Online Encyclopedia
Briefs
Briefs are a type of men's underwear and swimwear. It is Y-shaped and often preferred for athletic activities.
Briefs were first sold on 19 January 1935 by Coopers, Inc., in Chicago, Illinois. They dubbed the new undergarment the "Jockey" because it offered a similar degree of support from the jockstrap. 30,000 pairs were sold within three months of their introduction.
In Britain, briefs were first sold in 1938. Soon, shops were selling 3,000 briefs per week. They were so popular that in 1948 every member of the British Olympic team was given a free pair of briefs.
In Britain the term "jockeys" has not caught on, and briefs are often referred to as "Y-fronts".
"Tighty whities" is a common nickname for briefs.
In competitive swimwear, competition briefs, or speedos as they are commonly called, are a popular style of bathing suits.