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Men's Health
How to Wear a Jockstrap Download Article Reviewed by Monica Morris
Last Updated: June 3, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Wearing a Jockstrap for Sports
|
Wearing a Jockstrap for Fashion
|Show more|Show less X
This article was reviewed by Monica Morris. Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,111,836 times.
A jockstrap consists of a waistband, usually elastic, as well as a support pouch for the genitals. They were developed almost 150 years ago for bicyclists. Nowadays, they are used for support and comfort during a variety of sports, often with the addition of a cup for added protection. Increasingly, fashion jockstraps are also worn as an everyday replacement for more traditional underwear.
Things You Should Know
Choose a jockstrap that's snug enough to support your genitals but loose enough to not chafe.
Get a cup-style jockstrap if you play a sport with plenty of speeding projectiles, like hockey, football, and soccer.
Wear a comfortable jockstrap as a stylish alternative to your usual underwear.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Wearing a Jockstrap for Sports
Download Article
1 Wear a jockstrap for comfort and protection while playing sports. A jockstrap is recommended for any sport that requires running, such as track and field or basketball. For contact sports or sports involving fast-moving balls, a cup is also recommended.
2 Make sure your jockstrap fits correctly. You will want to consider waist size and pouch comfort. The jockstrap should be tight enough to lift and hold the penis and testicles close to the body, out of the way during movement, but not too tight, as chafing can contribute to jock itch. Advertisement
3 Decide if you will be wearing a cup. A cup is a hard molded piece of plastic or metal that fits inside of a pouch in the jock strap.[1]XResearch source They are recommended for any sport involving contact or speeding projectiles, such as hockey, soccer, baseball, football, or mixed martial arts. Some men wear a cup-jockstrap in daily wear, not just when playing sports, to augment their masculine appearance.
Many athletes are reluctant to wear cups, particularly in football,[2]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source but consider that more than half of all testicular injuries occur during sports and [3]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source testicular torsion and testicular rupture can lead to losing a testicle.
Gain guidance lacking from father figures."Not having a present father or mentors growing up left me clueless about even basic things like jockstraps. Asking another guy felt too awkward. I appreciated how this article filled those knowledge gaps no one talks about, covering proper fit, sports protection, fashion choices, and more. The visuals also helped demystify things. Content like this supports youth without supportive role models." - Randy M.Find the right fit for your lifestyle."I was embarrassed by the visible jockstrap lines under my slim jeans. Unsure what options might work better, I found great tips here on stealthier fabrics and contours appropriate for tight pants. The recommendations like snug pouches and multiple slim straps solved my fashion woe without the shame of asking male friends. I'm set for subtle but stylish support!" - Anthony O.Overcome barriers to essential discussions."Even into adulthood, there's a lingering taboo around men openly discussing health topics like athletic cups and underwear. We're expected to just figure these things out alone. This judgment-free guide felt like a safe space to learn about options I was hesitant to ask anyone face-to-face about. The straightforward talk empowers guys to get informed without shame." - Aiden M.Cut through embarrassment for clear advice."When I realized I needed guidance on jockstraps but felt weird breaching the subject with friends, this tutorial offered the perfect solution. Without any preamble, it jumped straight into no-nonsense guidance on sport and fashion choices, proper fit, and care. Short, shame-free, and functional — exactly what boys need but can't request out loud." - Kelvin R.Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here.
4 Choose your cup. Many cups are sport specific, so you’ll need to know the sport you are going to use it for.[4]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source You will want to consider both comfort and the degree of protection the cup offers.
For a cup to work, it must fit tightly against the body. You will want to make sure your jockstrap is tight enough to prevent the cup from rolling or twisting.
Look for cups with cushioned edges. A hard edge will just transfer the force of the blow to the pelvic area. A soft edge provides better cushioning during impact.[5]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
For really fast moving sports like lacrosse or baseball, consider a titanium cup.[6]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
5 Consider wearing compression shorts over your cup-jockstrap if you think the cup- jockstrap fits too loose and does not hold the cup tight enough against your body. Compression shorts offer similar support as a jockstrap, and some compression shorts come with a pouch designed to hold a protective cup, but many compression shorts that have a pouch do not hold the cup tight against the body. It is better to wear a cup in a cup-jockstrap and then wear tight fitting compression shorts over the cup-jockstrap to hold the cup firmly in place and tight against the body. In many sports such as football, compression shorts are now preferred by many athletes. But remember always that the cup must be held firmly in place and tight against the body for it function properly.[7]X Trustworthy Source Michigan MedicineThe University of Michigan's medical center, which provides patient care, supports research, and educates the public on health topics Go to source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Wearing a Jockstrap for Fashion
Download Article
1 Wear a fashion jockstrap as you would regular underwear. Increasingly, men are turning to jockstraps as an everyday form of underwear due to their comfort and attractiveness.
2 Make sure your jockstrap is comfortable. Jockstraps are usually sized by waist. You will want to try several to make sure your genitals are also comfortable. Unlike in sports, you do not need to worry about how close they hold your genitals to your body. Pick a jockstrap that you find most comfortable.
3 Decide on a style. Fashion jockstraps don’t just come in the typical waist band, pouch and two straps style that typifies sports jockstraps. Some have thicker straps or multiple straps, while others have more material to help shape your buttocks.
4 Choose the material. Like other kinds of underwear, fashion jockstraps come in a variety of materials: cotton, mesh, silk and even fur!
5 Consider the shape of the pouch. Fashion jockstraps come in a variety of shapes, including snug, contour and natural. Some even come with plastic cups for “aesthetic enhancement.”
6 Pick your brand. 35% of men say they buy their underwear in order to show off the brand peeking out from the waist of their pants. Consider popular fashion brands like Jack Adams, Nasty Pig, N2N, Modus Vivendi, Pump! And Baskit.
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Warning
Especially for jockstraps worn during sports, be sure to wash them after every use to avoid jock itch.[8]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source You can wash a jockstrap in the washing machine. If using a cup, wash it with soap and water after each use.
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Reviewed by: Monica Morris ACE Certified Personal Trainer This article was reviewed by Monica Morris. Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques. This article has been viewed 1,111,836 times. 254 votes - 83% Co-authors: 27Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 1,111,836 Categories: Men's HealthArticle SummaryX
To wear a jockstrap, make sure it isn't so tight that it's uncomfortable or causing chafing. If you're going to be wearing an athletic cup with your jockstrap, put your jockstrap on first. Then, slide the cup into the pouch at the front of the jockstrap. If the cup feels too loose in the pouch, try a smaller jockstrap or consider wearing compression shorts over the cup instead. For help choosing different jockstrap styles, scroll down!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Randy M.
Apr 4, 2016
"Not having a present father or mentors growing up left me clueless about even basic things like jockstraps. Asking another guy felt too awkward. I appreciated how this article filled those knowledge gaps no one talks about, covering proper fit, sports protection, fashion choices, and more. The visuals also helped demystify things. Content like this supports youth without supportive role models."..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Monica Morris ACE Certified Personal Trainer Co-authors: 27Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 1,111,83683% of readers found this article helpful. 254 votes - 83% Click a star to add your vote
Randy M.
Apr 4, 2016
"Not having a present father or mentors growing up left me clueless about even basic things like jockstraps. Asking another guy felt too awkward. I appreciated how this article filled those knowledge gaps no one talks about, covering proper fit, sports protection, fashion choices, and more. The visuals also helped demystify things. Content like this supports youth without supportive role models."..." more
Aiden M.
Jul 28, 2017
"Even into adulthood, there's a lingering taboo around men openly discussing health topics like athletic cups and underwear. We're expected to just figure these things out alone. This judgment-free guide felt like a safe space to learn about options I was hesitant to ask anyone face-to-face about. The straightforward talk empowers guys to get informed without shame."..." more
Anthony O.
Oct 1, 2016
"I was embarrassed by the visible jockstrap lines under my slim jeans. Unsure what options might work better, I found great tips here on stealthier fabrics and contours appropriate for tight pants. The recommendations like snug pouches and multiple slim straps solved my fashion woe without the shame of asking male friends. I'm set for subtle but stylish support!"..." more
Kelvin R.
Sep 21, 2017
"When I realized I needed guidance on jockstraps but felt weird breaching the subject with friends, this tutorial offered the perfect solution. Without any preamble, it jumped straight into no-nonsense guidance on sport and fashion choices, proper fit, and care. Short, shame-free, and functional — exactly what boys need but can't request out loud."..." more Rated this article:
Josh Hiluki
Sep 27, 2016
"It works very well for both. I recommend trying different things and seeing what feels best to you." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Reviewed by: Monica Morris ACE Certified Personal Trainer This article was reviewed by Monica Morris. Monica Morris is an ACE (American Council on Exercise) Certified Personal Trainer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 15 years of fitness training experience, Monica started her own physical training practice and gained her ACE Certification in 2017. Her workouts emphasize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and stretching techniques. This article has been viewed 1,111,836 times. 254 votes - 83% Co-authors: 27 Updated: June 3, 2025 Views: 1,111,836 Categories: Men's Health Article SummaryX
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1 Wear a jockstrap for comfort and protection while playing sports. A jockstrap is recommended for any sport that requires running, such as track and field or basketball. For contact sports or sports involving fast-moving balls, a cup is also recommended. 
2 Make sure your jockstrap fits correctly. You will want to consider waist size and pouch comfort. The jockstrap should be tight enough to lift and hold the penis and testicles close to the body, out of the way during movement, but not too tight, as chafing can contribute to jock itch. Advertisement 
3 Decide if you will be wearing a cup. A cup is a hard molded piece of plastic or metal that fits inside of a pouch in the jock strap.[1] They are recommended for any sport involving contact or speeding projectiles, such as hockey, soccer, baseball, football, or mixed martial arts. Some men wear a cup-jockstrap in daily wear, not just when playing sports, to augment their masculine appearance. 
Gain guidance lacking from father figures. "Not having a present father or mentors growing up left me clueless about even basic things like jockstraps. Asking another guy felt too awkward. I appreciated how this article filled those knowledge gaps no one talks about, covering proper fit, sports protection, fashion choices, and more. The visuals also helped demystify things. Content like this supports youth without supportive role models." - Randy M. 
Find the right fit for your lifestyle. "I was embarrassed by the visible jockstrap lines under my slim jeans. Unsure what options might work better, I found great tips here on stealthier fabrics and contours appropriate for tight pants. The recommendations like snug pouches and multiple slim straps solved my fashion woe without the shame of asking male friends. I'm set for subtle but stylish support!" - Anthony O. 
Overcome barriers to essential discussions. "Even into adulthood, there's a lingering taboo around men openly discussing health topics like athletic cups and underwear. We're expected to just figure these things out alone. This judgment-free guide felt like a safe space to learn about options I was hesitant to ask anyone face-to-face about. The straightforward talk empowers guys to get informed without shame." - Aiden M. 
Cut through embarrassment for clear advice. "When I realized I needed guidance on jockstraps but felt weird breaching the subject with friends, this tutorial offered the perfect solution. Without any preamble, it jumped straight into no-nonsense guidance on sport and fashion choices, proper fit, and care. Short, shame-free, and functional — exactly what boys need but can't request out loud." - Kelvin R. 
Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here. 
4 Choose your cup. Many cups are sport specific, so you’ll need to know the sport you are going to use it for.[4] You will want to consider both comfort and the degree of protection the cup offers. 
5 Consider wearing compression shorts over your cup-jockstrap if you think the cup- jockstrap fits too loose and does not hold the cup tight enough against your body. Compression shorts offer similar support as a jockstrap, and some compression shorts come with a pouch designed to hold a protective cup, but many compression shorts that have a pouch do not hold the cup tight against the body. It is better to wear a cup in a cup-jockstrap and then wear tight fitting compression shorts over the cup-jockstrap to hold the cup firmly in place and tight against the body. In many sports such as football, compression shorts are now preferred by many athletes. But remember always that the cup must be held firmly in place and tight against the body for it function properly.[7] Advertisement 
1 Wear a fashion jockstrap as you would regular underwear. Increasingly, men are turning to jockstraps as an everyday form of underwear due to their comfort and attractiveness. 
2 Make sure your jockstrap is comfortable. Jockstraps are usually sized by waist. You will want to try several to make sure your genitals are also comfortable. Unlike in sports, you do not need to worry about how close they hold your genitals to your body. Pick a jockstrap that you find most comfortable. 
3 Decide on a style. Fashion jockstraps don’t just come in the typical waist band, pouch and two straps style that typifies sports jockstraps. Some have thicker straps or multiple straps, while others have more material to help shape your buttocks. 
4 Choose the material. Like other kinds of underwear, fashion jockstraps come in a variety of materials: cotton, mesh, silk and even fur! 
5 Consider the shape of the pouch. Fashion jockstraps come in a variety of shapes, including snug, contour and natural. Some even come with plastic cups for “aesthetic enhancement.” 
6 Pick your brand. 35% of men say they buy their underwear in order to show off the brand peeking out from the waist of their pants. Consider popular fashion brands like Jack Adams, Nasty Pig, N2N, Modus Vivendi, Pump! And Baskit. Advertisement