An athletic supporter is a very important piece of equipment for men participating in sports or other athletic activities. Although it often goes unnoticed because it is worn beneath all the other pieces of equipment and uniforms, all male athletes should have a well-fitted athletic supporter before they participate in their sports. We have featured a great selection of athletic supporters, jock straps, and cups below for your convenience — have a look around!
Sport and Outdoor: Athletic Supporter
Athletic Supporters, Jocks Straps and Cups
An athletic supporter, otherwise known as a jock strap, is male undergarment expressly designed to support and protect the male genitalia while men participate in athletics. The athletic supporter is comprised of an elastic waistband, a frontal pouch, and two other straps (also elastic) that are attached on either side of the pouch and reach around the insides of the legs to attach on the other end to the outer sides of the waistband.
Athletic supporters typically come in a standard design in terms of the thickness of the waistband and the fabrics. The waistband is made from a thick elastic material while the support pouch is usually a soft and breathable material such as cotton. There are, however, variations in terms of the designs for use in different sports.
“Swim jocks” have a narrower waistband, while windproof jock straps have extra fabric to protect the wearer in cold and windy conditions. Athletic supporters worn by hockey players have adjustable straps and garter clips to hold the athletes’ socks in place; hockey goalies’ athletic supporters have additional foam padding.
For added protection, men can also choose to use an optional cup that fits in to the front of the athletic supporter. These cups are made from hard plastic or lightweight steel and are perforated to allow ventilation.
These cups are a great option for use in contact sports; for low-contact sports, softer cups are also available to provide some added protection without the rigidity of a traditional plastic or steel cup.
It is very easy to locate and purchase athletic supporters, especially if you are looking for one of the more traditional styles used in most athletics and sports.
You can head to your nearest department store such as Macy’s, Belk, or Nordstrom; these department stores carry a wide range of men’s undergarments, including athletic supporters.
Additionally, you can go to a sports store such as Dick’s Sporting Goods or The Sports Authority where they will also have a wide range of athletic supporters available. You can even find them in the sporting goods section of stores such as Wal-Mart, Target, and more.
If you are looking for a more specialized style, such as for hockey or water sports, you may prefer ordering from the Internet than going to a number of different stores or driving to a sports-specific store. Check out the jock strap options we have here at AthleticSupporter.net!