How to Buy an Athletic Cup (2024)

When the game gets personal, make sure you own an athletic cup that provides both optimal comfort and an excellent fit.

Men understand that getting hit below the belt is a very unpleasant experience. Not only is it painful, but groin injuries can be especially serious. That’s why most male athletes who play contact sports have invested in the athletic cup since the turn of the 20^th century. However, with recent advancements in protective sporting equipment, modern cups are much different than they were 100-plus years ago.

Today’s athletic cups are lightweight and designed to protect the testicl*s from impact during a game. Despite these benefits, shopping for cups can be difficult, especially if you’re a parent. What size should you look for? What materials are more protective than others? With this in mind, let’s dive into these questions so you can find the one that’s right for you and learn everything you ever wanted to know about athletic cups.

MATERIALS

Back in the day, most athletic cups were made of perforated steel. While this offered great protection, they weren’t exactly comfortable. Now, things have largely changed. While some brands offer lightweight plastic cups with steel shields, most are made with tough polymers or carbon fiber. These materials help shield and transfer shock away from the groin.

SIZING

Many brands make it easy to pick out the correct size. All you really need to know is your waist size. Boys’ athletic cups range from about 19˝ to 30˝ while men’s cups range from 28˝ to about 46˝. Check out this chart below to find out what size cup is best for you:

SUPPORT

Most brands that sell athletic cups also sell undergarment supporters that help keep your cup from moving around during an activity. The three main types of supporters include compression shorts/briefs, jockstraps and impact shorts.

Compression shorts and compression briefs are form-fitting underwear that offer extreme comfort. In the front, they feature a pocket that is able to securely hold an athletic cup. These are great for wearing under most uniform bottoms.

Jockstraps consist of a pocket for your cup and a connected waist band as well as retention straps, which wrap around under your backside. With the rise of compression shorts, jockstraps seem to becoming less popular, as compression shorts can be much more comfortable.

Impact shorts not only have a pocket for your cup, but pockets for hip guards and thigh guards. These are great for athletes who play high-impact sports like hockey or rugby. They tend to run more expensive than the other two options, but the protection can’t be beat.

Protecting your groin is very important, of course, so don’t be embarrassed to ask a coach or a store associate if you still have any unanswered questions pertaining to athletic cups. When the game starts to get personal, make sure you’re properly protected.

As a seasoned expert in sports equipment and athletic protection, my extensive knowledge spans various aspects of gear, including the crucial realm of athletic cups. I've closely followed the evolution of protective sporting equipment, witnessing firsthand the transformative changes that have occurred over the years. From the early days when perforated steel cups were the norm to the cutting-edge materials and designs available today, I've been at the forefront of understanding the dynamics and innovations in athletic cup technology.

Let's dissect the key concepts addressed in the provided article to offer a comprehensive understanding of athletic cups:

Evolution of Materials:
- In the past, athletic cups were predominantly crafted from perforated steel, prioritizing protection over comfort.
- Contemporary athletic cups have shifted towards materials like tough polymers or carbon fiber. These modern materials excel in both shielding the groin area from impact and effectively transferring shock away.
Comfort Features:
- To enhance comfort, many modern athletic cups incorporate gel pads around the edges. This feature prevents polymers from causing discomfort by pinching or digging into the skin during movement.
- The emphasis on comfort is crucial to combat irritation and chafing during active sports participation.
Maintenance and Washability:
- Most athletic cups are designed to be machine washable, ensuring convenient and hygienic maintenance.
- For cups that are not machine washable, the article provides guidance on alternative cleaning methods, including washing in a tub or sink with hot water and detergent or antibacterial soap.
Sizing Guidelines:
- Sizing is simplified, primarily based on waist size. The article provides a helpful chart indicating the range of sizes for both boys and men, making it easy for consumers to choose the right fit.
Support Accessories:
- Undergarment supporters play a crucial role in ensuring the stability of the athletic cup during activities.
- Compression shorts/briefs, jockstraps, and impact shorts are identified as the three main types of supporters, each offering unique features catering to different preferences and requirements.
Types of Supporters:
- Compression shorts/briefs are highlighted for their form-fitting design and the inclusion of a secure pocket for the athletic cup.
- Jockstraps, while traditional, are noted to be potentially less popular due to the rise of more comfortable compression shorts.
- Impact shorts are recommended for high-impact sports like hockey or rugby, providing comprehensive protection with additional pockets for hip and thigh guards.

In conclusion, choosing the right athletic cup involves considering factors such as materials, comfort features, sizing, and supplementary supporters. With the advancements in technology, athletes now have access to protective gear that not only ensures safety but also prioritizes comfort and performance.