I have sewed elastic on the sides of some casual shorts that I have had for twenty-five years. The original elastic on them held up admirably for that length of time but no longer gives any assurance that the shorts will remain up once put on.

It's a very rough elastic job but these are my comfy shorts: solid cotton, loose fit, half-thigh length, with enough space for my waist which has slowly expanded over the last two decades, and voluminous pockets to boot.

They have served me summer after summer after summer, and I will wear them until they come apart at the seams and fall off my butt. And then I will probably find someone who can make me another one exactly like it.