The Binary Brief
Yorkies
Avg. $29 US
Brief Boys Mitchell and Patton review the Binary Brief from Yorkies, “for men who are going places.” The Binary Brief boasts a “hidden horseshoe-shaped cup” that “provides a little additional lift up front.”
Mitchell: Apparently, men who are going places in the digital age need more advanced underwear that “puts the total package up front.” While there are a lot of anatomical lift designs out there, these provide lift and support without any of the complicated straps and strings we’re used to.
Patton: Exactly. The “horseshoe-shaped cup” isn’t much more than a pocket, and is surprisingly un-intrusive. Though I didn’t exactly feel like I was going to get a promotion or anything, but maybe I was wearing the wrong jeans.
M: Me neither. Though it’s impressive that Patrick York, the owner and designer of Yorkies, has given himself a promotion with this entire project. His 2011 Kickstarter campaign was a huge success, and he’s currently operating and manufacturing in the Bay Area. I’m pleased to see he’s turned it into a full-fledged business in so short a time.
P: That may have a lot to do with the appearance of the brief. Graphically, they’re very stylish – all black and white, covered in binary text, with a QR code stamped on the right hip. With the lift offered by the pouch, this is a pair of underwear to show off, but from a design and structural standpoint, there’s really not much more here than a basic brief.
M: Agreed. The cut, fabric, and fit all seem pretty standard. Though I will say I was surprised to find out that they were polyester rather than cotton, since they’re incredibly soft. So that gives them a little bit of a performance boost.
P: But definitely not something you’d wear running or anything. Especially not with that extra inch or so of fabric between the pouch and the seat. After a while, they threaten to sag.
M: By the way, did I tell you I scanned the QR code?
M: That’s what I was hoping, but it just brings you to the Yorkies website. Which, if you’re wearing the underwear, I’m assuming you’ve already seen.
P: What if you’re scanning someone else’s underwear? Maybe they should offer customizable QR codes that lead to whatever online profile you choose.
M: In case you get lost and you don’t remember your name?
P: Or maybe the website is fine.
FIT / Average
COMFORT / Good
STYLE / Good
QUALITY / Average
VALUE / Average
BOTTOM LINE / For guys who want to show off their assets with more style than a solid color brief.
