: Many "better" brands, such as Shinesty , feature "ball hammock" or pouch designs intended to reduce chafing and provide better anatomical support.

Many styles feature a slightly longer profile with gentle but firm elastic grippers that keep the fabric in place even during physical activity.

One rainy Wednesday, a woman named Mara came in holding a wrinkled paper bag. She was sharp-eyed, with a kind of tiredness that comes from holding too many responsibilities at once. She placed the bag on the counter and hesitated.