Briefs

Briefs are a specific category of short, form-fitting undergarments or swimwear.

Unlike styles where the fabric extends down the thighs, briefs are designed to sit high on the body. They typically feature a waistband attached to fabric that follows the contours of the pelvis, crotch, and buttocks. This design is used by both men and women for various purposes. Some variations are specifically made for use in the water as swim briefs. Because they provide a snug fit, they are often chosen for their support and comfort.

The construction of briefs involves several design elements that change how they function. A common feature in men's briefs is the fly, which is a covered opening on the front. This opening allows for convenience when urinating. Designers use several different fly patterns, such as the standard vertical fly, the horizontal fly, or the Y-front fly. Some styles, known as slip-briefs, do not include a fly at all. The height of the waistband also varies, with common measurements including low-rise, mid-rise, and full-rise styles.

Men's briefs come in many specialized cuts based on how they fit the body. Full-rise or full-cut briefs cover the uppermost part of the thigh and may reach up to the navel. In contrast, bikini briefs feature narrow material at the sides and often have a low rise. Other variations include sport, active, hip, and tanga styles, the latter of which has a cut that goes all the way to the waistband on the side. Because briefs hold the genitals in a relatively fixed position, they are often preferred for athletic activities. This is because loose-fitting boxer shorts can ride up uncomfortably during running or when wearing tight clothing.

Women's briefs also offer a wide variety of shapes and functions. Some styles, like full briefs, cover the upper thighs and can reach the navel. French-cut or high-cut briefs are designed to expose more of the front thigh. Other options include boy briefs, which have short legs similar to men's trunks, and midi briefs, which sit on the hips. Brazilian-style briefs are made with high-cut legs and sit low on the hips. These are often made of modal fabric and are designed to avoid showing a visible panty line.

Additionally, a control brief acts as a high-waisted panty girdle.

The history of the modern brief began in the mid-1930s. On January 19, 1935, Coopers, Inc. first sold men's classic briefs in Chicago, Illinois. They were sold at Marshall Field's department store under the name "Jockey." This name was chosen because the garment offered support similar to a jockstrap. The designer was reportedly inspired by a postcard from the French Riviera showing a man in a short, form-fitting bathing suit. The product was an immediate success, with 30,000 pairs sold within the first three months.

Briefs have seen many shifts in popularity over the decades. In the United Kingdom, they were first sold in 1938, and shops soon sold 3,000 pairs per week. In the United States, fashion underwear emerged in the 1960s and became more prominent in the 1970s. By 1985, fashion briefs accounted for 25% of the men's underwear market. While boxer shorts became the preferred masculine choice during the 1990s, briefs have recently seen a comeback. This resurgence is linked to modern fashion trends that favor more tailored and form-fitting clothing.

Terminology for briefs varies significantly by region. In the United States, "jockey shorts" or "jockeys" are common generic terms, while "tighty-whiteys" is a common slang term for traditional full-cut versions. In the United Kingdom, men often use the term "Y-fronts." This name comes from the Jockey International brand and refers to the inverted Y-shape formed by the front seams. In Australia, men may use the term "jocks," though this should not be confused with the athlete's jockstrap.

Beyond daily clothing, briefs serve important roles in athletics and performance. For female dancers and athletes, briefs are often worn as part of a costume. This includes sports like cheerleading, tennis, and figure skating.

In these cases, the briefs might be attached to a skirt or dress, or they may be a separate garment known as spankies or cheer briefs. There has also been scientific discussion regarding the impact of tight underwear on male fertility. While some suggest that briefs might interfere with the cooling of the testes, research such as a 1998 study in the Journal of Urology has found that underpant type is unlikely to have a significant effect.