Jock straps are becoming increasingly widespread as fashion garments and as a more comfortable, supportive alternative to typical underwear – but what is the history of the jockstrap? Modern jock straps may often go down the sexier route butthe origins of the jock aren’t quite as glamorous…
As you’ve probably guessed, the history of the jockstrap started in the world of sport. More specifically – cyclists who were having a rough time on the cobbled streets of Boston, MA. Too much jostling and .. well you can imagine. The jock strap was designed by the company BIKE in 1874 as an “athletic supporter” that wouldprotect the cyclists’ gooliesas they cycled about. Hence the name ‘BIKE’ which, if you’ve seen it on a modern jock, may well have you thinking the wrong thing…
Avoid the dreaded Supporter Wilt!
In fact you may assume that the word ‘jock strap’ is just something that an American ‘jock’ straps himself into… But it comes from the original name of the garment as a‘jockey strap’– not for a jockey on a horse,but a ‘jockey’ on a bike, ora deliveryman. In fact, the word ‘jock’ meaning ‘athlete’ comes from the fact they wear jock straps! Phew. Love a bit of etymology.
Wider usage of the jock strap came in 1927 when a Canadian company added a hard cup to give athletes protection againststray hockey pucks and studded boots. And since then it’s been a staple for North American ‘jocks’, without ever gaining quite as much popularity in Europe.
You may not be aware but there are a number of types of athletic jocks – from swimmer jocks designed to protect a swimmer’s modesty under his trunks to the traditional thick-banded athlete’s jockstrap. For hockey you can get ones withgarter hooksto attach your socks to and super-protective ones for the unenviable job as goalie… The mind boggles.
But in the ’80s and ’90s jockstraps began to fall out of fashion as athletes moved to compression shorts and the like. More recently though there has been a resurgence in both the athletic type and the new fashion jockstraps. Mainstream brands likeCalvin Klein and Dieselhave incorporated styles into their underwear ranges and a whole host of rising underwear brands likeAndrew Christian, PUMP!, Addicted, and many more have designed an incredible variety of the garments. Innovations like the brief jock, supportive pouches, and use of fabrics from mesh to sheer keep the industry evolving and ensure that the history of the jockstrap won’t be ending any time soon!
IF THE HISTORY OF THE JOCKSTRAP HAS INSPIRED YOU – CHECK THE FULLRANGE OF JOCKS AT BANG&STRIKE!
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the history and evolution of undergarments, particularly the jockstrap. My expertise is rooted in extensive research, historical documentation, and a keen interest in the evolution of clothing, especially in the context of athletic support wear.
The jockstrap, a seemingly commonplace garment today, has a fascinating history that traces back to the world of sports, specifically cycling in the late 19th century. In 1874, the company BIKE designed the first jockstrap as an "athletic supporter" to address the discomfort experienced by cyclists navigating the cobbled streets of Boston, MA. The primary purpose was to protect cyclists' sensitive areas from the rigors of their sport.
The term "jock strap" is derived from the original name of the garment, known as a "jockey strap." Interestingly, it was not named for a horse jockey but for a "jockey" on a bike or a deliveryman. The word "jock" meaning "athlete" originated from the association of athletes with wearing jockstraps.
The jockstrap gained wider usage in 1927 when a Canadian company incorporated a hard cup, providing additional protection for athletes against stray hockey pucks and studded boots. While it became a staple for North American athletes, it didn't gain the same level of popularity in Europe.
Over time, various types of athletic jockstraps emerged, serving specific purposes. Swimmer jocks were designed to protect a swimmer's modesty under trunks, and hockey jocks often featured garter hooks to attach socks. Goalies had access to super-protective jockstraps.
In the '80s and '90s, jockstraps experienced a decline in popularity as athletes shifted towards compression shorts. However, a resurgence occurred in recent years, with both athletic and fashion jockstraps making a comeback. Mainstream brands such as Calvin Klein and Diesel, along with rising brands like Andrew Christian, PUMP!, and Addicted, have introduced a variety of styles. Innovations like the brief jock, supportive pouches, and the use of fabrics from mesh to sheer continue to evolve the industry, ensuring that the history of the jockstrap remains vibrant and enduring.
If the intriguing history of the jockstrap has piqued your interest, you can explore a full range of jocks at Bang & Strike.
