I have purchased these before for my hubby. They are his favorite style.

The worldwide demand for cotton and increasing prices have caused many clothing items to be made more cheaply. I do notice that these are made from thinner material than in the past, and I think they're more expensive, too. But I also note that the fabric is made from tightly twisted fibers, and I expect that this new batch of undies will hold up in the wash, and not pill, which is the fate of many cotton-based knit and woven textiles lately.

Time will tell.

***UPDATE: Each one has a tiny inspection sticker. Remove sticker before using! Hubby says the thinner fabric stretches out as he wears them.***

***UPDATE - MAY, 2014: Despite being thinner, the fabric holds up well to washing, as I had expected.***