Tactile dysfunction

My son is 5 years old and does not like to wear underwear, only wears jogging pants that are cut on both sides and won't wear socks. Help!!! We don't know what to do with him. Every morning is a battle getting him dressed.



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Dec 13, 2016
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Small speedos
by: Anonymous

Hi.
i buy my sons speedos from an australian company online. Aussiebum, they do an XXS size which fits my son he is 8 and a size 26" waist if that helps
http://www.aussiebum.com/swimwear

i know it is a couple of months since your post but hope this helps with your son
Jul 05, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		Where can I get 4T/5 Speedos?
by: Anonymous

Without background story as I'm currently at the office - Where can I get really small speedos??

My son just turned 7 but with being slim and liking tight clothes he still wears a 4T (well, the one set of clothes he'll wear)
Apr 07, 2016
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starstarstarstarstar 		swimsuit as underwear?
by: Anonymous

I have a 9 year old daughter. we had a backpacking holiday last september in southern spain. we took minimal baggage, basically we had to carry what we needed for the 3 week stay. the weather was hot so we all opted for a swimsuit as underwear so it would be multi use. we walked for an hour and stopped for a swim at a beach so we had 7 or 8 swims a day which was great fun and took our daughters mind of walking.

after we got home she wanted to carry on wearing the swimming costume under her normal clothes. we let her thinking the phase would pass,, but she would do school swim and leave it on to dry under her uniform. she says she just likes the way it feels on her skin, now she wont wear any type of underwear only her swimsuit.

about a month ago i bought her a nice bikini thinking toilet trips would be easier for her, and gladly she has taken to it like she did her swimsuit. but the only problem now is she still leaves it on after her school swim... it has not caused her any problems nor do i think it will. so i am thinking for an easy life let it be??.

comments would be nice
Nov 05, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		comments
by: Anonymous

Alot of boys like to go without underware at a certain age
May 27, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		under wear
by: Anonymous

my grandson is 5 and he will not wear under wear it is a hassle every morning getting him ready for school he says they hurt his pee pee does any body no what I can do.
Dec 22, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Speedos as underwear....
by: Mark

I have a son just turned 12, he had the issue with not liking his underwear to the point where others have said it is not worth the daily battle to get his to wear any. the closest i could get hi to wearing any underwear was during summer last year 2013. he wore those swim shorts with the net liner all summer under cut off jeans. he was swimming daily at the local lake. last autumn he started high school and part of the Sports uniform was black speedos for swimming. this was where the surprise was he would put those on in the morning for swimming which is late afternoon??. after weeks of confusion i tackled him about it i asked him if he liked the speedos or something. he said they are fantastic. he told me that he likes them so much he will dry them on his towel and leave them on to come home just so he can wear them longer. as much as i did not like the idea, i suggested he continued wearing them and at the weekend we could go and buy more.

that was twelve months ago, i now have a son who still hates any type of underwear with a passion but is happy wearing his speedos. whilst they are more money than conentional underwear they do have multiple uses, since he has started sleeping in them too i dont have to buy sleepwear for him. i cannot remember who posted the idea of wearing speedos as daily underwear but i can say it has worked for my son.
Jun 17, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		Speedos as underwear??
by: Confused dad

I have 2 sons 13 and 8.both have had an adversion to any type of underwear for the last 5 years. the oldest started it and i am thinking the younger is just trying to be the same as his older brother.

5 years ago all was fine both boys wore boxers and we had no complaints. we then had a 3 week family holiday and the oldest had a new pair of speedos for the holiday and for the new school year. up to that year he had worn long shorts, below knee length to go in the ocean and swim in. the youngest was just about toilet trained at this time but still had daytime wetting accidents. we had planned plenty of time at the beach, and to save lugging huge bags to the beach the oldest wuold share a towel with me and towel dry his speedos to save changing on the beach. the youngest we had planned a swim nappy but he was not having that he promptly tore it off and said he wanted what his brother was wearing. we bounght him small speedos he was 31 months old. he loved them and would not take them off, a few times during the first couple of days he peed in them so we had to shower him and let him leave them on. to save a huge shouting and screaming session on the beach. after all we wanted an enjoyable holiday. it did not do him any harm and toward the end of the holiday he had not had any daytime wettings for a few days. it was hot weather and both boys would sleep in their speedos to be cool in the tents.

on our return from holiday neither boy wanted to go back to boxers and the older boy even said he would wear speedos or no underwear at all. we promised briefs he even tried them but after a couple of days he was back to No underwear. we had endless arguements about needing underwear for school but nothing would get either boy to wear boxers. every holiday they would willingly wear speedos, sometimes the same pair all holiday, but mention underwear and prepare for war. this has gone on now for 5 years and at 13the older boy is getting more developed in the underwear region and showing through his best trousers.on the days when he has school swim he does wear speedos towel drys them after swimming and leaves them on the rest of the day. but will not wear anything else.

i am getting to thinking of just allowing both boys to use their speedos, just to get the older boy looking respectable for school and the younger wearing something under his clothes.
Jun 07, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		only wears boy underwear
by: Anonymous

my daughter just turned 10. she was in 4th grade when she was 9, and she still wore girl clithes okay then. but then of course she met this new girl who on the first day she met her was wearing a mens t shirt, no socks, high top sneakers, boy shorts, and she said, and i am really not sure if it is true or not, instead of using the porta-potty toilet she used the URINAL IN THERE! she also said the new girl reffered to herself as a boy and used the mens bathroom (OMG I WAS FREAKING OUT INSIDE OF MY HEAD WHILE DAUGHTER TOLD THIS TO ME but i played cool on the outside of my head ) and that new girl so and so was wearing boys underwear because she showed everybody there (and yes she is a girl because she was in the all girls section of the camp) and of course my daughter took this messed up wacko girl as a good role model and said she only wants to wear boys underwear. she is currently wearing no underwear. i think my daughter might be transgender she took a transgender online test and she scored most likey transgender. I NEED HELP LIKE RIGHT NOW SHE IS STARTING 5TH GRADE UNFORTANUTKEY THAT GIRL FROM CAMP GOES TO SAME SCHOOL AS DAUGHTER!!!!!!!! I AM CONSIDERING MOVING SCHOOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HELP ME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apr 14, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		My sons underwear
by: Anonymous

We have 2 sons oldest is now 11 and the youngest is just turned 7. neither boy would wear any underwear until we moved from the UK to Tenerife 2 years ago. the oldest then 9 had started puberty and getting bigger in the trouser region, to the point of showing through his best dress trousers and school uniform. he did not care.

About a month after the move to tenerife he had to start school, soon made friends with the local boys who all went to the beach every afternoon after school for a swim. he went with them but he was the only one needing to change into speedos at the beach all of the other boys came prepared with speedos under their school uniform. he came home after a couple of days and asked for speedos. we had a discussion and he was willing to wear them as underwear to be like his friends at school. (Result) it improved his look when he was wearing trousers and he said after a week he thought they were great. i was not so sure about the leaving them on after swimming but he said all of his friends did the same. by the time he gets home they are dry so i suppose no harm done.

the youngest of course wanted to do like his big brother, which was to be expected they go everywhere together spend hours at the beach or at a friends villa with a pool so again no harm done and both boys now wear something under their clothes...
Mar 11, 2014
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starstarstarstarstar 		14 year old
by: Anonymous

My son has always shown preference to his speedos as underwear from very young possibly about 7 years old. i keep telling him they will cause him untold problems but he does not listen. i want him to wear boxers like his dad but he wont. on the odd day i think i have won the battle and he has in fact put boxers on. he still has the speedos on underneath. i think it better now to just give up it is getting so bad constant shouting matches every day
Nov 18, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		6-year-old
by: Anonymous

My daughter can't stand to have her hair touch her face or neck, even the tiny wisps around her forehead. She licks her hands and rubs her saliva along the hair line to get them off. She won't ride her two-wheeler (which she used to love) because of the way the helmet feels. She won't swing because the breeze makes her hair blow. She has daily tantrums about the way her clothes feel, sometimes ripping them off and throwing them across the room. In reading the comments on this page, I'm encouraged to know that others can relate. But I'm also looking for some practical tips. Is the goal to help her tolerate the sensations? Or should I be looking for ways to fix the sensation? It's sad to see this taking over her life, and sad too for my younger daughter who is upset by the tantrums.
Thanks...
Jun 20, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		try Speedos as his underwear?
by: Anonymous

hi.
i have three sons, the oldest now 19 the youngest 14. all of them had problems with underwear and all seemed to prefer to wear none at all. this started with the oldest one when he was about 6. he wore no underwear for about 2 years until he had a short holiday with a friend and his family. he found that his holiday at the beach meant that he needed to wear swim trunks. he wore them every day he was there and when he got home he wore them under his regular shorts until i asked him where they were. then he told me he liked to wear them they felt nice. did not like the idea at first but at least he had something under his jeans or shorts to go to school. the following year he asked for the old type nylon speedos most of his friends wore them as underwear so i got three paire (wear one wash one dry one) this was ok until i found he was swimming at the lake with his friends after school. but he was a good swimmer so i was not really worried just that he had not told me where he would be. the second 2 sons have just followed the same way just without the initial arguements about no underwear. the oldest has a girlfriend now and she likes him wearing his nylon swimwear (aussiebum) he now wears a little expensive for everyday underwear but they have both uses underwear and swimwear so i suppose it is not so bad.
Feb 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		Add this to my previous help info
by: Anonymous

Also, we have a mini and regular trampoline, these made a massive difference for her. We put a stretchy swing in the playroom too. We got a hammock hanger and got the swing off of ebay. IKEA also has indoor swings. I had sensory problems as a kid and also had a swing. Swimming helped me, but not all kids.
Feb 02, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		help for those with spd
by: Anonymous

My 7/0 daughter has spd and we have learned many things that work. Occupational therapy did wonders for her. We also have found that she likes satin(slippery) panties and will wear them w/ dresses. We found that practicing to wear things in the house for 5-10 and earning treats helps. She earns bigger if she can wear it out of the house. We know that we have to find things w/ a small waist band and thin light weight material. We love the socks from Softclothing.com We have also learned that clothes from consignment stores are good because they are less stiff. We found that sleep is a huge issue and sometimes wheat and dairy. We found that treating her "other" senses like smell, touch etc also help. So we use smelly markers, soft light tickles on her arms and gum is also another huge one. When she is getting dressed it always helps when she has a bunch of gum to chew. This is something we learning ealy on and something the Occupational T. told us to keep doing. I have found so many other things that work, but most by trial and error and lots of patience! I never thought we could get to where we are now! She LOVES Kohls light weight longjohns for under ski clothes. She wears the bottoms as leggings(they are slippery). I think that OT is supper important. We did it for a year. If your OT isn't making a difference then try a new one! I have met many people and they all loved OT. Good Luck and hang in there!
Jan 29, 2012
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starstarstarstarstar 		My daughter is 9 and she won't wear anything with a seam....
by: Confused Mom

....I cannot believe that there are actually children out there that are like mine! We stopped putting socks on her because she would flip out every morning when I put them on her and scream and have a "melt down" as someone else said! She'd take them off over and over until I got them "right!" (we finally tried the "seam" on the outside and that worked, ohhh... a couple of days! I TOO had to CUT the ends of the seams off her socks on the sides and that worked maybe once!

She also will not wear anything but a regular t-shit with NOTHING on the front..i.e. no "seams" or "decorations" that go through or sewn on the inside! She was used to these "five" "baby doll shirts/outfits she had that were all different colors, but identical otherwise...for school with a regular t-shirt (baby doll style) and spandex pants and when we tried to get her a "new wardrobe" for a new school, she freaked and wouldn't wear the clothes! She'd scream and say, "OMG, I'm being SUFFOCATED!!" and hold the shirt in the front away from her chest BEGGING to take it off!

She also will freak out if there is even a DROP of water on her clothes too! She will run and throw them off and change!

Yes, it IS a relief to know my child isn't the only one who is "weird" about wearing clothes!!!
Nov 17, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		Help
by: Anonymous

I have a son and a daughter, both of them have this problem with undies. My son won't a wear anything, but basketball shorts. My daughter won't wear her undies either and she only like to wear loose clothing that can slip off. She also has this habit of stealing her brothers shorts. Both of my kids won't let me wash their shorts.
Feb 07, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		This is what I deal with every day!
by: Anonymous

I see my family is not alone. But what can I do about this? Nothing seems to help. I cant go on doing this EVERY morning!
Jan 19, 2011
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starstarstarstarstar 		What is wrong?
by: Anonymous

I am 16 and have had trouble with clothing since i was at least 4. Some clothing doesn't feel right and i will think about it all day like if it is itchy or certain seams. Sometimes when im being touched my family or friends i get antsy. I always thought it was just sensory issues but i dont know...
Dec 22, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Jumping?
by: Anonymous

my 4 yr old def. has same issues it started when she was 2 - She starts OT next week-- what is this about the jumping? we have a mini trampoline what do we do?
thanks
Dec 05, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		advice needed for my daughter
by: Anonymous

my daughter is 2 yrs old and lately ive noticed some habits of her,she has to have a blanket on her in a certain way or she goes mad sam wen shes playing with her dolls the blanket has to be perfectly straight

she dosent like wearing shoes,prefers trainers
she wont wear tights or pajamas that are tight at the bottom of her ankles it really bothers her
and she is extremely shy

i just wondering could it be a mild form of autism as my brother has aspergers
any advice would be great thanks
Nov 20, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		My 16 soon to be 17 year old. Its getting worse.
by: Anonymous

Iv read some of these and seen most of them are in younger children, does anyone on here have this problem with a teenager?

My daughter is 16 now.

When she was younger she would never were socks or gloves, she would put the socks on her hands and they were "comfy-er". She wore summer clothes in winter, and thick winter clothes in summer. Lucky that bit has ended but its changed an gotten worse. The past 3ish years she its into a aggressive state if the clothes are to tight mainly around the arms, she has to wear the same 2 bras over and over, we got her more pairs like it but she says there different. With socks she has to have them inside out with the side sewing parts cut off. She still wears summer like clothes in winter, but she wears a big coat with it, if she wears winter clothes she over heat making her more aggressive.

When shes gone into the aggressive state she mainly breaks things, starts shouting or reorganize the rooms cleaning them up, she says its a project when she in a certain angry or sad mood.

Shes running out of "projects" around the house.
May 01, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		tactile dysfunction
by: Anonymous

Are the pants he likes to wear the satin type jogging pants. Maybe you could find some boxer style underwear made out of similar material. If you can't find them shorts are a simple sewing projects, just a couple of pieces of the pattern and the only hard part is putting an elastic in the waistband but if you make them or have someone make them you could make the waistband loose so it is to his liking. Just an idea - believe me I understand what you are going through
May 01, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		My 11 YO daughter
by: Anonymous

has had dressing issues from age 3.
Underwear was the biggest problem until we tried leotards. My DD is super sensitive at her waist and can not wear any thing that is belted or has a small waist band. The leotards really helped her. We turn socks inside out and I only dry her clothes on hangers, cause the dryer will "shrink" them up a bit. We also stretch some of her things to make them feel more comfortable.

Since she is older, she tells me what feels "right" so we are making fewer and fewer clothing purchases mistakes. But we go through the same thing every season- the CHANGE from one type of clothing to another is very traumatic- especially shoes. She is down to 2 capri's and 4 tops that she can wear comfortably.

Jumping, brushing, and habitation helps, but not always. When the weather changes, lo pressure comes in, she often has a meltdown and seems to adjust after "getting it all out" and is able to make it to school.

If this helps any, it does get better as our kids get older.
Apr 30, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		not alone
by: Anonymous

Finally, I'm not alone. My daughter will be 6 in July. She will not wear jeans and absolutely nothing with a tag. It started when she was around 3 years old with her hair. She did not want anything in her hair or want anyone touching it. Now it is her clothes. Almost every morning she has a melt down. If it does not fit right or feel right she goes into a frenzy. If she gets even a drop of water on her clothes she has to change. We are looking into OT for her now. We thought it was just a phase. After some research I find out this is common among some children. Thank you for this site!!
Nov 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		hates most clothes
by: Anonymous

My daughter who is 4.5yrs has had a few sensory issues and is over some. We finally started OT and it has helped a lot. She will only wear panties that are very big and silky/satin and only with dresses. So no normal shorts for her. She is ok w/ swimsuit if she doesn't have to wear it in the car, so we get dressed at the pool. No socks either. Only flip flops or UGGs.

Everything has to be big big and then stretched. She only will use a old baby blanket. She likes silky things but not soft fuzzy. So sheets and blankets are an issue. She will not use a pillow either. I will say that getting good sleep makes an enormous difference. Also, I have learned to pick out stuff the night before and don't rush in the morning. Also, the trampoline has been so wonderful. In just 3 weeks we saw a difference. You can even use a small indoor one.

She does have a hard time with change and it sets her back. It is so stressful some days. She is always pulling on her pants and most people think she has to go to the bathroom. She gets tired of people asking her that. Next year she is supposed to go to a school with uniforms...this may be a nightmare or a help. I am hoping that they won't make her tuck in her shirt. Postive peerpressure has been good, but doesn't solve it.
Oct 20, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Help!
by:

My daughter is 10 and I have beening dealing with this for about 6 years. She will not wear blue jeans,underwear,socks or anything "tight feeling". Today I had CPS at my house. School nurse wanting to know why she does not wear underwear.I have bought her cotton skirts with the shorts sewn in underneath. I guess that is not acceptable without underwear. I am lucky if I can get clothes on her everyday for school. Even her shoes need to be a 1/2 size bigger. Which she can hardly walk in. She sleeps on top of her blankets and sheets,with another blanket on top of her. She will not get under the blankets.I am so glad that I found this site and I will be sending this to CPS. I told the lady she should try to get her dressed every morning. I actually thought I was the only one. Thanks!
Oct 19, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		Help !!
by: Anonymous

My daughter is 7 yrs old and has had SPD for about 4 yrs now. She hasn't worn underwear in probably 2 yrs. She only wears one suit and one pair of shoes NO SOCKS either , And as soon as i wash that suit ( which is a velour sweatsuit ) She can not put it back on for hours sometimes days . I try to wash it every 3-5 days and she is devastated when I do.

She changes into something new every month or two when I have gotten so sick of looking at the ONE suit and I throw it out . She no longer wears a swimsuit since I threw out her last one away.( They just disappear !)I have tried EVERYTHING you can imagine. NOBODY understands AT ALL !! WHich makes me very sad for her .

She is in second grade and we have had to home school this year . We have had to skip bday parties that require changing clothes , like swimsuits or sneakers for rockwalls , ect. She misses out on alot ...She will miss a party with her friends to avoid the change of clothes , She has passed climbing in the big play place cause she needed socks ..Now you tell me this is for attention or a CONTROL thing ! Give me a break !
Aug 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		no underwear
by: Anonymous

My son is the same way too. No underwear, soft pants with no tags and elastic waistband. He wore sweatpants with a sweater and turtle neck for his school recital. In my opinion as a mom and a nurse, WHO CARES? No one else really notices and he is not hurting anyone. With every battle we fight everyday with shoes and socks and transitions and school and a principal that says he needs a good spanking, I am glad he is not depressed and that he is living a good life!
Jun 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		glad we're not the only ones!!
by: Anonymous

My son has a problem with underwear as well. he is 7 mow and this has been an ongoing issue for about 3 yrs. he will only wear them if they are briefs and he has to stretch them out so they are not tight. he will try and wear the same pair for days! I too have given up as it seems more important to just get him dressed. he also has a preference for "basketball shorts" and would wear them everyday. He says he likes the way they feel... I hide them now for he he saw them, it would be a battle and i just don't have the energy!!
Jun 03, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		i hear you too
by: Anonymous

My daughter aged 4 will only wear 2 undies (out of a drawer of about 30) plus only 3 long sleeve tops and 2 pairs of light leggins. We live in the tropics with daily temps over 90 degrees!! Still, I've given up fighting the dressing battle, a good result is to get dressed with NO meltdown!
Jun 02, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Underwear and tactile defense
by: Tammy H.

I have two boys with the "underwear issue" and both have stopped wearing them. One is 11 and the other is 6, and only under dire emergencies do I bother with fighting that battle. There are so many other battles when dealing with sensory processing that underwear became the least important in the long list of issues. I was more concerned with wearing pants, sock and shoes to school than the underwear, and it's less to wash!
Mar 24, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		not wearing underwear
by: Anonymous

See if he will pick out his own underwear at the store. It could be a control issue.
Mar 23, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		I hear you
by: Anonymous

My son will only wear one pair of underwear too. I cannot get him to wear boxers or even same brand same style. It is so hard and no one understands.
Mar 22, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		suggestions
by: Char113

You could try to use boxers instead of regular boxer briefs or briefs this may make him feel more comfortable.

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