The athletic supporter, or jockstrap, is an article of underwear designed to keep the male genitalia supported during athletic competition or physical activity. Usually consisting of an elastic waistband, the athletic supporter features a cloth support pouch for the genitalia with two elastic straps that run from the waistband and under each buttock to keep the pouch snug. Some designs have a fitted pocket to hold an impact resistant cup for further protection.
Origins
In 1874, C. F. Bennett, of the Chicago sporting goods company Sharp and Smith, invented the jockey strap specifically for the bicycle jockeys who traveled the cobblestone Boston streets. Bennett patented the design in 1897 and began mass-producing the Bike Jockey Strap at his newly formed Bike Web Company. Today, operating under its current Bike Company name, Bike continues to be the market leader in jockey strap sales.
The Cup
Guelph Elastic Hosiery in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, filed a patent for the first hard cup supporter in 1927. Jack Carledge, son of the company's founder, developed the design to meet his own athletic needs.
Variations
Athletic supporters generally come in two waistband widths, a 1-inch "swimmer style" and the standard 3-inch style. Thong jockstraps, with a single strap running from the bottom of the pouch through the center of the buttocks, are also available. Another variation is the slingshot, which has no straps and uses the weight of the testicles to hold it in place. The most interesting variation of the athletic supporter is the Heidelberg Electric Belt. Sold in the early 1900s as a cure for impotence, insomnia and kidney disorders, it was basically a low-voltage jockstrap.
Considerations
An athletic supporter should be part of your equipment if you are engaging in any high-impact sport. Hard-cup inserts are recommended for baseball, football, hockey, rugby or soccer. In sports requiring running, the athletic supporter will keep the testicles cradled against the body, reducing shock or strain.
When selecting an athletic supporter, the waistband should be comfortable and not given to rolling. The leg straps should also be taut enough to prevent twisting.
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