The jockstrap is an undergarment with an open back and a reinforced front pouch, originally designed for support during physical activity. Born in cycling in the late 19th century, it became popular in sports before becoming a full-fledged item in men's wardrobes, both for sports and everyday wear.
Where does the jockstrap come from?
The jockstrap was invented in 1874 in Boston by Charles F. Bennett to equip cyclists facing the paved roads of the era. Its supportive front pouch and elastic straps running under the buttocks addressed a very concrete problem: the lack of support during physical exertion.
The model quickly spread to high-impact sports—football, hockey, baseball—where it allowed for the insertion of a protective cup. For more than half a century, it remained primarily a technical piece of sports equipment.
Why has the jockstrap gone beyond just sports?
From the 1950s onwards, the jockstrap moved out of locker rooms and became a defiant piece in certain circles. Its open silhouette, once purely functional, took on a more assertive dimension. In the following decades, fashion also embraced it: the item appeared on runways in revisited versions, made of leather or noble materials.
This dual history—sport and style—explains why the jockstrap is still perceived today as both a technical piece and a statement piece.
Today, AKINOM pays homage to this sporting origin with its PREMIUM jockstrap, designed to combine technical support with contemporary aesthetics.
The jockstrap today: for sports or everyday wear?
Both. The jockstrap retains its preferred use in high-impact activities, where the open back limits chafing and facilitates wide movements. But more and more men are also adopting it outside of sports, for a simple reason: less fabric at the back means fewer creases under fitted pants and a feeling of freedom that classic boxers don't provide.
→ How to choose between a jockstrap and a thong
How to wear a jockstrap daily?
3 guidelines are enough:
- Under fitted pants or slim jeans: the open back avoids fabric marks.
- As a complement to a sports routine: preferred for impact activities (running, team sports, intense weight training).
- With the right level of front support: this is where the quality of the pouch makes the difference between a jockstrap that slips and one you forget you're wearing.
What the AKINOM jockstrap changes
On our PREMIUM jockstrap, the front pouch integrates the FrontNest® system, designed to respect natural volume without compression or readjustment. The material, Lenzing™ lyocell, adds the breathability often lacking in classic thick cotton models.
→ Discover the AKINOM jockstrap
Frequently asked questions about jockstraps
Is the jockstrap reserved for sports?
No. While it remains highly suitable for impact activities, more and more men wear it daily for its open back and the absence of lines under fitted clothing.
What's the difference between a jockstrap and a men's thong?
The jockstrap retains wider elastic straps and a structured front pouch for support. The thong focuses on minimal material, more oriented towards aesthetics than technical support.
How to choose your jockstrap size?
As with AKINOM briefs: your usual size is suitable in most cases. For a tighter fit, choose one size down. See the size guide
Is the jockstrap comfortable for a full day?
With a breathable material like lyocell and a well-designed pouch, yes: this is precisely the comfort difference between a basic jockstrap and a technical jockstrap.
