Men's Jockstraps

A jockstrap, jock or an athletic supporter, is a type of men's inner wear or undergarment especially designed for use in sports or other activities. They are sometimes also worn by some people as everyday underwear.

Construction
A jockstrap has a wide elastic waistband and a support pouch with two straps extending from the base of the pouch around the hips. The garment usually doesn't cover the hip area unlike boxers and briefs. Certain jockstraps have a pouch that are fitted with an impact resistant cups for protecting the pricate parts of the wearer. Such jockstraps are popularly used in different sports like baseball etc.

Jockstrap Styles
Jockstraps are available in different styles to suit individual tastes and requirements. These styles are listed below:

• Fashion jock: These jocks are specialty jocks made for fashion aficionados. They are not that practical to wear and are quite sexy in look. They are made of sheer or see-through materials like net, mesh and also leather, velvet, silk, rubber, Rayon, Lycra etc. "Missile pouches", a type of daring fashion jocks designed for experimental males.
• Hockey jock: This is a regular jockstrap having four adjustable elastic straps and garter clips for holding hockey socks in place. Players wear these socks over shin pads and they cover the entire leg up to the thigh. 'Goalie protector', another type of hockey jock consists of a padded pouch for protecting the player during the game.
• Narrow waistband: Also known as "swimming or running jocks", these jockstraps are worn underneath trunks or swimming shorts for providing protection and support. Since the waist bands are quite narrow, the garment does not show outside the shorts.
• Wide band with a cup: These are specialty garments worn during various sports events for protecting the player's private parts. The jockstrap has a padded cup and a wide band for providing extra protection and support.
• Wide band without a cup: This is the most common style of jockstrap, worn as a gym wear. It is used for providing support. The materials of this garment is a blend of natural and synthetic materials for a firmer fit and higher durability. The fabric also ensures lifting protection to the wearer.
• Windproof jock: These jockstraps are made of special fibers and have an extra layer of fabric for protecting the private parts of the wearer from wind and cold. These garments are widely used by winter hikers as it allows both freedom of movement and provides heat.

Fabrics Used
Jockstraps are available in a variety of fabrics. During the initial period, they were made of natural cotton and rubber and thus had a relatively short life span. With technological advancement and new synthetic fibers, this men's garment is available in different fiber blends to ensure long lasting product.

Buying Tips A buyer must first decide for what purpose will he need the garment. Is it for regular wear, sports event, hiking etc. For regular wear, a buyer must focus on comfort, fit and freedom of movement. Natural fabric like cotton and their blends are suitable for daily wear jockstraps. Choose a style of jockstrap accordingly. For sports wear, a buyer must choose a blend of natural and synthetic fibers for perfect fit, freedom of movement and extra support & protection to the player. Padded pouches are a must for extra protection for players. It is essential to choose the right style, besides the fabric to ensure that the garment meets the functional purpose also. (browse through the list of styles of jockstraps)