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)
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