Suspensory

El suspensory is an essential complement for those who practice certain sports modalities. If you are a fan of physical exercise and have played as a goalkeeper for handball or in a team Rugby, surely you know what we are talking about.

Because it is very common among those who practice those sports wear a jockstrap under clothing. In any case, if this is not your case, we are going to explain what that garment consists of and what types of it exist. Thus, when you go to exercise, you can decide to take it to protect you.

what is a jockstrap

This name is given to a type of undergarment developed especially for protect the male genitalia during sports activity. The most basic model consists of a belt at the waist that holds a bag in the front and is attached to the back with two other straps on the buttocks.

Although it may seem like a modern invention, the first jockstrap was developed by CF Bennett in 1874. In principle, it was intended for the world of Cycling. Already in 1897, this same character founded the company Bike Athletic Company to manufacture them industrially and also dedicate them to other sports.

In fact, perhaps Bennett based his invention on the so-called assemble fly. This was a male garment that was used in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries to cover the genital area. In this case, its use was due to moral reasons. Men then wore very tight leggings that were open at the crotch. Thus, the genitals were only covered by the doublet. Also, this one was getting shorter. So, to cover the genital area, this fly was used, which could be considered a jockstrap precedent.

In any case, with Bike Athletic appeared the brand that has dominated the market until today. Bike jockstraps have gained fame among athletes around the world. Finally, barely six years ago, the company was acquired by Russell Athletic. But it is more important that you know the types that you can find in the market.

types that exist

In the most common model is the broadband with shell. It is the one that we have described to you, but it includes, precisely, the shell. As you know, this is also called protection shell, is a hard piece for the pelvic area that goes under the jockstrap. Normally, the shell is independent of the garment, in such a way that it can be used without it. In fact, when there is no risk of suffering big blows, it is used more in this last way.

Another type of jockstrap is the narrow band, also known as swimmer because it is usually worn under swimsuits. For example, it is used in sports such as water polo. Finally, it's the dance and ballet, which presents differences with respect to the previous ones.

The latter is not used for protection, but to hold the genitals. In fact, its front part is normally padded. In addition, it only has a back strip at the way of a thong. This is done to make it less noticeable because dancers often wear it under tight lycra leggings. But now we are going to talk to you about which are the sports in which it is more advisable to wear jockstraps. And also of other uses that are usually given to them.

What uses do jockstraps have?

The first thing we should point out in this regard is that you can use this garment in any sports activity. But it is especially indicated for more vigorous, in which you are at risk of suffering an injury or a blow. For example, the aforementioned handball, especially if you are a goalkeeper. Keep in mind that the opponents throw the ball into the goal from very close and, if it is inadvertently directed at the goalkeeper's genitals, it can do a lot of damage.

Its function is different in other sports such as martial arts or kick boxing, where the danger is to receive a blow. For example, a kick. Or in the baseball, in which the ball can hit the catcher doing a lot of damage. A different case is that of bailarines, which we have already mentioned. As they do jumps, flips and cross-legs, they could hit each other in the genital area.

However, to make their work more comfortable, they also wear jockstraps. professionals whose work involves great effort. For example, lumberjacks or masons. They are even used with medicinal purposes. Specifically, in ailments that affect the testicles. For example, spermatocele, hematocele, varicocele, or hydrocele. But they are also used after certain surgical interventions such as hernias, vasectomy or phimosis surgery. And, equally, in cases of infectious or vascular problems.

On the other hand, since it is a comfortable and light garment, there are men who wear jockstraps for comfort. Its use prevents rubbing of the genitals and avoids the so-called testicular impact. In addition, they retain less moisture than cotton underwear. This makes jockstraps fresher and more pleasant for the genital area.

How to choose this garment

If, in view of all that we have told you, you want to buy a jockstrap, you must take several aspects into account. The first, of course, is size from the bag. But it is also important that you pay attention to the one with the tape that goes to the waist As for the latter, there are usually five, ranging from seventy centimeters to one hundred and twenty.

But as important as that is the material from which the jockstrap is made. We advise you to choose it polyester or breathable cotton. Because you will find it cooler and more comfortable. For this purpose, you should also choose it with adjustable buttock tensioners. Finally, for its conservation it is advisable to wash it with cold water.

In conclusion, the suspensory It is very useful for those who practice contact or ball sports, as it protects the genital area. But it can also be used as labor protection and with medicinal purposes. There are even those who wear it as a substitute for the underwear for being cooler. Now, you know its usefulness and, if you think that it will be useful for you to use it, you only have to look for it in tiendas deportes.