Well, the way I do it is to wait until I'm feeling the most manly and macho, haven't shaved in a couple of days -- I put on my favorite blue jeans, boots, and flannel shirt, get in my pick up truck and then I go into the local fabric story (Joann or Hancock Fabrics). Depending on what you need, bathing suit elastic works well, but they also have a selection of elastic "threads". The ladies there are always more than willing to help any hapless man who walks into the store -- it's evidently a rare occurence.
Do not tell fish stories where the people know you; but particularly, don't tell them where they know the fish. ~ Mark Twain