It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand why gay men fetishize the jockstrap.

by Onan the Vulagarian

The first jockstrap was designed in 1874 and manufactured in America. Called the "jockey strap," it was intended for bicycle riders, which is why the first manufacturer of the supporters chose the name Bike. Nearly 150 years later, Bike is still the world's leading seller of jockstraps.

For historical accuracy, it must be added that a Finn, Parvo Nakacheker, has a competing claim as the inventor of the jockstrap, but details are few and incomplete. According to a couple of different websites, Nakacheker "devoted much time to the study of pure anatomy and the special demands of such an item." Sounds like my kind of guy.

It wasn't until 1888 that "jockey strap" got condensed to "jock strap" or "jockstrap." But who can say when the jockstrap first became a fetish? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand why, but academia has given no serious consideration to the elevation of the lowly jockstrap as a fetish item.

To answer the query posed in the headline, Jack Adams is a California-based fashion designer whose specialty is men's undergarments. Briefs. Thongs. Jockstraps. His newest product is called the Ranger Fly X Jockstrap. Sounds like something a superhero would wear. Earlier products were the Athletic Jock Brief and the Army Fly Jock Brief, and the BodyFlex Mesh Brief is due next month. Adams's products are sold in retail stores and online at www.jackadamsusa.com.

According to a Nov. 1 press release, "Men will look and feel incredibly sexy in the Jack Adams Ranger Fly X Jockstrap not only due to the provocative X strap design, but also due to the enhancing lift it provides the butt. They’ll feel comfortable at the same time as it has a thick, roomy, supportive pouch made of an extremely soft, knitted material. Unlike other jockstraps, the Jack Adams Ranger Fly X Jockstrap features a fly front for easy access, and its durable heavy stitching will ensure that its stands the test of time."

Leaving no stone unturned and no bone spurned, the press release goes on to tout the functionality, the fashion-consciousness and the erotic appeal of these jockstraps. Pictures being worth 1,000 words, glom onto these and decide for yourself.

For a documentary-style XXX look at the history of the jockstrap and the men who love to wear them, check out David White's 1987 film, Bulging Jockstraps (Bijou).

November 2011