What Are Briefs Underwear? A Men’s Guide to the Classic Cut

Men’s briefs are short, close-fitting underwear covering the groin, buttocks, and uppermost thighs, with no fabric down the legs.

A brief ends where a boxer brief begins. That missing leg section changes how the garment sits, how much support it delivers, and which pants it works under. Briefs hold everything closer to the body — supportive to some men, restrictive to others.

The cut is nearly a century old. Coopers, Inc. — today Jockey International — sold the first widely marketed men’s briefs on January 19, 1935, at Marshall Field’s in Chicago, per TIME. The V&A’s history of men’s underwear covers how the garment evolved.

How Are Briefs Different From Boxers And Boxer Briefs?

Briefs have no leg fabric, boxer briefs end mid-thigh, and boxer shorts hang loose. Boxer shorts trade support for airflow; boxer briefs split the difference, which is why they’ve taken over much of the market since the 1990s.

What Decides How A Brief Fits?

Four features control fit — rise, fly, pouch shape, and waistband — and manufacturers define each loosely.

Rise is how high the waistband sits. Full-rise (or full-cut) styles sit near the navel; low-rise and mid-rise sit lower. No industry-standard measurement separates them, so “low rise” from one brand may match “mid rise” from another.

The fly is the covered front opening: vertical, horizontal, or Y-front. Some modern briefs skip the fly. The pouch is the front panel holding the genitals — current styles often shape it, and a no-fly contour pouch is common. Waistbands are elastic, covered or exposed.

Support is the payoff of the close cut, though it’s a fit feature, not protection. A brief is underwear, not athletic gear, and no manufacturer claims it prevents injury.

What Do Current Briefs Cost?

Prices reflect retailer listings at the dates recorded and change.

The Jockey page lists sweat-wicking fabric and states it is machine wash and dry. The U.S. Polo Assn. listing describes low-rise styling and a tag-free build. If you’d rather skip the brand-by-brand digging, our tested roundup of men’s underwear briefs compares real-world fit and durability.

How Should You Pick A Pair?

Measure your natural waist and follow that brand’s size chart — labels aren’t consistent across makers. Match rise to your pants: full rise for higher coverage and traditional trousers, low rise for lower-waisted jeans. Decide on the fly before buying, since flyless and functional-fly versions are both widely sold. Check the pouch and leg opening for support that doesn’t pinch. Read the care label: a cotton/Lycra blend like Jockey’s can go into the machine, while other fibers may need different handling.

A brief belongs in the wash or the drawer once the elastic goes slack, the seams fray, or the fabric stops holding shape. No fixed replacement schedule exists — the fit tells you.

If you feel chafing, numbness, pain, or lasting compression, stop wearing that pair and talk to a medical professional. Underwear is not a medical device, and the sources here document fit and support only, not clinical safety standards.