How to Size an Athletic Supporter

How to Size an Athletic Supporter
Photo Credit tennis image by Galina Barskaya from Fotolia.com

As the name implies, an athletic supporter is used to support and shield the male genitals. Without this protective undergarment, there's a greater potential for injury due to shifting, jarring or impact. Basketball, soccer, tennis, cross-country and track are all activities that can benefit from the use of a jockstrap. Football, hockey and other high-impact sports often require a jockstrap fitted with a protective cup. Regardless of which sport you're playing, it's important to get the right fit when buying an athletic supporter.

Step 1

Compare the size of the athletic supporter to your waist circumference. Athletic supporters and jockstraps are sized based on the circumference of the waistband.

Step 2

Slip on the athletic support. Since the sizing doesn't relate to the pouch size, you want to make sure that both the waistband and the pouch fit comfortably. Ideally, the pouch should feel snug, not tight.

Step 3

Try the next larger size. If you feel that the pouch is too tight to move comfortably, opt for the next size up. As the waistband sizes increase, so do the pouch sizes.

Step 4

Note the fit of the leg straps. Like the actual pouch providing support, the leg straps should also feel snug against your skin. This prevents twisting, which ensures proper movement.

Step 5

Adjust the waistband. If you needed to go up a size due to the fit of the pouch, have the waistband altered to better fit your waist. The waistband is part of the supportiveness of the undergarment, so it should fit snugly as well.

Tips and Warnings

  • Consider switching to compression shorts. This athletic undergarment is a great option for people having problems sizing athletic supporters.

References

Article reviewed by Elizabeth Last updated on: Aug 6, 2010

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments