Craig of That Dapper Chap reviews the 'Bradley' luxury boxer shorts available from Chalfin
Product
Setting up the CHALFIN boxer range in January 2014 with nothing more than a strong belief in the product, CHALFIN says that "the idea came about because of my incredibly fussy brother. From a young age he never wore the standard school uniform as the jumper or the trousers were too itchy and he always had to have better quality than the standard uniform on offer. He is still exactly the same today so I know if he likes them I must be onto a good thing"
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| Wearing my 'Bradley' boxers |
They go on to say "He has always said for a long time that traditional cotton boxer shorts with some form of support would be a perfect combination. So here we are……"
This product review focusses on the 'Bradley' shorts, made in blue and white cotton with a pink and white gingham waistband.
Available in sizes S to XXL covering waists from 28" to 46" they are made from 100% soft cotton. They have an inner support made from 100% cotton single jersey.
This inner support is an unusual concept and one which takes some getting used to. I generally wear close fitting trunks and have never been a fan of the traditional boxer shorts because of the lack of support that they
offer. I like to feel that everything is where it should be and 'all together' Traditional boxers offer more 'freedom' but it's not something that I'm personally comfortable with.
The comfortable jersey inner support
The downside of a tight trunk is that when you're changing at the gym, you're pretty much showing everything off as they are quite tight and can be revealing. The beauty of the CHALFIN shorts is that you get the support of a brief with the look of a traditional boxer short. You're 'all together' without being 'on show'.
What's more is that they're made in the Midlands in the UK by a team of people pulling from over 50 years experience in the industry. British manufacture, as any regular reader knows, is something that I am very passionate about so this is great to see.
Price
Priced at £32.00 these shorts are not out of the average guys price range and are comparative to other luxury brands or big names such as D&G and Calvin Klein.
They are a quality item manufactured here in the UK and for me that makes the price very good.
Packaging & Presentation
The boxers arrived perfectly packaged in a postal bag and it's own special card envelope. Wrapped lovingly in tissue paper and with branded information cards I thought it was of a very high standard and would make a great gift.
Performance
I've already said that I wasn't a fan of the traditional boxer shorts, but there are not traditional. The inner support gives a very different wearer experience.
They are soft, comfortable and easy to wear. Once on I didn't know I was wearing them. I didn't get that 'bunching' thing that you sometimes get with traditional boxers and I have even worn them to bed without issue of nipping, catching or riding.
They wash well in the machine on a 40 degree cycle and retained their shape and feel.
Pertinency
If, like me, you're a trunk kinda guy or a brief bloke don't dismiss these as they do offer that safe 'feel' and 'confidence' that you get with briefs and trunks.
If you're 'freedom' loving guy who likes it to 'all hang out' then I'd probably suggest that you stick to the traditional boxers without the support. Having said that even the most 'free' guys need a more supportive underwear in their armoury as every guys has at least one pair of trousers with would be offensive without some 'organisation' and 'neatness' of the nether regions!
Pro’s & Con’s
I really like the traditional pattern and colour scheme and the traditional look in general. The inner support makes these very wearable for me and the comfort is a huge plus.
This coupled with the fact that they are made here in the UK makes them a well received addition to any gents drawer.
I've been wracking my brain for any flaws or improvements and I genuinely cannot offer you anything that I would change or that I don't like.
People
While I didn't model these for the team I did pass them around (unworn of course). The team liked the quality and the inner support got a few strange looks and comments like "Oh, that's odd" But once they understood the concept they thought it was a great idea.
The ladies didn't think they were particularly "sexy" but I guess that's subjective and changes as to who is wearing them!
The guys thought they were "cool" and liked the traditional look of them. They were a little concerned with how they would feel on, given the inner support but were not put off by the concept.
Like me they were pleased to hear that they are manufactured in the UK and thought this was a great selling point.
Précis
Overall I think these shorts are a great product. Once over the initial curiosity of the inner support you see them as a very wearable item. Traditional in appearance but with a new approach.
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