Original Wild At Heart: Print, Fit and Care Guide
By Thunderpants - New Zealand made | Published: 2026-11-02
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to choose the right size, protect the hand-printed snakeskin design, and wash your Original Wild At Heart Thunderpants for a lasting fit.
Quick answer
Choose your usual Thunderpants size for the Original Wild At Heart, then wash it inside out in cold water and air-dry to keep the hand-printed snakeskin sharp. If you need extra room in the front, size up.
Why the print needs different care
Each pair of Original Wild At Heart is hand-printed in the Thunderpants workroom by Geoff, so no two snakeskin patterns are exactly alike. That handmade character is the point, but it also means the print deserves gentler treatment than a mass-produced all-over dye.
Heat and harsh detergents are the main enemies of a crisp print. Treat these pants like a favourite printed T-shirt: cool water, mild soap, and no tumble drying.
Fit exceptions to know before you order
The Original style is flat-fronted with a soft gusset made from the same fabric as the outer garment. That gives a smooth line under clothes, but it also means the front has less give than a pouch style.
If you are between sizes or prefer a roomier front, the product notes suggest sizing up for extra room. The waistband is designed to sit comfortably, so don’t downsize hoping for a tighter fit.
How to choose, wear and wash your Wild At Heart
- Pick your size: Order your usual Thunderpants size. If you are between sizes or want extra room in the front, choose the next size up. Don’t size down for a tighter fit; the flat front has limited stretch.
- Try them on before washing: Check the waistband and front for comfort while wearing them briefly over clean underwear. Make sure the gusset sits smoothly. If they feel restrictive in front, exchange for a larger size before washing.
- Turn inside out before washing: Turn the pants inside out to protect the printed surface from friction against other garments. This simple step reduces print wear more than any special detergent.
- Wash cold and gentle: Machine wash on a cold, gentle cycle with mild detergent. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. Hot water and harsh chemicals fade prints fastest.
- Air-dry away from direct heat: Hang or lay flat to dry. Do not tumble dry or place on a radiator. Heat can crack the print and shrink the fabric.
- Store folded, not hung: Keep them folded in a drawer rather than hanging, to avoid stretching the waistband. Proper storage keeps the fit consistent between wears.
Product facts
- Original Wild At Heart: Hand-printed in the Thunderpants workroom by Geoff, so every pair has a unique snakeskin pattern. Expect slight print variations between pairs; that’s a sign of the hand-printing process, not a flaw.
Original Wild At Heart - Original Wild At Heart: Original Thunderpants style first made in 1995, flat-fronted with a soft gusset from the same fabric as the outer. The flat front gives a clean look under clothing, but if you need extra room in front, consider sizing up.
