Thunderpants organic cotton and spandex fabric is super stretchy, comfy and easy-fit. There’s no nasty, scratchy elastic that digs in. They are the ultimate comfy, easy-fit undie. The flat fronted original, hipster and sky rise styles all have the same fit through the leg and butt varying in height. The hipster is low waisted, the original sits around the navel and the sky rise is high waisted. The flat fronted boxer is a hipster fit with a short boy leg. See the size guide below to help you choose the right size. If you happen to fall between the measurements, don’t panic! We recommend going up rather than down a size.....they will last longer and be more comfortable if not stretched too far. The swimwear also follows this standard New Zealand sizing.
This chart includes all styles in the adult range that are not a pouch front but does not include the Cotton Drill A line skirts whose size chart is included in the product description.
XS
S
M
L
XL
2XL
3XL
6 - 8
8 - 10
12 - 14
16 -18
20 - 22
24 - 26
28 - 30
bust cm
67-77
77-87
87-97
97-107
107-117
117-127
127-137
waist cm
62-72
72-82
82-92
92-102
102-112
112-122
122-132
hip cm
76-86
86-96
96-106
106-116
116-126
126-136
136-146
bust inches
26-30
30-34
34-38
38-42
42-46
46-50
50-54
waist inches
24-28
28-32
32-36
36-40
40-44
44-48
48-52
hip inches
30-34
34-38
38-42
42-46
46-50
50-54
54-58
Flat Fronted Hipster vs Original/Sky Rise?
These styles are exactly the same in every way except the hipster is shorter in the waist than the original or sky rise. Those of us that have a bit of a tummy roll may wish to choose the original or sky high style as they cover the tummy.
Pouch fronted Boxer vs Brief?
The pouch front boxer is the closer fit option. If you like everything snug with a fitted boxer leg then opt for the boxer. For those that prefer a looser fit, stick with the brief.
XS
S
M
L
XL
2XL
cm
60 - 70
70 - 80
80 - 90
90 - 100
100 - 110
110 - 120
inches
24 - 28
28 - 32
32 - 36
36 - 40
40 - 44
44 - 48
What about the kids?
This guide is based on many years of Thunderpants sales. As all children are different we suggest you go with your own intuition a little here. Thunderpants are very accommodating and tend to grow with your child so some children will wear their small undies well into the medium size range. Remember when your child outgrows the children's range they can move into the smaller adults sizes.
children
small
medium
large
age
2 - 4 years
5 - 7 years
8 - 10 years
NB: PICTURES SHOW PREVIOUSLY SOLD PAIRS AS AN IDEA ONLY. EACH PAIR IS UNIQUE.
Here at Thunderpants we are constantly trying to create less waste, so enter the Patchwork Pants. These pants are a glorious mix & match of all the bits of fabric not quite big enough for normal use and potentially sewn up with leftover thread colours not currently in use. We can't take pictures of each combination, so it's a 'You get what you get & you don't get upset' situation. We think any slightly unfavourable colour combination is more than made up for by the feel-good properties of planet saving !
Our Hipster Thunderpants are just like the originals but sit lower at the waist, we have been making these for 25+ years and counting! These are a flat fronted style with a soft gusset made from the same fabric soft fabric as the outer garment. If you require extra room in the front you may want to look at our Pouch Fronted garments.
XS
S
M
L
XL
6 - 8
8 - 10
12 - 14
16- -18
20 - 22
waist cm
62-72
72-82
82-92
92-102
102-112
hip cm
76-86
86-96
96-106
106-116
116-126
leg band cm
39-68
41-70
43-72
45-75
49-79
waist inches
24-28
28-32
32-36
36-40
40-44
hip inches
30-34
34-38
38-42
42-46
46-50
leg band inches
15-26
16-27
17-28
18-29
19-31
Fit
Fabric
Care
This cut is designed to sit in the natural crease at the top of the leg, cover your bum and reach to your high hip area. We recommend the hipster if you are flat in the tummy and/or short in the rise to the waist. For many of us, the hipster does not reach over the apex of our tummy roll at which point the natural laws of gravity take over and the hipster will roll down. In this situation we have a solution in the higher waisted options.
The Thunderpants fabric is 90% cotton and 10% spandex to give it that super comfy, soft stretchy feel. The waist and leg bands are constructed in the same, lovely fabric eliminating the need for the addition of nasty, grippy elastic and adding to the enjoyment of your Thunderpants experience. All the garments are made locally and lovingly in New Zealand.
To preserve the vibrant colours and life of the fabric we suggest you do not soak or bleach your Thunderpants items. Use a gentle detergent in a cold machine wash and dry your Thunderpants on the line, not in the drier.
Your Thunderpants are not only super comfy but they are designed to withstand some pretty staunch stuff, so get into them and get on out there!
How do I love thee, Thundies? Count the ways… do you think I have too many? These are the best, comfiest, least wedgie undies I’ve worn in my 55 years of life. And I’ve tried oh so many. I feel a bit shabby getting them shipped across the Tasman, but I won’t wear anything else now, so I try to make up my carbon credits in other ways. I am a very happy Thunderer.
I got my first Thunderpants a month ago. I washed them and wore them. There were 3 pairs. Day 4 proved problematic, I ran out of clean thunderpants & could not face any of my other undies. I washed the 3 pairs and bought 5 more, 8 should give me enough leeway.
No other undies in my life have fitted my body so perfectly that I totally forget they're there. The feeling cannot be imagined and must be experienced. Buy a pair. There'll be no regrets, no "meh", only euphoria.
The mixed fabric option is excellent for my FOMO. & I love the surprise :)
I love that they are made and finished so well. I feel like I have never worn anything so well made & so wonderful to know the ppl who make them get paid living wage. Thank u thunder pants.
Downsides are: 1. can't wear other undies anymore 2. I have an insisant desire to wear them so ppl can see them. it takes energy to p force myself to cover them with clothes.
This is the third time I've bought several Thunderpants, they last for years and are so comfortable and flash. I love them! I also love that they are made in NZ by people on a fair wage.
Absolutely fantastic, I have not had a pair of underwear this comfortable and well fitting in years, the fabric itself is so good quality and thick and and I have had no issues with it tearing or wearing thin, I like the first 5 so much I have just purchased another 5
I ordered one pair in the wrong size the first time and they even emailed me to check if that was right before shipping, excellent customer service!
My daughter loves loves these patchwork undies- especially because they are always a delighful surprise.
Just wanted to say a HUGE thanks to Thunderpants for keeping my family in absolutely fab underwear for 12 years- bought my very first pair while I was on maternity leave (reading a lot of Frankie magazine during those overnight feeds!). I had to retire that first pair only recently- the quality and value can not be beaten.
Thanks and keep on keeping on.
Store owner replied:
Thanks for your kind words and love that your daughter loves the patchwork so much. They are a really good way to help us keep as much waste out of landfill as possible ❤️
Hi, I absolutely love the patch work undies. Very nostalgic comfy and fun. The trim around the legs and waist does not seem as substantial as the regular undies. I am concerned they won’t last as long. Thanks.
Store owner replied:
Kia ora Keltie, We are pleased you love your patchwork undies, they are pretty popular, we often have trouble keeping enough in stock ! We make these with the thinner binding for two reasons. The first reason is to give them a finer more elegant look. The second reason we use left over kids banding colours, if we didn't do this we would have trouble offering so many options for them. We haven't had any complaints saying the thinner banding lasts any less time, as the leftovers are usually bright or dark colours they will probably have good longevity. Ngā mihi nui The Team @ TPHQ
Hands down the best, most soft and comfortable, no creep, cover your tush always knickers ever!!! Haven't worn any other knickers in decades, unlikely to ever do so again (the lovely souls at Thunderpants willing!)!! As always, thank you very much!
I had heard about Thunderpants from my mum and although I spent more than I normally would on undies, I am super impressed with these. They are well made and fun and they give me an extra layer of confidence, which is priceless. I deserve good undies and these tick all the boxes for me. Plus they are made in New Zealand! Even better!
I have original and hipster patchwork thunderpants and love the mix of designs which are bright and fun. I'm a standard size 10 and find the medium to be the best fit but have small which are ok too, they don't ride up and are comfy all day!
Funky patchwork thundies
Just received my pair of thundies. They are excellent. Daughters have seen and are planning on ordering some also. They are original works of art! Buy a pair you won't regret it. :)
How do I love thee, Thundies? Count the ways… do you think I have too many? These are the best, comfiest, least wedgie undies I’ve worn in my 55 years of life. And I’ve tried oh so many. I feel a bit shabby getting them shipped across the Tasman, but I won’t wear anything else now, so I try to make up my carbon credits in other ways. I am a very happy Thunderer.
I got my first Thunderpants a month ago. I washed them and wore them. There were 3 pairs. Day 4 proved problematic, I ran out of clean thunderpants & could not face any of my other undies. I washed the 3 pairs and bought 5 more, 8 should give me enough leeway.
No other undies in my life have fitted my body so perfectly that I totally forget they're there. The feeling cannot be imagined and must be experienced. Buy a pair. There'll be no regrets, no "meh", only euphoria.
The mixed fabric option is excellent for my FOMO. & I love the surprise :)
I love that they are made and finished so well. I feel like I have never worn anything so well made & so wonderful to know the ppl who make them get paid living wage. Thank u thunder pants.
Downsides are: 1. can't wear other undies anymore 2. I have an insisant desire to wear them so ppl can see them. it takes energy to p force myself to cover them with clothes.
This is the third time I've bought several Thunderpants, they last for years and are so comfortable and flash. I love them! I also love that they are made in NZ by people on a fair wage.
Absolutely fantastic, I have not had a pair of underwear this comfortable and well fitting in years, the fabric itself is so good quality and thick and and I have had no issues with it tearing or wearing thin, I like the first 5 so much I have just purchased another 5
I ordered one pair in the wrong size the first time and they even emailed me to check if that was right before shipping, excellent customer service!
My daughter loves loves these patchwork undies- especially because they are always a delighful surprise.
Just wanted to say a HUGE thanks to Thunderpants for keeping my family in absolutely fab underwear for 12 years- bought my very first pair while I was on maternity leave (reading a lot of Frankie magazine during those overnight feeds!). I had to retire that first pair only recently- the quality and value can not be beaten.
Thanks and keep on keeping on.
Store owner replied:
Thanks for your kind words and love that your daughter loves the patchwork so much. They are a really good way to help us keep as much waste out of landfill as possible ❤️
Hi, I absolutely love the patch work undies. Very nostalgic comfy and fun. The trim around the legs and waist does not seem as substantial as the regular undies. I am concerned they won’t last as long. Thanks.
Store owner replied:
Kia ora Keltie, We are pleased you love your patchwork undies, they are pretty popular, we often have trouble keeping enough in stock ! We make these with the thinner binding for two reasons. The first reason is to give them a finer more elegant look. The second reason we use left over kids banding colours, if we didn't do this we would have trouble offering so many options for them. We haven't had any complaints saying the thinner banding lasts any less time, as the leftovers are usually bright or dark colours they will probably have good longevity. Ngā mihi nui The Team @ TPHQ
Hands down the best, most soft and comfortable, no creep, cover your tush always knickers ever!!! Haven't worn any other knickers in decades, unlikely to ever do so again (the lovely souls at Thunderpants willing!)!! As always, thank you very much!
I had heard about Thunderpants from my mum and although I spent more than I normally would on undies, I am super impressed with these. They are well made and fun and they give me an extra layer of confidence, which is priceless. I deserve good undies and these tick all the boxes for me. Plus they are made in New Zealand! Even better!
I have original and hipster patchwork thunderpants and love the mix of designs which are bright and fun. I'm a standard size 10 and find the medium to be the best fit but have small which are ok too, they don't ride up and are comfy all day!
Funky patchwork thundies
Just received my pair of thundies. They are excellent. Daughters have seen and are planning on ordering some also. They are original works of art! Buy a pair you won't regret it. :)