Fruit of the Loom

The r/BuyItForLife community has a split but mostly pragmatic view of Fruit of the Loom: older products — particularly underwear and t-shirts from the 1990s through early 2000s — are frequently cited as genuinely long-lasting, with multiple users reporting 15–22 years of wear. More recent products receive mixed reviews, with quality concerns around elastic, fabric weight, and construction, though many users still recommend them as the best value at their price point.

Older Fruit of the Loom products have genuine BIFL credentials with documented multi-decade lifespans, but quality has declined post-offshoring and current products are best viewed as durable budget basics rather than lifetime purchases — making them an excellent value buy but not a true heirloom-quality choice.

FotL is consistently praised for outstanding durability relative to its low cost, especially underwear and basic t-shirts. Many users report decades of wear from older purchases and still consider it the benchmark for affordable everyday basics.

• Underwear regularly lasts 10–22 years with regular wear
• Cotton t-shirts hold up well over a decade of use
• Exceptional value — multi-packs often under $25
• Boxer briefs praised for comfort and staying put during physical work
• Polyester undershirts resist pit stains and maintain shape for 5+ years
• Front closure bras noted as comfortable and breathable for daily wear

Quality is widely perceived to have declined significantly after offshoring, with current products drawing complaints about elastic failure, thinner fabric, and inconsistent sizing. Counterfeit products on Amazon add another layer of concern.

• Elastic waistbands frequently fail within a year on newer products
• Fabric quality noticeably thinner than pre-offshoring era products
• Inconsistent sizing and product listings, especially on European Amazon
• Counterfeit FotL underwear reported sold on Amazon
• T-shirt necks described as too tight and hems too short by some users
• Some users find underwear falls apart after only a few washings

One user bought FotL underwear at Walmart roughly 22 years ago, hated the fit at the time but wore them anyway — and reports they are only now beginning to show signs of wear, with no rips and barely any elastic degradation.

A commenter who worked in apparel marketing noted that Hanes and Fruit of the Loom were among the first to offshore production in the late 90s and early 2000s, effectively marking the turning point in quality for both brands.

A seamstress with decades of experience recalled that before FotL moved manufacturing to Mexico, their underwear and t-shirts lasted five or more years easily — and that quality dropped noticeably within a year of the move.

One user who has tried many premium underwear brands — including Patagonia, Saxx, and Duluth — still defaults to basic cotton FotL boxer briefs, saying they haven't found anything they prefer despite being willing to spend more.