How to Wear a Jockstrap: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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1Wearing a Jockstrap for Sports

2Wearing a Jockstrap for Fashion

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Last Updated: October 25, 2022ReferencesApproved

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A jockstrap consists of a waistband, usually elastic, as well as a support pouch for the genitals. They were developed almost 150 years ago for bicyclists. Nowadays, they are used for support and comfort during a variety of sports, often with the addition of a cup for added protection. Increasingly, fashion jockstraps are also worn as an everyday replacement for more traditional underwear.

Things You Should Know

  • Choose a jockstrap that's snug enough to support your genitals but loose enough to not chafe.
  • Get a cup-style jockstrap if you play a sport with plenty of speeding projectiles, like hockey, football, and soccer.
  • Wear a comfortable jockstrap as a stylish alternative to your usual underwear.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Wearing a Jockstrap for Sports

  1. 1

    Wear a jockstrap for comfort and protection while playing sports. A jockstrap is recommended for any sport that requires running, such as track and field or basketball. For contact sports or sports involving fast-moving balls, a cup is also recommended.

  2. 2

    Make sure your jockstrap fits correctly. You will want to consider waist size and pouch comfort. The jockstrap should be tight enough to lift and hold the penis and testicl*s close to the body, out of the way during movement, but not too tight, as chafing can contribute to jock itch.

  3. 3

    Decide if you will be wearing a cup. A cup is a hard molded piece of plastic or metal that fits inside of a pouch in the jock strap.[1] They are recommended for any sport involving contact or speeding projectiles, such as hockey, soccer, baseball, football, or mixed martial arts. Some men wear a cup-jockstrap in daily wear, not just when playing sports, to augment their masculine appearance.

    • Many athletes are reluctant to wear cups, particularly in football,[2] but consider that more than half of all testicular injuries occur during sports and [3] testicular torsion and testicular rupture can lead to losing a testicl*.
  4. 4

    Choose your cup. Many cups are sport specific, so you’ll need to know the sport you are going to use it for.[4] You will want to consider both comfort and the degree of protection the cup offers.

    • For a cup to work, it must fit tightly against the body. You will want to make sure your jockstrap is tight enough to prevent the cup from rolling or twisting.
    • Look for cups with cushioned edges. A hard edge will just transfer the force of the blow to the pelvic area. A soft edge provides better cushioning during impact.[5]
    • For really fast moving sports like lacrosse or baseball, consider a titanium cup.[6]
  5. 5

    Consider wearing compression shorts over your cup-jockstrap if you think the cup- jockstrap fits too loose and does not hold the cup tight enough against your body. Compression shorts offer similar support as a jockstrap, and some compression shorts come with a pouch designed to hold a protective cup, but many compression shorts that have a pouch do not hold the cup tight against the body. It is better to wear a cup in a cup-jockstrap and then wear tight fitting compression shorts over the cup-jockstrap to hold the cup firmly in place and tight against the body. In many sports such as football, compression shorts are now preferred by many athletes. But remember always that the cup must be held firmly in place and tight against the body for it function properly.[7]

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Wearing a Jockstrap for Fashion

  1. 1

    Wear a fashion jockstrap as you would regular underwear. Increasingly, men are turning to jockstraps as an everyday form of underwear due to their comfort and attractiveness.

  2. 2

    Make sure your jockstrap is comfortable. Jockstraps are usually sized by waist. You will want to try several to make sure your genitals are also comfortable. Unlike in sports, you do not need to worry about how close they hold your genitals to your body. Pick a jockstrap that you find most comfortable.

  3. 3

    Decide on a style. Fashion jockstraps don’t just come in the typical waist band, pouch and two straps style that typifies sports jockstraps. Some have thicker straps or multiple straps, while others have more material to help shape your buttocks.

  4. 4

    Choose the material. Like other kinds of underwear, fashion jockstraps come in a variety of materials: cotton, mesh, silk and even fur![8]

  5. 5

    Consider the shape of the pouch. Fashion jockstraps come in a variety of shapes, including snug, contour and natural.[9] Some even come with plastic cups for “aesthetic enhancement.”

  6. 6

    Pick your brand. 35% of men say they buy their underwear in order to show off the brand peeking out from the waist of their pants. Consider popular fashion brands like Jack Adams, Nasty Pig, N2N, Modus Vivendi, Pump! And Baskit.[10]

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      Warning

      • Especially for jockstraps worn during sports, be sure to wash them after every use to avoid jock itch. You can wash a jockstrap in the washing machine. If using a cup, wash it with soap and water after each use.

      References

      1. http://www.momsteam.com/under-5/protective-cups-jock-straps-required-equipment-all-contact-collision-sports#ixzz3YLQr4AAi
      2. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/sports/football/helmet-check-shoulder-pads-check-cup-no-thanks.html?_r=0
      3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522506
      4. http://www.momsteam.com/under-5/protective-cups-jock-straps-required-equipment-all-contact-collision-sports#ixzz3YLQr4AAi
      5. http://www.momsteam.com/under-5/protective-cups-jock-straps-required-equipment-all-contact-collision-sports#ixzz3YLQr4AAi
      6. http://www.momsteam.com/under-5/protective-cups-jock-straps-required-equipment-all-contact-collision-sports#ixzz3YLQr4AAi
      7. http://www.slate.com/articles/sports/sports_nut/2005/07/where_have_all_the_jockstraps_gone.html
      8. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-kleinmann/jockstrap-fashion_b_3751151.html
      9. http://jezebel.com/the-jockstrap-double-standard-why-modern-men-should-we-1537960350

      More References (1)

      About This Article

      wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 27 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 933,738 times.

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      Updated: October 25, 2022

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      Categories: Men's Health

      Article SummaryX

      To wear a jockstrap, make sure it isn't so tight that it's uncomfortable or causing chafing. If you're going to be wearing an athletic cup with your jockstrap, put your jockstrap on first. Then, slide the cup into the pouch at the front of the jockstrap. If the cup feels too loose in the pouch, try a smaller jockstrap or consider wearing compression shorts over the cup instead. For help choosing different jockstrap styles, scroll down!

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      How to Wear a Jockstrap: 11 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you wear a jockstrap? ›

      The jockstrap should be tight enough to lift and hold the penis and testicl*s close to the body, out of the way during movement, but not too tight, as chafing can contribute to jock itch. Decide if you will be wearing a cup. A cup is a hard molded piece of plastic or metal that fits inside of a pouch in the jock strap.

      What is a female jockstrap called? ›

      A jockstrap is an undergarment for protecting genitalia during any contact sports. For women, the undergarment is known as jill string.

      Does a cup go inside a jock strap? ›

      The cup is held in place by an athletic supporter or “jock strap.” These are made from cloth, with an elastic waistband and straps around the legs. The supporter should have a pouch to hold the cup. As an alternative to an athletic supporter, compression shorts are often available with a pouch to fit the cup.

      Why would a man wear a jockstrap? ›

      Most jock straps have a pouch in front to hold a hard plastic cup, which can prevent serious injury in contact sports. Why Do Men Wear Jockstraps? The main reason men wear this form of mens underwear is the extreme danger of blunt trauma.

      Where does a jockstrap go? ›

      Jockstrap Design

      The pouch is connected by straps at the bottom that run between your legs and wrap around underneath the buttocks. There are different jockstraps for a variety of sports but overall that is the general concept. The pouch is usually a sleeve as well that you can put a cup into for sports like baseball.

      At what age should a boy wear a cup? ›

      But once a boy hits age seven, or engages in more vigorous competition, he should wear one. “There are two types -- one providing support for comfort, and one adding a cup for more protection.

      How comfortable is a jockstrap? ›

      They're comfier than briefs and boxers

      Get the fit just right and a jockstrap is a far more comfortable option for day-long wear than any tight- or looser-fitting underwear, amplified further by the fabric of your bottoms. Avoid sandpaper-like rigid denim and opt instead for the softness of your favourite joggers.

      What is the difference between a jock and a Jill? ›

      Jills are relatively the same thing that a jock is to a male goaltender, except for…you guessed it, the ladies. They are slightly different in that they offer more padding in the pelvic area. Other than that, fit, design and materials are all relatively the same.

      What is an alternative to a jockstrap? ›

      Thanks to Underwear For Men, you are able to feel comfortable in your mens underwear without getting the discomfort of chafing. Whether you experience irritation from walking at work, working out at the gym, or moving around on the weekends, our boxer briefs are the right alternative to the jockstrap.

      Do jockstraps lift but? ›

      Not only does the snug fit and lift of a jock add hefty definition to the genitals, but also makes butts and thighs look firmer and more defined. Because jockstraps minimize fabric, you'll also show off more of those abs and pelvic area.

      What is a Jill strap? ›

      jillstrap (plural jillstraps) (informal) A pelvic protector, a woman's equivalent of a man's jockstrap.

      Will a jockstrap hold a Packer? ›

      Go on - do handstands, cartwheels, box jumps - and rest assured your packer will stay put. The jock strap pouch is big enough to fit most packer sizes but small enough to keep your packer secure.

      Should you wear jockstrap in gym? ›

      Athletic supporters are recommended for all these sports. If you are playing a sport in which the odds are good that something will hit you in the groin, wearing a protective cup can save you from intense pain and serious injury. You could actually lose a testicl* due to a sports injury.

      How does a cup go in a jock? ›

      Insert the cup into the pocket in the front of the jock strap, narrow end down. Move it around and adjust it so that it encases your genitals snugly but comfortably. Secure the elastic, Velcro or snap closure to hold the cup in place and keep it from slipping around and pinching you.

      How do you fit a boy for a cup? ›

      After you find the right size, check for fit. “A properly sized cup should fit comfortably around the groin area and shouldn't touch the testicl*s,” says Dr. Baber. If the cup shifts or feels too loose, choose a different size.

      Do NBA players wear a cup? ›

      “Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them. Even Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, doesn't recommend them.

      At what age will her son start to drink from a cup? ›

      Many children are able to drink from a sippy cup at around 6 to 9 months, and by 12 months, your tot will probably be ready to give the bottle the boot. It's good timing, too, because the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends weaning from a bottle between 12 and 24 months.

      Can you wear jockstraps daily? ›

      Today we have fashion jockstraps and sport jockstraps. They're just as much of a fashion statement as they are a sport necessity. When you consider a jockstrap fashionable, then wearing one all day makes sense. If you're going to wear a supporter for fashion, then you would not have to wear regular underwear.

      How do I know my jockstrap size? ›

      Measure the circumference of your waist just above the hips. Using your waist circumference and height measurements, correspond them to the appropriate hockey jock or jill sizing chart below. Your measurements may overlap between two sizes, which in this case comes down to a personal choice.

      Can a jock be a girl? ›

      Despite the growing popularity of women's sports, jock identity remains disproportionately a male characteristic, with 50% of boys but only 23% of girls reporting that the label “jock” fit them at least somewhat well.

      Why is it called a jock? ›

      The use of the term "jock" to refer to an athletic man is thought to have emerged around 1963. It is believed to be derived from the word "jockstrap," which is an undergarment worn to support/protect the male genitals while playing sports.

      Does jockstrap help with testicular pain? ›

      If your testicl*s are swollen, wear an athletic supporter (jockstrap) or spandex shorts. This may help control swelling and ease symptoms. Ice and heat. To ease swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the scrotum.

      Which is better jockstrap or compression shorts? ›

      Compression garments are a step beyond wearing a traditional jockstrap and can be used in conjunction for the ultimate combination of support and comfort. The jockstrap offers stability while the compression garments wick away sweat to prevent irritation.

      What is a jockey strap? ›

      Noun. jockstrap (plural jockstraps) (sports) An athletic supporter worn by men and boys to support the genitals during strenuous exercise. quotations ▼ synonyms ▲ Synonyms: jock, strap, groin guard, supporter, athletic supporter.

      Do girls wear a jock in hockey? ›

      Yes—most girls wear a jock, known as a jill, in hockey. There are a number of women who don't use a jill, but it is highly recommended for every female hockey player to wear one for extra protection.

      What does jock mean in slang? ›

      (US, slang) A young male athlete (through college age). (US, slang, derogatory) An enthusiastic athlete or sports fan, especially one with few other interests, often stereotyped as slow-witted person of large size and great physical strength.

      Can a female be a jock? ›

      Despite the growing popularity of women's sports, jock identity remains disproportionately a male characteristic, with 50% of boys but only 23% of girls reporting that the label “jock” fit them at least somewhat well.

      What is the difference between a jockstrap and a dance belt? ›

      Whereas jock straps contain straps on their backside, a dance belt is primarily made as a thong. The reason for this design is to completely hide all traces of underwear lines through the tights or tight pants a male dancer wears.

      What is a jock cup called? ›

      The compression cup box (also called "compression cup box" or "L-Guard") is a hard (mostly plastic) cup that is inserted into the jockstrap to protect the male genitals. [

      What do jocks wear to school? ›

      Jocks have a style or fashion of their own. They wear blue jeans such as Levi's, CK, and so on. They wear t-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats that have to do with their sports.

      Can you be a nerd and a jock? ›

      Jocks are often portrayed as thugs who are not too bright. Stereotypes are limiting of course, but it is helpful to think of the gifts of nerds and jocks as separate types of intelligence. Being a nerd does not mean you can't be a jock. Being a jock does not mean you can't do well in school.

      What personality type is a jock? ›

      Various characteristics of the jock stereotype include: Aggressive, arrogant, mean, dumb, egotistical, easily offended and ill-tempered. Muscular, tall and athletic. Attractive.

      Which is better compression shorts or jockstrap? ›

      Compression garments are a step beyond wearing a traditional jockstrap and can be used in conjunction for the ultimate combination of support and comfort. The jockstrap offers stability while the compression garments wick away sweat to prevent irritation.

      What sports require a jockstrap? ›

      Cups are also necessary in hockey, football, baseball, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, mixed martial arts and other contact sports. Jockstraps are best for sports that involve running and jostling but not necessarily contact with a projectile or other players.

      Do football players wear a jockstrap? ›

      Jockstraps are a piece of equipment commonly used as protection in the game of football. While this item is not always required, they are worn by many football players. Football jockstraps come in a few different variations depending on personal preference.

      Do NBA players wear jockstraps? ›

      Strup, quoted in this ESPN article says it comes down to comfort. “Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them. Even Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, doesn't recommend them.

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