Briefs /

Briefs are a type of short, tight underwear and swimwear, as opposed to styles where the material extends down the legs. In the case of men's underwear, briefs, unlike boxer shorts, 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 feel they need more support than loose-fitting underwear can provide. In addition, boxers often ride up the body when the wearer is running. Briefs often feature a fly - a covered opening on the front of the garment which allows for convenience at urinals. There are several different fly designs in common use, including but not limited to the standard vertical fly, the horizontal fly, and the y-front fly. The use of a fly is optional, and many styles do not utilize a fly at all. Traditional size briefs for both sexes cover the upper part of the thigh and extend upward up to the navel. This style is often referred to as "full rise" or "full cut". Contemporary fashion styles however, sometimes have the top portion of the brief only extending to one inch below the navel. There are also "low rise" and "mid rise" styles whose measurements vary