Jocktober: From the Original Jockstrap to the Ones We Wear Now
October has arrived, which means fall layers, shorter days and, depending on which corner of the internet you occupy, Jocktober.
Yes, it is exactly what it sounds like: a month-long appreciation of the jockstrap. And while it is easy to think of the jock as something that belongs mainly to gym lockers, underwear campaigns and certain nights out, there is actually a lot more history behind those two straps than you might expect.
The jockstrap has been around for more than 150 years, beginning as a very practical piece of athletic equipment before becoming something completely different. Today it can still be functional, but it can also be fashion, self-expression and, particularly within gay culture, a bit of fun.
We have accumulated more than a few over the years, so Jocktober seemed like a good excuse to look back at where the jockstrap came from and share some of the brands and styles we actually wear and love.
So, Where Did the Jockstrap Come From?
The story starts in 1874, and somewhat unexpectedly, with bicycles.
The modern jockstrap is generally credited to C.F. Bennett, who developed an athletic supporter for the so-called “bicycle jockeys” riding the notoriously unforgiving cobblestone streets of Boston. The idea was simple: give men more support while they were being bounced around on early bicycles with considerably less forgiving seats and suspension than anything we have today.
Bennett later formed the Bike Web Company, and in 1897 patented an improved version of the supporter. The Bike Jockey Strap eventually gave us the shortened name “jockstrap,” and BIKE went on to become practically synonymous with the garment.
What started as equipment for cyclists quickly found its way into organized sports. For generations, jockstraps were standard issue for everything from football to baseball, with protective cups eventually being added for sports where a little more insurance was probably a very good idea.
Then things changed. Compression shorts gradually replaced the traditional jock for many athletes, but the jockstrap did not disappear. Instead, it moved well beyond its original purpose. Fashion brands embraced it, underwear companies reworked it in new fabrics and cuts, and gay men in particular helped turn something once hidden underneath a sports uniform into an underwear icon in its own right.
Which brings us rather neatly to October aka “Jocktober.”
The Jockstraps We Keep Coming Back To
There are now hundreds of options out there, from old-school athletic supporters to very fashion-forward versions that are clearly not pretending to be headed anywhere near a football field. These are ten of our favorites, starting with the brand that started the whole thing.
1. BIKE: Original Jockstrap
If you are going to own one traditional jockstrap, there is a strong argument for making it a BIKE Original #10.
This is the heritage choice, with the big three-inch striped waistband and unmistakably old-school athletic look that connects directly back to BIKE’s history. The current version keeps that retro appearance but updates it with lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric, so it is a lot more comfortable than something this traditional-looking might suggest.
We would go with the Original #10 in White because if you are buying the original, you might as well really commit to it.
Our pick: BIKE Original #10 Jockstrap in White
2. C-IN2: Core Jock
C-IN2 is one of those underwear brands that has been in our orbit for years, and its jocks hit a good middle ground between traditional athletic styling and modern men’s underwear.
The Core Jock has a low-rise fit, contour pouch, wide waistband and substantial leg straps. For Jocktober, though, we are skipping the obvious black and white and going straight for Padget Pink. It is still unmistakably a classic jock, just with a lot more personality.
Our pick: C-IN2 Core Jock in Padget Pink - Use code THEVONBKS for 20% off selected collections
3. Calvin Klein: Intense Power Micro Jock Strap
If there is one name almost everyone associates with men’s underwear, it is Calvin Klein. Their take on the jockstrap is exactly what you would expect from the brand: clean, simple and dominated by that unmistakable logo waistband. The Intense Power Micro Jock Strap uses silky microfiber rather than traditional cotton, with a low-rise cut and contoured pouch.
It also comes as a three-pack, which makes this one particularly good if you want something straightforward and easy to wear without overthinking it.
4. Nike: Essential Dri-FIT Micro Jock Straps
Nike brings the story back to where the jockstrap started: sport.
This is one we actually wear often at the gym, which probably tells you everything you need to know about where it fits into the list. The Essential Dri-FIT Micro Jock Strap uses stretchy microfiber and Nike’s moisture-wicking Dri-FIT technology, so it is practical, comfortable and made for movement.
It also comes in a three-pack, which is handy because these are the kind that actually end up in regular rotation rather than sitting in the underwear drawer waiting for a particular occasion.
Our pick: Nike Essential Dri-FIT Micro Jock Straps
5. AWRY: AXIS Jockstrap
AWRY is one of those brands we like because they do not just repeat the same basic designs over and over again. There are some genuinely unique styles in the collection, and the AXIS Jockstrap is one of our favorites.
It has a low-rise silhouette and supportive two-ply pouch, but what really draws us to the AXIS is the color range. There are some very good options, and Merlot is the one we would pick for fall.
It is rich, a little unexpected and a lot more interesting than adding another black or white jock to the drawer. AWRY also does a jock thong as well which is a unique twist on the classic jock.
Our pick: AWRY AXIS Jockstrap in Merlot - Use code THEVONBKS for 20% off full priced items
6. Addicted: Bamboo Skin Layer Jockstrap
Addicted is a Spanish brand that has long been known for bright colors, bold designs and underwear that is not particularly interested in disappearing quietly under your clothes.
The Bamboo Skin Layer Jockstrap is a good example. It keeps the familiar jock silhouette but gives it a much more contemporary look, and there are plenty of color options if neutral is not really your thing.
We are going with khaki, which works especially well for fall and is a little different from the usual underwear palette.
7. LVW: Visibly Jock Renew Shine
LVW is a relatively new addition for us, but it is quickly becoming a staple.
The Visibly Jock Renew Shine is sleek, close-fitting and a little more polished than some of the traditional athletic options on this list. The fabric has plenty of stretch, the cut is sharp and the open-back construction keeps the classic jockstrap shape intact.
We particularly like it in black, where the slight shine gives it just enough extra without trying too hard.
Our pick: LVW Visibly Jock Renew Shine in Black - Use code VONBK10 for 10% off your entire order
8. Coyote: Sport Jockstrap
Coyote is one we own and love, so this was an easy inclusion.
The Sport Jockstrap has that athletic look we tend to gravitate toward, with a supportive pouch, substantial straps and fabric designed for movement. It still has enough design to make it more interesting than a basic gym jock, which is probably why it has stayed in our rotation.
We like the Midnight colorway in particular. The darker body and contrasting details give it a slightly retro edge without looking dated.
Our pick: Coyote Sport Jockstrap in Midnight
9. Arjen Kroos: Mesh Jockstrap
Arjen Kroos is a good reminder that not every interesting jockstrap needs to come from a dedicated designer underwear store.
This one has a breathable mesh construction that adds a little more flair than a standard athletic supporter without going completely over the top. The wide waistband keeps the overall look grounded, while the mesh makes it a bit more fun.
It is also one of the more accessible options on the list price-wise, which never hurts.
Our pick: Arjen Kroos Men’s Mesh Jockstrap
10. JOCKMAIL: Athletic Supporter Jockstrap
If you are still trying to find your way into the whole jockstrap area, JOCKMAIL is a pretty reasonable place to start.
There are lots of styles and colors to choose from, and the prices are generally much more approachable than some of the premium underwear brands. That makes it easy to try a few different cuts and work out what you actually like before spending more.
We picked the Athletic Supporter Jockstrap because it keeps things simple: recognizable jock construction, sporty styling and an easy entry point.
Bonus: BIKE Jock Short
And because BIKE started this whole story, they get one more spot.
The BIKE Jock Short is one of those things we tried and then somehow ended up owning in five different colors, which probably says more than any product description could.
It combines the front and side coverage of a very short pair of underwear with the open back of a jockstrap, so it is basically all in one. We wear these a lot, and while the color options are very good, you really cannot go wrong with black.
If we had to pick one, this would be it
.
Our pick: BIKE Jock Short in Black
150 Years Later, the Jockstrap Is Still Here
There is something pretty great about the fact that a piece of underwear invented for men riding bicycles over Boston cobblestones in the 1870s is still sitting in underwear drawers today. Of course, the reasons we wear them now are a little broader.
Some are genuinely great for the gym. Some are just comfortable. Some are all about the design. And some are there because underwear should occasionally be a little more fun than another pair of black boxer briefs.
That is probably the real point of Jocktober for us. It is not particularly serious, nor does it need to be. It is simply an excuse to appreciate a piece of menswear with a surprisingly long history and to pull a few favorites out of the drawer along the way.
And with five BIKE Jock Shorts already in ours, we may be slightly past the point of calling this research.
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