Product Code Database
Briefs (or a brief) are a type of short, form-fitting Undergarment and swimsuit, as opposed to styles where material extends down the thighs. Briefs have various different styles, usually with a waistband attached to fabric that runs along the pelvis to the crotch and buttocks, and are worn by both men and women. Swim briefs are a variation used as swimwear.Mens Underwear, JS Atlee – US Patent 3,517,666, 1970
In the 1960s, fashion underwear was introduced in the United States, and, after a period of decline, became more prominent in the 1970s as the belief that wearing fashionable underwear was less masculine declined. By the 1980s, men's fashion briefs became more popular in the United States; in 1985 they made up 25% of the men's underwear market, while they had almost no share . The Underoos and Funpals fashion brief brands for children were introduced around that time. According to Hanes marketing director John Wigodsky, women purchased fashion briefs for their husbands for aesthetic reasons, and therefore fashion briefs became more popular with men.Kanner, Bernice (April 29, 1985). "Briefs Encounter: The Long and Shorts of It". "On Madison Avenue" column. New York. Vol. 18, No. 17. . p. 28 . In 1990 Tom Zucco of the Tampa Bay Times interviewed menswear sellers: one worker stated that about 50% of the underpants sold were white briefs.
During the 1990s to early 2000s, the popularity of men's briefs declined in the U.S. and boxer shorts became widely portrayed as the casual and masculine choice. However, more recently, as men's fashion has trended in favor of more tailored clothing, form-fitting underwear such as briefs have come back into style, including newer styles like boxer briefs.
In the United Kingdom the term "jockeys" did not catch on and men's/boys' briefs are often referred to as "". The term derives from the genericized trademark "Y-Front", property of Jockey International.Jockey Singapore, Y-Front Fly It, in turn, derives from the inverted Y-shape formed by the seams at the front of the underpants. The colloquialism is used even when the fly opening may differ in style, and not actually form the shape of the inverted letter "Y" fly on Jockey brand briefs.
In Australia, male briefs are referred to as "" but should not be confused with jockstrap (more specifically used by athletes) which expose the buttocks. Australians generally use the word “briefs” to refer to the Bikini underwear for men.
"Briefs" additionally is the official name of a specific cut of panties similar to male full-rise briefs.
Bikini briefs or simply bikini in context are a style of brief with narrow material at the sides and which often have a low rise; reminiscent of a bikini, and are designed for either men or women.
Unlike boxer shorts, briefs hold the wearer's genitals in a relatively fixed position, which make briefs a popular underwear choice for men who are participating in athletic activities or who prefer more support than loose-fitting underwear can provide. In addition, boxer shorts and boxer briefs may ride up the body uncomfortably when the wearer is running or wearing form-fitting attire. There are different names for variations of the brief depending on the height of the brief at the sides, with names including low-rise, mid-rise, full-rise, sport, active, hip, and bikini. Some briefs have the cut all the way to the waistband on the side, called a tanga.
Briefs is also the name given to costumed outerwear worn by female dancers and athletes in sports such as cheerleading, figure skating, and tennis. These briefs are typically worn under a short skirt; they may be attached to the skirt or dress body, or a separate garment (cheer briefs, or spankies).
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