Frank's Pants are built for the washing machine, not around it. No handwashing rituals, no special detergent, no drama. A few small habits keep the absorbent core working properly wash after wash.
1. Wash before first wear
One normal wash before the first outing activates the absorbent layers and lifts any finish left over from manufacturing. It is the single best thing you can do for performance from day one.
2. Machine wash at 30 to 40 degrees
With similar colours, on a normal cycle. A mesh laundry bag protects the fabric from zips and velcro in the drum and helps every pair last longer — worth getting if you don't already have one.
3. No fabric softener
This is the one rule that matters. Softener coats the fibres in a waxy film that gradually blocks absorbency. Your pants will still feel soft without it — that is what the fabric is for.
4. Line dry where you can
Air drying is kindest to the absorbent core. Avoid the tumble dryer, and high heat especially, which breaks down the leakproof layer over time. A warm day on the line and they're ready in a few hours.
Caring for The Ultra's pads
The Ultra comes with three clip-in absorbent pads. Unclip them before washing and wash them the same way as the pants — 30 to 40 degrees, no softener, line dry. Rotate them like socks so each pad shares the workload and lasts longer.
What about smell?
The lining pulls moisture away from the skin and helps neutralise odour while wearing. A standard wash resets them completely. If a pair has had a heavier day, a cold rinse before it joins the wash basket keeps everything fresh.
How long do they last?
Treated this way, Frank's Pants keep performing wash after wash, month after month. The usual sign a pair is ageing is the fabric itself wearing — like any good underwear does — not the protection failing. Most men run a rotation of three to five pairs, which spreads the wear and means a fresh pair is always in the drawer.
The short version
Wash at 30 to 40 with similar colours. No softener. Line dry. That's it.