Jockstrap question

[deusex]

I never grew up with jockstraps - I was never very sport minded, and gym class in school was really quite stressful and I tried to get out of it as much as possible - having asthma when I was young certainly helped.

When I got into high school my view on gym changed mostly because of the chance to see guys in the change room - but they didn't wear jockstraps, just briefs.

So...jockstraps, although I know the purpose of them in contact sports, what's the deal with swimmer jockstraps? Does anyone wear them? Is it just to round out their package? Is it just a fashion statement? If you wear one under speedos, can't you see the waist and leg bands and if so, isn't that kinda stupid looking? Enquiring minds want to know?

Don't get me wrong, I think they're sexy as hell, but I just want to know the history of the swimmer jockstrap, their function and any background information on them.

btw - i'm wearing one today - Bike brand.

[Bruno]

Before compression shorts became popular, every kid in all sports from middle school on had to have "support". It was believed that one could prevent getting a hernia / rupture by keeping the balls up close to the body. In many cases, boys wore boxer shorts so their balls were free to swing freely (as if they had done ball-stretching!) and were also subject to getting smashed.
So we had this "protection".
For swimmers, it was natural that they also needed "protection" and most wore trunks. Never mind logic. When speedos became acceptable for competition, the "supporter" just stayed on. I suspect that many guys wear a jock to help conceal any anatomical definition "below the belt" lest they become suspect of being gay.
Part of the history going back to the 40's.

[Micah]

Bruno, that's the hypocritical part of being a guy that really pisses me off. Women can do anything they want to push their tits up and out on public display, and they're applauded for it. Guys are expected to keep their bulges out of sight and out of mind. We can't have anybody thinking that a guy actually has a fucking COCK now can we?!

[deusex]

Bruno,

thanks for that insight. So it would seem that a swimmer's jockstrap is purely a sexy article of underwear these days with no other purpose. Interesting. I prefer them for me over the regular jocks, as I just don't find the big wide waist bands that comfortable. I also don't think they look good on me. I think they look better on a guy with a bit of bulk or muscle. It's all in the proportions.

Micah,

I agree with you. It's more a North American thing though. It also relates to guys fashion with the ugly board shorts and those ridiculous oversized pants with the crotches that hang down to the knees. The only redeeming thing is that the pants hang off the guys asses and you may get a glimpse of his ass crack! Oh Boy! ;-)

I do see it changing a bit though, with the hip huggers coming back into style for guys. Two fasion designer freinds of mine moved to Milan and started their own couture line of clothing - DSQUARED - they're gay twins, and they are having huge success over there. Besides designing their own line, they're also designing for Deisel - and they have no problems with showing off the male physique. I belieive they're the ones that started the hiphugger trend, and one of their runway shows had the men walking down the runway with the pants so low that their pubes were exposed. Very sexy.

[deusex]

WOW! Thanks so much for you post talldrkhng! That does make sense, and although I have no idea what testicular torsion is, it definitely doesn't sound comfortable! I also thank you for this new visual I have going around in my head of you and your great body in a swim trunk and a jock. Very sexy.

[hardinnbriefs]

WELL horny!

[Bruno]

Thanks, Tall... for the description of your experience; torsion is certainly nothing to take lightly. I do wonder, however, how much a jock adds to the support inherent in the speedo itself. Maybe the cut forming the pouch helps constrain the balls but it seems like the speedo would be sufficient.

[sasha]

I don't see anything wrong with wearing a jock everyday... I wear them on different days however, like the variety and wear different undergear on different days. Not sure if I would wear the cup though.. they may seem a bit uncomfortable

Hey but to each his own....

[NHundielover]

the only problem i could see with wearing a cup all the time is that if the air circulation isn't good enough, you could develop jock itch.

[boxing_lad]

Hi guys,

Having been a competitive swimmer for years and having seen literally thousands of guys on swim teams getting dressed and undressed (hot!) for meets and practice I can safely say that there's no reason for wearing a swimmer jock in competitive swimming. Speedos provide more support than most guys could ever need and the new compression shortt style suits provide even more support.

There's even a special type of speedo made for REALLY flattening your bulge - once you get it on, it has to be CUT off. OUCH!

So, I'd say they're just sexy looking, maybe left over from history and good for medical reasons (as above).

[rebel_heart]

Originally posted by talldrkhng
There are lots of little tubes and veins that feed into the testicles. They can get twisted and when they do things start swelling and the pain is severe. If not treated quickly, say good-bye to one of the twins.

you've got a lovely crotch...:p

[NHundielover]

Originally posted by talldrkhng
You have good taste and I taste good.

that has to be one of the best lines ever!

[rebel_heart]

Originally posted by talldrkhng
You have good taste and I taste good.

ooohh yeah?:p