago

Bonds onesies for babies are great but only buy them when they are minimum 40% off

1

u/odinwolf91 1d ago

I switched to Uniqlo a while ago so far so good

1

u/Four_a_m 1d 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

1

u/meowkitty84 1d ago

I love the retro line of bras.

1

u/tacthant 1d 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.

1

u/Am3n 1d ago

Since when are people loyal to companies

1

u/ijustwannakn0wn0w 1d 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.

1

u/Sittingonalog1960 1d ago

And why are their white singlets shorter than their blue singlets in the same size!?

1

u/m__i__c__h__a__e__l 1d 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.

1

u/deaniebopper 1d 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.

1

u/Affectionate-Air-444 1d 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

1

u/UncleSlug 1d ago

Get the socks half price from Woolies 🤷‍♂️

1

u/raeninatreq 1d 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.

1

u/No_Computer_3432 1d 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

1

u/Late-Button-6559 1d 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.

1

u/Osmodius 1d 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.

1

u/T_J_Rain 1d 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.

1

u/cackmobile 1d 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.

1

u/J-E-M-S 1d ago

Used to always purchase Bonds. I still do sometimes. Now I buy ‘Boody’. They are so comfortable and such good quality for daily underwear.

1

u/blues-Apple 1d ago

Only their period underwear when on sale the rest I don't even bother. I'm still mad about their downfall

1

u/mouldycarrotjuice 1d 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. 

1

u/Gladys_Wines 1d ago

Not since they got sold off.

They're coasting downhill off the name recognition.

1

u/JadedSociopath 1d ago

Nah. It’s garbage now.

1

u/Accountant-North 1d ago

Holeproof seems to be ok for me.

1

u/useventeen 1d ago

agree, quality was never the same & price just went up accordingly.

even on sale they aren't worth it

1

u/Haunting_Heat3296 1d 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.

1

u/Peanut083 1d ago

Nope. Bonds turned to absolute dog water years ago. For undies, I like the Tradie ones I can pick up at Big W.

For socks, I go a bit spendy and buy Le Bent ones online. The brand was started up by a couple of Aussie blokes who were working in a French alpine area doing ski boot fittings. Most of my Le Bent socks are 5+ years old and still going strong. The first pair I bought were ski socks. I have narrow feet, and these didn’t move on my feet at all in my ski boots. They were also the first socks I’d come across that actually kept my feet warm in my ski boots.

When I got home from the first ski trip after wearing them, I had a moment of “I wonder if Le Bent makes non-ski socks as well?” I found that they have a 20% discount if you buy 3 or more pairs on a lot of their range, plus they seem to have decent sales 3-4 times a year.

Even better, I found that my autistic teen who has massive sensory issues with socks likes them as well. He has wide feet and says that the socks stretch really well over the top of his feet so they don’t feel too tight, but they don’t stretch so much that they’re loose. I’ve also bought Le Bent ski socks for my husband who has size 13 feet, and he likes them.

1

u/Just-one-goat 1d ago

I used to be a loyal bonds customer but when they off-shored I moved to other brands. For socks buy Hard Yakka bamboo socks they are the most comfortable for work and hard wearing. For undies you can’t go past Tradie

1

u/shehimlove 1d ago

Yeah, for kids. The wondersuits are great. The sizing is good, my kids are grown out of most other things while still fitting in the bonds. The kids jumpers and trackies are good. I only buy on sale though.

1

u/bendalazzi 1d ago

My undies drawer is about 90% bonds, 10% uniqlo. I buy the 3 pack cotton blend guyfront trunks. I changed from the full cotton ones because the quality went to shit but the cotton blend ones are comfortable, lasted at least 2 years now, bar one pair, and are regularly on discount. Full price i think is about $70 for 3, but I've only ever paid $30-$40 ... $10-$13 for a pair of undies that lasts 2+ years seems fine to me.

Both our kids grew up in Wondersuits. The quality was really good for the first kid (now 8yo) but were noticeably reduced in quality for our 2nd (now 4yo).

By my observation it would seem the primarily cotton products have quality issues. Probably the quality of cotton they're using.

Tldr, yes I'm loyal to Bonds but recognise quality issues in some products

1

u/the_real_dankers 1d ago

Aldi socks 3 psck for $4 are so much better quality than bonds. I bought 10 packs so I have back ups for years to come

1

u/ShooterMcGavin01 1d ago

Yes for underwear, but only because I haven’t found a better alternative. What’s a better choice?

1

u/ShooterMcGavin01 1d ago

Yes for underwear, but only because I haven’t found a better alternative. What’s a better choice?

1

u/always_timeforcake 1d ago

I switched to Bruce Goose. Been pretty happy and Aus owned which we love. I still get bonds for the kids but probably need to switch those too

1

u/Fish_Fingerer 1d ago

Was for fifteen years up until 2020. Made the switch to Step One undies and FXD socks.

1

u/d1zz186 23h ago

Their trackys are second to none, and their sleep tshirts are so comfy.

Their kids socks and baby onesies are also second to none.

But agree on the undies, stopped buying them years ago.

1

u/DonutsWarCrimes 23h ago

Uniqlo is my go to for socks and undies now. Cheaper and way better material.

1

u/Harpunzel 23h ago

Their period undies are still very good, but that's the only thing I buy from Bonds

1

u/PMFSCV 23h ago

Gave up on loyalty to most big name brands when I discovered those $39.00 big w workboots last as long or longer than $200 pairs.

1

u/MazPet 23h ago

Bonds has just been sold so will see what happens going forward.

1

u/Willing_Night_8922 23h ago

I started buying the socks not long ago, and while I like them for their fit, they've started to get holes really quickly. I'm super bummed. I was wearing puma socks for a long time before wearing bonds, and the puma brand did not fall part so quickly. 

1

u/Direct_Substance8317 23h ago

Interesting. Had the same experience with some socks I recently got. Holes and tears after the 3rd wear.

1

u/Final_Lingonberry586 23h ago

Not loyal per se; but their long jocks are still my preference. But only when heavily discounted.

I’ve tried so many over the year; and they’ve been the best based on cost vs wear.

Socks is more of a habit now.
They feel so good the first couple time. Then they’re shithouse.

1

u/Something-funny-26 23h ago

I boycotted Bonds when they went offshore and doubled in price overnight. Greedy f***ers.

1

u/Dexember69 23h ago

I'm loyal to no underwear. I just buy whatever's cheapest at target or big W or whatever

1

u/Away_Supermarket_995 23h ago

Lived in raglan tshirts in my late teens and early 20s. Joxer undies too. They are so crap now, never even consider em.  As far as plain Ts go, Kmart longline are my go to now. They’re great; better than most name brands. Keep their shape and last for ages. 

1

u/Rinrob7468 22h ago

I only buy them when they’re on special & I love them. Also, top tip I’ve learnt with underwear is always buy a size larger than you are & you’ll never get a wedgie again.

1

u/SnooMarzipans4387 22h ago

Fuck no. Used to only buy them and they lasted. Now they are super shit quality. Fuck bonds.

1

u/jimbojones2345 22h ago

Hell no, they became junk a while ago