Yeah, it seems like 1997 wasn't a good year for Hanes, because man, trying to find consistency in fit with Hanes briefs from this specific year was DIFFICULT. I had bought another 3 pack from someone else back in September, and only 1 or 2 of the 3 in that pack had fit. For this one, while all 3 did thankfully fit, one pair did have a pinhole in the gusset, which is a bit disappointing (no fault on the seller, as the blame completely lies on Hanes).
I will definitely avoid buying any of Hanes's briefs from 1997, since the build quality on these have mostly not been great. Oh well. Not much you can do. I'll still wear 'em until I lose the weight. Though probably not as often as the other Hanes briefs that around the same age (or even a decade older or a decade newer), which are more consistent, from what I've worn so far.