A jockstrap is an undergarment for protecting genitalia during any contact sports. For women, the undergarment is known as jill string. A jockstrap/ jill string consists of an elastic waistband and a support pouch for the genitalia. Two elastic straps are attached to the base of the support pouch and extended to the left and the right line till the hip portion. The support pouch may be in the form of a pocket to hold an abdominal guard to give better protection.
History of Jockstrap
C. F. Bennett invented the jockstrap in 1874 for a Chicago sporting company, Sharp & Smith. They were made for providing support and comfort for the bicycle jockeys riding the cobblestone streets. By 1897, Bike Web Company under Bennett patented the Bike Jockey Strap and started mass production. Until 2003, the Bike Company was the only company to produce jockstraps. Later that year, the Bike Company was acquired by Russell Athletic. Russell Athletic produced jockstraps until 2017 until they entered into a partnership with Berkshire Hathaway.
Today, jockstraps are worn mainly by adult men and women for contact sports and weightlifting.
Popular Designs of Jockstrap
The jockstrap has a consistent design, but there are variations in details like the width of the waistband or design or fabric. Jockstraps are designed as per respective sports like swim jocks, bicycle, polo, etc. Some jockstraps come in a narrow waistband shape or have adjustable elastic straps attached to garter clips which keeps hockey socks in place. Some customised jockstraps with bulky goalie protector have abdominal and genitalia foam padding. Windproof jockstraps come with a particular layer of fabric to safeguard the wearer from wind and cold during winter sports. Jockstraps are also made in other materials as fetish wear.
Jockstraps also come in jock brief or support briefs having a wide waistband combined with a full seat. These are made of elastic supportive material. Another is a thong-style strap, known as a dance belt. This comes in a narrow elastic strap joined to the bottom of the jockstrap, passing through the middle of the legs and further attaching to the waistband at the back.
Protective Cups
Cups offer additional protection of the private parts for contact sports. They are made of hard plastic or steel and are perforated for ventilation. Cups come in soft, flexible, and comfortable type for low contact sports. They also come in the soft lining and hard exterior. Protective cups in cricket are called as a box. They are worn by batsmen, wicket-keeper, and close-up fielders.
Some jockstraps come with a lined front pouch for letting the protective cup adjust properly. In this, the abdominal guard is made from high-density plastic and moulded in a shape of half pear with padded edges, inserted into the jockstrap-style underwear of the wicket-keeper and the batsmen. Sometimes cricketers use athletic cups.
Pelvic protectors come for female genitalia; however, they are less widespread.
In martial arts and kickboxing, jockstraps have a protective cup directly attached to the clothing and worn as a regular brief. Some sports like boxing use an oversized cup and jock combined into a single item with layered foam padding to safeguard the groin, abdomen, and kidneys.
FAQs
jillstrap (plural jillstraps) (informal) A pelvic protector, a woman's equivalent of a man's jockstrap.
What material is a jockstrap? ›
If you're purchasing a jockstrap for athletic purposes, look for one made out of rayon or spandex, which will help wick sweat away from your body and provide better ventilation.
Why are jock straps designed the way they are? ›
The jock strap was designed by the company BIKE in 1874 as an “athletic supporter” that would protect the cyclists' goolies as they cycled about.
How does a cup jock strap work? ›
The cup is held in place by an athletic supporter or “jock strap.” These are made from cloth, with an elastic waistband and straps around the legs. The supporter should have a pouch to hold the cup. As an alternative to an athletic supporter, compression shorts are often available with a pouch to fit the cup.
What is the difference between a jock and a Jill? ›
Jills are relatively the same thing that a jock is to a male goaltender, except for…you guessed it, the ladies. They are slightly different in that they offer more padding in the pelvic area. Other than that, fit, design and materials are all relatively the same.
Why do guys wear a jockstrap? ›
Most jock straps have a pouch in front to hold a hard plastic cup, which can prevent serious injury in contact sports. Why Do Men Wear Jockstraps? The main reason men wear this form of mens underwear is the extreme danger of blunt trauma.
Who invented the jockstrap and why? ›
The first jockstrap was an 1874 invention by C. F. Bennett, a designer of the Sharp & Smith sportswear company based in Chicago to cover the needs of bicycle jockeys working the cobblestone streets of Boston.
Do professional athletes wear jockstraps? ›
Cups are also necessary in hockey, football, baseball, rugby, lacrosse, soccer, mixed martial arts and other contact sports. Jockstraps are best for sports that involve running and jostling but not necessarily contact with a projectile or other players.
What is another name for jock strap? ›
What is another word for jock strap?
| athletic supporter | jockey strap |
|---|
| jockstrap | jock |
| cup | |
They're comfier than briefs and boxers
Get the fit just right and a jockstrap is a far more comfortable option for day-long wear than any tight- or looser-fitting underwear, amplified further by the fabric of your bottoms. Avoid sandpaper-like rigid denim and opt instead for the softness of your favourite joggers.
More recently jockstraps have become unpopular, especially with younger people, that tend to make the switch to compression shorts. Compression shorts simply aren't much better. They work by compressing and effectively squishing the manhood into a pouch.
What is a female jockstrap called? ›
The pelvic protector is the female equivalent of the male jockstrap. It is currently unclear who was responsible for the first invention of the female pelvic protector. It is designed to protect the female genitalia from bruising or tearing.
Can you wear a jock strap everyday? ›
They're just as much of a fashion statement as they are a sport necessity. When you consider a jockstrap fashionable, then wearing one all day makes sense. If you're going to wear a supporter for fashion, then you would not have to wear regular underwear.
What does Jill meaning? ›
It comes from the name Gillian or Juliana, which translates to “child of the gods” or “youthful.” If you want baby to connect with their young, innocent spirit no matter how old they get, the name Jill is sure to do the trick. On This Page. Famous People Named Jill.
What does the word Jill mean? ›
noun (sometimes cap) slang. 1. a girl or young woman. 2. a sweetheart.
How is a Jill supposed to fit? ›
PROPER FIT
The waistband should fit comfortably around the waist without feeling constrictive or too loose. The jock or jill protection should cover the vital area without interfering with the lower body's range of motion.
Should you wear jockstrap in gym? ›
The chances of groin injury are quite high and therefore, the jockstrap becomes an essential gear in such sports.
How do football players protect their balls? ›
Athletic cups consist of hard plastic and are worn over the groin area. Athletic cups provide shielding and safety for the testicl*s. Another option is an athletic supporter, more commonly referred to as a jock strap.
Why are jockstraps uncomfortable? ›
A combination of compression and support works well when it comes to keeping you in place. But they often feel restricting since your package is compressed so much and the legs straps can be uncomfortable since they have to be fairly tight in order to stay in place.
Is jock strap good for hernia? ›
Jocks offer no protection against the relatively common inguinal hernia, in which a portion of the gut descends through the canal that contains the spermatic cord.
If your testicl*s are swollen, wear an athletic supporter (jockstrap) or spandex shorts. This may help control swelling and ease symptoms. Ice and heat. To ease swelling, use an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel on the scrotum.
Which is better compression shorts or jockstrap? ›
Compression garments are a step beyond wearing a traditional jockstrap and can be used in conjunction for the ultimate combination of support and comfort. The jockstrap offers stability while the compression garments wick away sweat to prevent irritation.
Does Nike make jockstraps? ›
Comfort starts here. Move with confidence wearing the Nike Essential Cotton Stretch Jock Strap.
Does Calvin Klein make jockstraps? ›
A Calvin Klein icon. The essential designer jock strap reinvented in extra-soft cotton stretch with a low rise fit. Made with wicking to keep you cool and dry. Designed with the original Calvin Klein logo waistband, this is a sporty look that feels sexy everyday.
What is an English jockstrap? ›
jockstrap in British English
(ˈdʒɒkˌstræp ) noun. an elasticated belt with a pouch worn by men, esp athletes, to support the genitals.
What is a surgeon jockstrap? ›
Jockstrap scrotal support is machine washable & made in a dark fabric to prevent discolouration. Ideal for patients suffering from Scrotal hernia, Hydrocele, Enlarged testes, Post-testicular surgery/ Vasectomy.
How often should you wash a jockstrap? ›
It's important to clean your jock strap after every workout. Think about it—you wouldn't want to re-wear a sweaty garment, would you? That's just bad hygiene. For one thing, bacteria and other microorganisms can grow on the fabric, which can lead to skin infections.
What is the female equivalent of a jockstrap? ›
The pelvic protector is the female equivalent of the male jockstrap. It is currently unclear who was responsible for the first invention of the female pelvic protector. It is designed to protect the female genitalia from bruising or tearing.
What even is a jock strap? ›
What Is A Jockstrap? Jockstraps typically have a wide elastic waistband with a front pouch and straps that go around your upper thigh and hug just below your buttcheeks. This leaves your buns exposed and your package kept firmly in place.
What is a jockey strap? ›
Noun. jockstrap (plural jockstraps) (sports) An athletic supporter worn by men and boys to support the genitals during strenuous exercise. quotations ▼ synonyms ▲ Synonyms: jock, strap, groin guard, supporter, athletic supporter.
Protective cups consist of a hard outer shell lined with padding that protects a male athlete's groin area. Jockstraps, also called athletic supporters, are similar to underwear -- at least in the front. The supporter has an open back with straps and a snug-fitting front pouch that keeps everything in place.
Are jockstraps actually comfortable? ›
They're comfier than briefs and boxers
Get the fit just right and a jockstrap is a far more comfortable option for day-long wear than any tight- or looser-fitting underwear, amplified further by the fabric of your bottoms. Avoid sandpaper-like rigid denim and opt instead for the softness of your favourite joggers.
Can you wear a jockstrap all the time? ›
Yes, you can wear a supporter all day, but doing so presents as many risks as not wearing one when you're exercising. You wear a supporter to protect your genitals during exercise.
What is the difference between a jockstrap and a dance belt? ›
Whereas jock straps contain straps on their backside, a dance belt is primarily made as a thong. The reason for this design is to completely hide all traces of underwear lines through the tights or tight pants a male dancer wears.
Do football players wear a jockstrap? ›
Jockstraps are a piece of equipment commonly used as protection in the game of football. While this item is not always required, they are worn by many football players. Football jockstraps come in a few different variations depending on personal preference.
Is jockstrap necessary for gym? ›
Now, the question is, do we really need it for our regular gym workouts? The answer is a simple no! As a matter of fact, wearing a tight jockstrap can actually harm your testicl*s. Some people wear it to prevent hernias, but the irony is, wearing a tight jockstrap can lead to hernia.
Do NBA players wear jockstraps? ›
Strup, quoted in this ESPN article says it comes down to comfort. “Granted, such injuries could likely be prevented by wearing a cup, but NBA players don't wear them. Even Dr. Stephen Strup, the chief of urology at the University of Kentucky, doesn't recommend them.
At what age should a boy wear a cup? ›
But once a boy hits age seven, or engages in more vigorous competition, he should wear one. “There are two types -- one providing support for comfort, and one adding a cup for more protection.
