Introduction
While I was writing a blog post about the styles of men’s underwear, I found out about the lounge shorts that e-commerce company Nice Laundry sells. I decided to purchase some to see what the shorts are like. Below is a type of unboxing combined with an initial view.
Background on Nice Laundry
The co-founders
According to the Washingtonian Magazine, Nice Laundry was founded by Ricky Choi and Phil Moldavski in Washington, D.C. The co-founders, who both grew up in the D.C. metropolitan area, used to work at a company called Living Social.
A start with socks, then added underwear
Nice Laundry initially started as a website to sell socks. The company also recycles old socks, a policy that the company has had since its beginning.
The company has moved to New York and was mentioned in the New York Times. The company started selling underwear in 2016, according to the N.Y. Times.
Fly or no fly?
It seems that when Nice Laundry started selling underwear, the underwear did not have an opening in the front. This was a design issue, as explained in an article in Complex.
Today, however, the underwear at Nice Laundry has an opening in the front, excepting the lounge short.
The Ordering Process at the Website
The ordering process is straightforward at the website. A customer has the option to add customized details to the item, if desired. (Be advised that adding customized details makes the order a final sale, as noted at the website.) I ordered two lounge shorts, one the 4 inch inseam version, and the other, the 6 inch inseam. Because it was my first order, I received a complementary pair of socks (a nice touch).
Arrival of the Package
The order (lounge shorts and socks) was in a slim box, which was shipped from New Jersey. The box has two lids: the outer and an inner lid, which covered the order. The shorts were packed neatly, each in a re-closable bag (not sure of the material).
The Lounge Shorts
The lounge shorts appear to be mesh gym shorts, but there are slight differences. The lounge shorts have a liner in them, so that they can be worn without underwear. In addition, the shorts contour the thigh such that there is no opening. This is an important detail if a guy decides to wear them without underwear. The material is soft to the touch and feel nice on the skin.
The outer material is nylon; the inner material is micro-modal. The shorts were made in China.
Referring to a previous post, the lounge shorts appear to be a compromise between boxer shorts and the boxer brief with the mesh short fabric. Quite an interesting design and one that I like.
At this point, I have not tried to wear them under pants or jeans, as my intention was to wear the shorts by themselves. But I may try it. I have started to buy slim-fit pants and jeans, and I am not sure if these shorts will fit under them.
As expected, the 4 inch inseam version shows more thigh. This version seems more like boxer briefs. The six-inch inseam seems more like gym shorts.
The Socks
I have noticed the range of colors and designs with socks. I typically have worn dark blue, grey, or black dress socks or ankle sports socks. The company sent a pair with more color and design than I have been used to wearing. As the socks came as a free gift with the order, I will try them.
A note on “high-water” pants
(It appears to be the current style (at the time of this writing in November 2019) to wear pants that are somewhat short to show off the shoes and socks. I will not adopt the “high-water” pants style.)
Conclusion
I am happy with my purchase. I think they will be a good option for wearing around the house and outside on warmer days. (At the time of this writing, it is nearly December (cold) where I live.)
The gift of the socks was a nice touch.
Author: Andre M. E-mail: info at menswearnews.com
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