Jock straps, Cotton, and Mens
In movies, TV or locker rooms, jockstraps always seem to be the source for a good joke. From snapping them to filling them with itching powder to using them in hazing initiations, the word “jockstrap” usually induces cringe-worthy images rather than feelings of comfort and support. It seems unfair that an undergarment, designed for the sole purpose to protect men from serious injury, gets such an underappreciated reputation. While it may be impossible to remove all the negative connotations associated with them, recent advancements and interest from designer labels have made jockstraps more acceptable and fashionable than ever.
The word “jockstrap” first appeared in 1897, but by that time jockstraps had actually been in mass production for more than 20 years. From as early as the 1600s, it was fashionable for men to wear “modesty girdles” while wearing tight-fitting clothing or swimwear. Basically the same design as the jockstrap, these girdles were pouches made of rubberized canvas to hide any revealing male outline that would offend the traditional public. But by the late 1800s, members of the Boston Athletic Club, mainly a biking club, became irritated with these modesty girdles because they chaffed the sensitive region while riding on the bumpy, cobblestone streets in Boston. Charles Bennet was the first to invent Bike Jocky Strap in 1874, which later became the jockstrap as we know it. The Bike Jocky Strap was designed for better male support rather than concealment–which were bike riders’ main complaint. Bennet intended the strap for bicycle and horseback riding, selling them through his newly-formed Bike Company, which still sells jockstraps and other biking accessories.
Basically, a jockstrap is an undergarment designed for providing male support while engaging in sports and other strenuous activities. They consist of an elastic waist band with a cloth pouch to hold the male anatomy close to the body. Two more elastic straps are affixed to the base of the pouch which connects it back to the waist band. Some jockstraps also have a small pocket in the pouch that can accommodate a plastic cup for extra protection. This basic design has remained relatively-unchanged for 100 years, but there are many styles of straps that have slight variations.
Football, lacrosse and baseball players prefer the jockstraps with a wide band and a cup insert. This style is perfect for anyone playing full-contact sports because of its guaranteed protection. Some sports even require this; a baseball player is required to wear a jockstrap. Most people don’t necessarily prefer a cup insert, however. While running, playing soccer or tennis, a jock without a cup insert is good for providing general support and comfort and they’re also believed to be a good preventative measure against testicular torsion. Hockey jocks are like regular styles, except they have garters to hold socks up on the thigh. Narrow waistband jocks are usually worn under swimwear.
Since jockstraps are not a requirement in high school sports anymore, compression short jocks have become extremely popular. These look like normal athletic shorts with a partial or full jockstrap sewn on the inside. This allows kids the protection needed for active sports without the negativity that is sometimes associated with jockstraps.
Running Shoes - Staying fit and healthy is a struggle these days, but something as simple as running can get you closer to that body and lifestyle you want!
