Hates Underwear

Updated on August 03, 2009
A.K. asks from Racine, WI
14 answers

My 2.5 yr old son hates to wear underwear most of the time. We do the naked or loose shorts at home so he can usually get them down and get to the potty by himself. I would have him wear underwear but the only way I can get them on without a screamfest is if I tell him he can't go outside or whatever without them. He picked out Mickey ones and also has baseball ones. I still do diapers for night and if we are out for a long time (he just has been training a few weeks now) and he will sometimes cry for his diaper on. I know I shouldn't do diapers too much but I don't want pull ups either (same thing to me!) How do I make him wear underwear or should I not push it yet?

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L.M.

answers from Rapid City on

My 4 year old really likes wearing boxer briefs. They came in size 2T and up in the toddler section, and XS in boys.
If you've already tried that, how about swimming trunks? They are probably on sale now, close to the end of the summer, and they have lining in them, which is almost like wearing underwear. My son has a few pairs that he wears as regular shorts because he thinks they are really comfy and loves the designs on them.

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L.

answers from Minneapolis on

My 3 year old daughter hates wearing underwear, too. Our rule is that she doesn't have to wear them in the house, but she can't leave the house (even just out in our yard) without underwear. We have found that she likes her underwear better if they are big on her. She wears a size 2T but she's much happier in size 4T underwear even though they just about fall off her. I've also invested in some Hanna Andersson underwear that she seems to like better than her Target cheapies. They are more expensive but she seems to find them more comfortable. Good luck. I know it's frustrating!

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C.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son didn't want to wear underwear either until my step mother bought him boxer briefs. I'm not sure why there was a difference, but that is what we have bought ever since.

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L.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

Try boxers. They make them in all sizes too.

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J.O.

answers from Wausau on

Maybe he'll be a boxers man :)
Try getting him tiny boxers or just buy him regular underwear in a size that's loose on him.

My son is exactly the opposite- if his underwear are too big and baggy on him, he will have fits about it. He likes them to fit snugly.

They sure have their own preferences early don't they :P

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A.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

What kind of undies is he wearing. Have you tried boxer briefs or just he old standard boxers for him if he doesn't like the "whitey tidies" of briefs!?!? They look like they would be a bit looser if that's what he doesn't like about briefs. I know OshKosh carries all three styles, not sure if you can find them more widespread like at Target or not. (I don't have any boys, but work at Oshkosh so know kids clothing)

Good luck...and my advise is to NOT backtrack to diapers or pull-ups just because of this new wardrobe problem!

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C.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I'm late here, but I think it's probably a phase and a lot of boys go through it. The boxers or boxer briefs sound like a good idea, but if that doesn't work I would consider just letting him go without. My son went through the "hates underwear" phase at age 4 and I just let him go without until it passed. I had him wear sweatpants (it was winter) instead of jeans because jeans without underwear sounds horribly uncomfortable! I don't remember how long it lasted, but I don't remember him going without underwear during the summer so it must have passed before then. Good luck.

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S.K.

answers from Minneapolis on

AK,

Department stores (and maybe Target) sell boxer style underpants for young boys. He may do better if he can wear boxer shorts and then regular shorts on top. I wouldn't have him in diapers / pull ups unless absolutely necessary; it's just too tempting for regression. When my kids couldn't stay dry all night, I called the pull ups "night-night pants" and didn't put them on until they were climbing into bed. As soon as they woke up, they came off. (No lounging around, playing or eating breakfast in them.) When they were starting to stay dry with some consistency, I put underwear on first, then the pull up, so if they did wet, they could feel it.

Good luck,
S.

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A.T.

answers from Appleton on

In my opinion I wouldn't push it. Have you tried the little boxers or even the boxer/briefs? Does Daddy wear any of those? It's an option if you are pretty set on him wearing underwear I guess. Otherwise, I would just be patient. I agree that pull-ups/diapers are the same. We didn't do pull-ups either. Congrats on your 'surprise' baby. We were also going to have our 3rd boy in October..a COMPLETE surprise since I already had a 2 month old..but he had Nonimmune Hydrops Fetalis and I was induced at 23 weeks. He passed away. Was not going to be a good outcome. Hang in there with the potty training. My 3 yr old wasn't trained until a little over a month before his birthday. I just didn't push it!

~A.

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C.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

My 4 yr old also dislikes underwear. We purchased him Hannah Anderssons when he was ready to move into them because they were the softest ones we could locate. We went through numerous trial and errors before then. (He has very sensitive skin.) Even though he says they are so soft, he thinks he's wearing pajamas, he still prefers to run around without underwear. He wears them to school because we tell him that it's part of the school uniform but otherwise, we don't make him wear underwear any other time. He's just more comfy without them. The other thing we should tell you is that based upon conversations with other moms, we have discovered that our boy may be one of the few kids who has always been really good about getting "clean" down there. He always seems to poop clean and/or clean himself well because we never have issues with in leaving brown streaks on any of his clothes.

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T.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

My son really likes the boxer briefs. they are much more like a short than a actual underware (but with a little support) you might want to try some of these I know they make them as small as a 4t Good Luck T.

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S.F.

answers from Madison on

Maybe he doesn't find them to be comfortable. They might be scratchy and rough on his skin. I've found this to be the case when I bought character underwear.

If you want really soft, comfortable underwear, I would recommend Hanna Andersson as well. They are super soft, have no tags or scratchy seams. Both my kids wear them and really like them.

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C.A.

answers from Minneapolis on

This has been an interesting exchange. My 3yo son is the same way. Will not wear underwear. When I force the issue he would have acidents. I think felt like it was just like a diaper. My little guys even a little stranger, he will only wear jeans without a fuss everything else he fights me over. Now I can't imagine that would feel comfortable! I've never pushed the underwear thing, but he'll be going into preschool in the fall and would really like him to wear it at school.

I've looked alittle for boxers and haven't been able to find his size and I've never heard of Hanna Andersons, so not sure where to buy those. But I'll be looking.

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S.W.

answers from Minneapolis on

Not sure if this will make a difference or not but what about boxer shorts instead of underwear? My son is the opposite, He will only wear the traditional undies, not boxers or boxer briefs. Good luck

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