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What is a Jockstrap?

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A jockstrap or athletic supporter is an undergarment many men wear while playing sports or performing other strenuous activities. The main purpose of a traditional jockstrap is to provide stability and support for the wearer's genitals. Without a jockstrap or other form of supportive underwear, a man could experience painful tearing or stretching of the testicles, for example. An athletic supporter suspends the wearer's genitals securely, minimizing shifting under stress. This is why many physical education instructors strongly urge their male students to wear jockstraps in addition to any other protective or compressive gear.

Jockstraps feature elastic waistbands similar to other men's underwear, but the front pouch is designed to provide a very snug fit. The wearer places his legs through two elastic bands, which do not attach to the waistband. The wearer may have the option of fitting a protective plastic cup to a special pouch built into the front of certain types of jockstraps. Others may wear bicycle shorts, wrestling unitards or compression shorts over the athletic supporter. The cushioned jockstrap not only provides protection from chafing, but it also provides some modesty for the wearer.

Jockstraps are part of equipment worn by football players.
Jockstraps are part of equipment worn by football players.

The term jockstrap can be traced back to the late 19th century, when a number of sportswear designers produced the first supportive undergarments for "bicycle jockeys," cyclists who often suffered torsion injuries while riding on rough city streets. Other athletes soon discovered the advantages of wearing jockey straps, and the name became shortened over time to the modern jockstrap. The concept of wearing protective pieces over one's genitals can be traced back to medieval codpieces and ancient loincloths, but these devices were not necessarily suited for athletic events.

Wrestlers often wear jockstraps for protection.
Wrestlers often wear jockstraps for protection.

Some men prefer to wear jockstraps under loose-fitting boxer shorts in order to reduce chafing and avoid the hazards of "free ranging." In response to this demand for more supportive undergarments, men's underwear manufacturers have introduced jockey-style underwear. Modern jockey underwear or briefs feature the same type of support and compression as traditional jockstraps. The most traditional form of jockey underwear is perhaps the so-called tighty whitey, a white cotton brief with an elastic band and two openings for the wearer's legs. Tighty whiteys provide complete front and back coverage, as well as the same supportive qualities of traditional jockstraps.

A jockstrap is worn to avoid painful tearing or stretching of the testicles.
A jockstrap is worn to avoid painful tearing or stretching of the testicles.

Other styles of jockey underwear include the boxer brief, a brief with extended leg holes, and the bicycle short, a compressive undergarment with a mid-thigh leg cut. With the success of jockey-style underwear, many men have largely abandoned the routine use of a supportive jockstrap, unless it is considered an essential part of an athletic uniform. Some physical education instructors may also require the use of a jockstrap in order to avoid injuries during school-sponsored athletic competitions or classes.

Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular BeautyAnswered contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...
Michael Pollick
Michael Pollick

A regular BeautyAnswered contributor, Michael enjoys doing research in order to satisfy his wide-ranging curiosity about a variety of arcane topics. Before becoming a professional writer, Michael worked as an English tutor, poet, voice-over artist, and DJ.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1000514

I have always chosen to wear a jockstrap for tennis, racquetball and volleyball since I was 15 years old. I think jocks are more comfortable than compression 'bike style' shorts, especially out in summer temperatures.

I never play pick up ice hockey, or league softball, without wearing my athletic cup. A bad hop softball, or puck, can still hurt even wearing a cup, but nothing compared to a direct shot to the testicles.

anon305670

Tonight I saw a picture of the Notre Dame (some of the members) 2012 football team. The front row one could see all the guys' genital outlines. If you don't wear the jock for support, then at least wear one for modesty. No one wants to see your junk, unless its behind closed doors with your wife, girlfriend or significant other.

About a year ago, a guy I knew at my gym was jogging on a treadmill, with no supporter, in boxer shorts. Yep, it happened. The paramedics were called he had a bad testicular torsion (somehow). It was very painful. I know for a fact he is strapped now at every workout.

anon177167

A jockstrap is the best sports underwear.

anon109566

it was obligatory for us to wear a jockstrap for all types of sport, and a jockstrap + box for cricket. it is the best form of genital support. i still wear one. i cannot understand why they have fallen out of favor with younger people!

anon87269

I had to wear a jockstrap for school sports,and with a box for cricket, good support and protection, but prefer boxer shorts that I've always worn, even at school.

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    • Jockstraps are part of equipment worn by football players.
      By: Melinda Nagy
      Jockstraps are part of equipment worn by football players.
    • Wrestlers often wear jockstraps for protection.
      By: Michael Chamberlin
      Wrestlers often wear jockstraps for protection.
    • A jockstrap is worn to avoid painful tearing or stretching of the testicles.
      By: tomschoumakers
      A jockstrap is worn to avoid painful tearing or stretching of the testicles.
    • The first jockstraps were designed for cyclists who often suffered torsion injuries.
      By: Lsantilli
      The first jockstraps were designed for cyclists who often suffered torsion injuries.
    • Some physical education classes require young male participants to wear proper protective gear.
      By: highwaystarz
      Some physical education classes require young male participants to wear proper protective gear.