International Jock

Monday, March 19, 2007

Cricket Syndicate review

Cricket Syndicate is one of the most unique lines of underwear that I've ever worn. Their underwear has a pouch insert that is made from T-shirts (many of which are retro). I've blogged about the history of the company before so read that here.

First, I have to start by saying that Cricket Syndicate doesn't actually make a size that is meant to fit me (I'm a little too small for their smallest size). That said, the pair that I tried (the one with the frog, shown) fit pretty well. The Cricket Syndicate box-cuts, for me, fit like a cross between boxerbriefs and boxer shorts (a tight boxer short). But normally they should fit like boxerbriefs (based on the photos on their site). But that aside, the fit is very good. It is a very interesting cut, which for the most part fits very well. But sometimes, the center back seam rides up a bit into the crack and thus adjustments are necessary (although this problem could possibly be attributed to the fact that they are not entirely the correct size and thus they ride up). But besides this small problem, they are very comfortable. They feel just like wearing a nice, soft, old T-shirt (which is technically what they are, minus the old part). The more you wash these briefs, the softer they get. And don't worry, your skin won't touch the part that was originally from a T-shirt because the pouch is double-lined (although I think that the T-shirts are old but unworn, sort of retro remainders or something). Another fun part about these briefs is the top-stitching. It is very fun and unique and adds to the popular "unfinished" look of the briefs. But to help hold the briefs up, there is an elastic waistband sewn onto the inside (like what is done in many boxer shorts). And to add to the overall comfort, there are no tags (just a stamp on the inside of the waistband). I really love the style of these briefs, they're so unique and so fashionable. These briefs are so unique and unexpected that they could really be your next conversation starter (I'm serious!). They are a little on the expensive side; but for such a unique piece that is sold in limited editions, it is well worth it. The exposed seams and fun colors in combination with the printed (T-shirt) pouch make these briefs an essential to every man's underwear drawer.

MY RATING:
Overall, I give the Cricket Syndicate box-cut briefs a total score of 8.5 based on the following criteria:
FIT -- 7.5 (out of 10)
COMFORT -- 10 (out of 10)
STYLE -- 9 (out of 10)
QUALITY -- 9 (out of 10)
VALUE -- 8 (out of 10)

********** 8.5

Also, a fun little aside about Cricket Syndicate: They're website announces that "Cricket Clones: Screen printed briefs" will be available this month! So be on the lookout for that.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks for this review. I have been thinking about purchasing a pair of Cricket Syndicate briefs for a while but I think I'll wait until they might redesign the fit. I like the idea and the general look of their line but I think they need some more body conscious patterns like a shorter trunk or a hip brief in their lineup before I'll own a pair.

UMan said...

I do not think they will redesign the fit, I think they are simply going to add another style. I agree with you that it will probably be a more body conscious fit that is either a shorter version of the trunk or a brief. They have said it will be a brief, but they also call what they currently offer a "box-cut brief". So who knows what it will be. But I bet it will be worth waiting for (or at least you'll have more options to choose from when the time comes). It says that it will come out in March, so you don't have too much longer to wait.