Panties (and underwear in general for the guys) are those things that, while essential, aren’t given a huge amount of thought. We either wear them or we don’t, and when our current stash shows wear, we simply run to the store and buy a new pack.
Something has shifted in that paradigm. The last two times I’ve replenished my panty stash, a pair or two fell apart soon after purchase. When I examined them to figure out the issue, I discovered that the quality of the materials and construction have deteriorated to the point where, in my opinion, it’s a bit ridiculous to pay what companies want to charge.
I called myself extreme for my belief and resisted it for a time, but I researched the topic a bit even so. I discovered that the big-name pattern companies don’t offer simple, basic panty patterns, but if I wanted thongs or more exotic choices, they had me covered.
I started watching YouTube and discovered that creative crafters were taking their favorite panties, creating a simple pattern using little more than a plastic shopping bag and a marker, and using that pattern to turn old tee shirts into underwear.
You know I had to try it, so without any serious experience sewing knit fabrics or with dealing with picot elastics, I decided to experiment. I crafted a pattern and selected a high-end tee that had stripes I’d been gifted and went to work.
They aren’t perfect (I had issues with how the elastic laid) but I am quite proud of how well my first attempt at making my own panties turned out. They are soft, much softer than what I normally get and they actually turned out cute. Even better, I learned something new that I’ll use when I work up the next pairs.
I’ve always taken for granted that the panties we buy in the stores are better than anything I could make at home. I was wrong. Even the wonky pair I crafted as an experiment are better constructed than anything I’ve purchased in a store for years.
Have you ever considered making your own underwear? Why or why not? Please share your stories in the comments below.
17 responses to “Homemade Panties?”
No, I’ve never considered making my own clothing, and if I did think it is safe to say that if I were to that underwear probably be the last thing that I would look into making for myself. Although I have read a few tutorials online around making simple leather shoes. Still I have a friend who has been increasingly passionate about making her own clothing, mainly dresses from thrift shop linen tablecloths but she has made children’s pajamas and underwear for herself out of thrift shop bed sheets.
I love watching the shoe tutorials! The only reason I tried making the panties was due to frustration. I already had the equipment and basic skills so I just started where I was. In time I may decide to explore working with leather, because it would be really nice to have the ability to repair leather shoes. We lack a repair shop in my area.
When it comes to leather shoes, the most that I would consider is the simpler ancient & medieval style shoes that are made out of 100% leather and thread. I have rebuild sections of worn shoe soles and heels with Shoe Goo with very good results, but I have a feeling that more “modern stye repairable leather shoes” would be cheaper to pay cobbler to repair (there are online repair shops that you can mail them to fix for you) given the cost of the tools you would need. The styles I may make in the future would only require a leather punch assuming one already has a suitable knife and needles.
Have you heard of the mix you can make with styrofoam and like, WD-40? I’ve seen it mixed with that and I think either kerosene or diesel fuel and just a bit of baking soda. They use it instead of the commercial glues to reattach soles and I gather it might last longer than the commercial stuff.
I’m curious to find out the truth of that.
I’ve never heard of that mix before and unless it is a proven and well documented recipe, I’ll personally be very uneasy mixing those things together given their toxic vapors. The pair of shoes that I used Shoe Goo to rebuild part of the soles were not made in the traditional style which can be easily re-soled. Otherwise for that pair of leather boat shoes I would have gladly paid for professional repair, especially since they are no longer made. Shoe Goo is a thick glue that also has some rubber in it so it can be used to coat and rebuild worn out soles. I have not worn them enough to remark on the durability but even if it wears down a lot faster, having to do it twice a summer would be worth it as a single tube would be enough to redo it a few dozen times.
Wow, great job on the panties. You’re very talented and creative.
A couple of years ago, I was frustrated with the cost of lingerie and the lack of natural fiber undergarment. I contemplated making my own but I don’t have a sewing machine and I lack the skills. I even thought about going commando. I opted instead to purchase silk panties. Pricey but mostly biodegradable, hopefully after I’ve worn them out!
Ooh! Silk panties. You know, I guess it’s the hillbilly in me but as much as i admire silk the thought of actually splurging on a silk item almost gives me hives 🤪.
How do they feel? Do they even have a silk liner inside?
While I can’t speak for silk panties, I have a silk robe which is very comfortable to wear around the house and to sleep in. I think most silk garments do not have liners, so you only have a single layer of really soft and smooth silk up against your skin.
Thank you, John! I’ll have to check out silk as a possibility when I encounter it then.
I appreciate your help!
Even the panty liner is silk. They are very comfortable. I wash them by hand with mild soap and tepid water. I can’t go back to even 100% cotton now, much less polyester.
Ooh. Those sound so luxurious! How long do you think they’ll last?
The silk panties I have are lasting 2+ years. I hand wash and line-dry them.
That is a significant lifespan for panties. Thanks for letting me know!
I have never contemplated making my own panties as I am one of the minority who doesn’t have an issue with buying underwear from the thrift store. These items are always the cheapest items – I suspect mainly due to so many people having an issue with buying these items second hand.
Everything comes up ok with a good wash, I personally can’t understand what the fear is 😆
Hi Erica!
Thanks for your comment! I’ve purchased panties and bras from the thrift store in the past. Over the years, however, it grew virtually impossible to locate any in my size. The last time I visited a thrift store, the prices alone were horrible so I’ve not returned.
How are thrift store prices in your area? Around here, they are charging new prices (and frequently higher than new) for some very worn items.
Yes, here in Australia it’s much the same, particularly with the ‘chain’ thrift stores like Savers or Salvation Army. I notice some prices even higher than I’ve seen for new in the department store!
I am lucky to have one large community thrift store that purely supports our island, so their prices are really great – prices still like 20 years ago, and this is where I do all of my shopping.
And because of this community focus, they seem to do really well – I recently noticed a brand new mini van that had been donated by them to our local surf club!
Years ago Grandma Nelson offered to make me a slip or panties. I chose panties. She complained that everyone picks panties. She did a good job and so did you. I have made many things out of thrift store bed sheets over the years but never panties–mostly shirts.