to ask my husband about pair of underpants in the washing that aren't his?

[bluehaze]

He came back from business trip last week and I was just folding the clean washing. I came across a pair of underpants that aren't his - definitely not his. I know this as a fact. I looked in the label and they are from Debenhams and every other pair he owns are from M$S. So I jokingly say, you have someone else's underpants in your washing! cue, an awful lot of loud noise, trips upstairs to get the other 'matching' pairs for proof (from M$S so definitely NOT matching), asserting that they are definitely his, and I am wrong. Now what began as a fairly innocuous situation has developed into a scene where I am really wondering where these came from. My mind boggles at the possibilities - aibu to investigate further - and if not, then how do i investigate? Has anyone else had the same?

I can't ask - it would be a strange conversation and there would be no chance of a pants-discovery induced guilty confession as the element of surprise is lost :(

I was folding clean stuff when I found them so they have been washed - bit of a relief really as I am not sure I would gain any ground with the sniff test!
My plan is to just keep my eyes open for now. Bearing in mind some of these scenarios from you guys (some of which I admit are very plausible). If he IS cheating - then it has to be with a man - judging by the offending underwear - now need guidance on how to spot that kind if cheating. Off now to google said possibility...

Will update if anything else out of place happens.
Thanks for all the replies though - it's really good to get a bit of back up for what seems a totally ludicrous worry :)

I'd be a bit suspicious with his reaction, not that it had happened. As others have said he could have calmly explained away hotel washing mix up or if he's bought some. Strange.

Sallyingforth

Wasn't that with a pair of ladies knickers not in the op's size ?

You could ask for this to be moved to the relationships board. A lot of people on there good at spotting whether someone is cheating or not.

I know its wrong but check his texts?

It's a bit weird he tried to prove they were his. It's either genuine confusion or a cover up

Internet history search? Gay porn?

The reaction would worry me not the pants themselves as there's any number of explanations for that.

Did he really go to a hotel or did he wear/borrow the OW'S husbands pants?

Of course it could be a man after all.

Reaction seems ott for something so stupid

CarbeDiem
Could be, the details are a bit hazy. Ive been drunk asleep since then.
There was the poster who found a bag of women's clothing in the loft. We never did hear the end of that one.

If they were clean, then it could be a laundry service mix up, but I don't think it's all that common for people pay to get their underpants and knickers washed by hotels. You must take as many pairs as there are days. Shirt or trousers, yes! Does he usually get clothes incl underpants washed if he's only away for a short period? Can you look at his hotel bill and see if he did have the laundry service?

Ooh - the women's clothes in the loft - I think the FIL admitted that one sally I'm sure someone will remember and confirm.

CarbeDiem That was a great thread - they don't make 'em like that any more.