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Jun 09, 2023

Best jockstraps for men 2023: Calvin Klein to Versace

By Aaron Toumazou and Heidi Quill Sports-primed, sexy and sweat-free, jockstraps ought to be worked into your underwear rotation rather than foolishly written off. Here’s why… The age-old underwear

By Aaron Toumazou and Heidi Quill

Sports-primed, sexy and sweat-free, jockstraps ought to be worked into your underwear rotation rather than foolishly written off. Here’s why…

The age-old underwear toss-up between boxer and brief overlooks an alternative that’s well worth your consideration. The men’s jockstrap, with its front pouch that accentuates your assets and elastic straps that’ll perk up your derriere to peachier heights, has been around since the late 19th century. Originally going by the name “bicycle jockey”, designed for cyclists for additional support up front when pedalling over cobblestoned streets, they went on to become the go-to for impact sports such as American football and rugby and have also been adopted for their sex appeal. Still on the fence about whether to incorporate a jockstrap into your undies rotation? Let us enlighten you...

Imagine a world where wedgies don’t exist. With a jockstrap, you don’t have to. Get the fit just right and a jockstrap is a far more comfortable option for day-long wear than any tight- or looser-fitting underwear, amplified further by the fabric of your bottoms. Avoid sandpaper-like rigid denim and opt instead for the softness of your favourite joggers. And just as you might favour a boxer brief over a roomier boxer short, a jockstrap goes the extra mile to keep your bits where they belong, making for fewer adjustments.

Because the pouch of a jockstrap is as close to an athletic cup as you’ll get from underwear alone, they are often worn by cyclists looking for protection over bumpy roads, where bouncing up and down on the saddle isn’t just uncomfortable but can also cause problems such as cysts and infections. In contact sports, not only do they provide the same boon of keeping everything neatly in place, but they also provide a more convenient layer to position a protective cup over, for an extra level of protection.

Sun’s out, bum’s out. This one’s all about personal preference, but those prone to below-the-belt sweating in stuffier summer months could well find jockstraps to be the most hygienic solution. A halfway house between conventional underwear and going commando, those made from sweat-wicking materials from sports brands will work doubly hard to keep things dry in a heatwave. Just make sure you’re wearing your shorts or chinos around your waist, as they were intended.

And we’re not just talking about a tighter pouch for your package. Jockstraps can turn pancakes into peaches, doing to men’s behinds what Spanx can do to women’s. Generally constructed from a thicker waistband with two straps that frame the bum-cheeks, the sturdier materials do their bit to lift your backside up, creating a more pronounced divide from bum to thigh. It won’t just make it look bigger once you’ve taken off your clothes, but can also contribute to a more rounded silhouette in shorts and trousers.

Especially so among gay men, jockstraps are used to up the sex factor of your underwear, with an exposed bum opening many a new foreplay window. But outside of the bedroom, and much like lingerie, knowing you’re wearing something overtly sexy underneath your nine-to-five attire can do wonders for your confidence – and there’s nothing more stylish than confidence.

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This Calvin Klein jockstrap applies the brand's unmistakable branded waistband with an altogether more breathable construction below. In an all-black colourway, it's an innofensive design that gives trusty, beloved Calvins some welcome sex appeal.

Perhaps the most iconic of all jockstrap styles is Versace’s. Much like the Italian house's skimpy swim shorts, Versace is well known for its opulent aesthetic and has given the jock a signature Greco-Roman spin with its signature waistband motif. All you need now is a bit of baby oil and a chaise longue to pose on. £65. versace.com

As if the fully exposed rear wasn't enough, Asos Design ups the seduction stakes with two mesh panels on either side. If ever there was a masculine form of lingerie, this is it. £10 £6. At asos.com

For the man who likes to peep his undie's waistband over his jeans, Emporio Armani's jockstraps make for a subtle, albeit bougie, flex. Offering up a timeless navy pair and a bright white counterpart, this two-pack is set apart by the thick teal branding that runs across their top seam. £36. At asos.com

Simple and minimalistic, Topman's jockstrap offering maintains all the seductive power of the style with its form-fitting design without overdoing the details. Besides, there's no such thing as ‘the new black’. £20. At asos.com

Playing on both the physical and symbolic liberation of the humble jockstrap, Calvin Klein presents a five-pack of boldly printed jockstraps for the man who flies the rainbow flag… That said, they look just as good on colour-loving queer allies, too. £65. calvinklein.co.uk

This nylon jock boasts a stretch and breathability that's primed for the sports field, with excellent moisture-wicking abilities. The striped waistband lends them a preppy, 1990s vibe too. £11. lightinthebox.com

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Given a preppy update courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger's classic collegiate vibe, the jockstrap has never felt more ‘jock’. In a three-pack of monochromatic hues, there's a jockstrap for each day of the weekend… plus a backup. £42 £33. tommy.com

Specialising in date-night friendly jockstraps, Lovehoney stocks a range of men's underwear brands made for steamy bedroom antics. While being super soft and comfortable in a stretchy fabric, this LVH pair is also primed to lift butt cheeks and enhance your assets. £9.99. lovehoney.co.uk

This Adidas “Groin Guard” features a reinforced plastic cup that’s well suited to contact and combative sports, constructed from a breathable, sweat-wicking tech to keep things cool in those higher-intensity moments. £17. jdsports.co.uk

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