By Vayren Aram
Invented in 1874 C.F. Bennet originally for bicycle messengers and delivery men, also known as bike jockeys, the jockstrap is an ever prevalent part of both the gay and straight culture. During the early 1900’s, jockstraps became massively popular garments for those involved in contact sports given the jock’s ability to offer protection and comfort. Depending on the sport, they were customized for specific needs, for example baseball players had a plastic cup inserted in the groin to protect against a rogue fastball or wrestlers opting for loose and lightweight for greater flexibility. They were even made standard issue for every soldier during WW1. Another advantage that jockstraps have over other forms of underwear is that they keep your package in place resulting in less time spent readjusting oneself.
Unfortunately over the past few decades the commercial use of the jockstrap has become less and less common. This is partially due to complaints that the jockstrap caused great discomfort from rubbing and chafing. As more supportive forms of athletic wear became available starting in the 90’s, jockstraps were mostly phased out among athletes.
Fortunately this was not the end of jockstraps as the gay community had been wearing them since the 1950’s and 60’s, when fashion took an overtly masculine turn. Gay men began to adopt a manly demenor and attire as a means of expressing their new sense of self. The use of the jockstrap was in an attempt to enhance their physical attractiveness and self esteem. The jock promotes an improved sense of confidence and over all sex appeal amongst the gay community. There is a sense of power that comes with wearing a jockstrap. The garment was worn heavily in gay bars during the 70’s prompting companies to often send go-go dancers in their jockstraps to bars as a promotional tool. This solidified the jockstrap as part of the culture to the point where there were dedicated jockstrap nights in the gay bars and clubs across the world up til the AIDS Crisis.
When it comes to the gay leather community, the meaning and reasoning behind wearing it remains the same in some areas with some additional ones along with it. The jockstrap is still worn to promote confidence and self-esteem but in addition to this, it is also worn to give Masters/Dominants easier access to their slaves/submissives as well as showing of the assets. Regardless of which side of the slash you fall on, the jockstrap is often worn as a reminder of your place and participation in leather. The snugness and unique feeling of wearing the jock is unmistakable and quickly begins to feel like home once worn enough. Both D-types and s-types alike enjoy wearing their jockstrap, most of which feel naked or otherwise lacking when not wearing one especially under clothing.
Speaking of clothing, one major advantage of jockstraps is the ability to wear them regardless of the setting, they are easily worn under jeans or uniform pants. Traditional leathers may not be able to be worn around vanillas without at the very least raising questions but a jockstrap can be. My former Sir as a matter of fact very commonly wore one under his pants for work. My own personal experience with wearing one is that after getting past some initial uncomfortability and self consciousness issues, I find wearing one to be quite liberating and empowering. I enjoy having the knowledge that I am wearing one and that I can maintain at least one leather ritual.
Overall the jockstrap has a rich and detailed history in both the straight and gay culture as well as the gay leather community. A history that really should be researched and taught to every male in leather and perhaps even the females as well. Researching this topic myself has given me a much deeper understanding and respect for the tradition and history behind the jockstrap. It is not just a piece of clothing, it is a piece of armor.
