Jockstrap
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Strap1.jpg
Some jockstraps have pockets for a protective cup (UK: box), usually with a padded rim and made of hard plastic, sometimes with ventilation holes. Cups are worn by baseball and cricket players and others participating in full-contact sports. There are both soft cups and hard cups.
Cups are currently available in two basic shapes. The classic shape is approximately rectangular when viewed from the front. The much newer shape is more like a long skinny triangle. This shape is also known as a banana cup after the brand that specializes in the shape. The banana shaped cups are regarded to be far more comfortable to wear.
Cup1.jpg
Other types of jocks have narrow waistbands, (swimmer jocks or runner jocks), wide waistbands or have a seat instead of straps (jock briefs, or support briefs). There is also a strapless variation to the jocks (called a sock, for 'strapless jock') that has the pouch hook under the scrotum instead of being held in place by the normal leg straps. While fulfilling the same purpose of comfort and covering, this design is less secure and has a tendency to 'slip off' as a result of a male's arrousal or frequent intense leg movements (such as running).
Jockstraps were first developed in the late 1800's to be worn by bicycle delivery boys by the Bike Company. Bike is still the market leader. Other well-known brands include The Duke, Flarico, Adams, Champion, Ace, Bauer & Black, Safe-T-Guard, Franklin, Pro Sport, Stromgen, McDavid, Futuro, Core, Sportjock, etc.