A jockstrap (also knows as a jock, jock strap, strap, supporter, or athletic supporter) is an undergarment originally designed for supporting the male genitalia during vigorous physical activity including most sports activity. Today the jockstrap is still utilized for sports activity but has also evolved as fashion jockstraps have become popular.
The Bike Jockey Strap was the first jockstrap manufactured in America in 1874. The jockstrap was invented that year by C. F. Bennett of a Chicago sporting goods company, Sharp & Smith,
to provide comfort and support for bicycle jockeys working the cobblestone streets of Boston. In 1897 Bennett's newly formed Bike Web Company patented and began mass-producing the Bike Jockey Strap. The Bike Web Company later became known as the Bike Company. Eventually the name Bike Jockey Strap was shrunk to "jock strap". Today, Bike is still the market leader in jockstrap sales and claims to have produced over 350 million jockstraps as of 2005.
Most of the early Bike jockstraps had large bands ranging from 3" to the extra-wide 6" band. Today jockstraps have evolved and tend to have much thinner bands. Pictured above is a Bike Web The Strap jockey strap from the mid 1930s. As their advertising said, "A three-inch waistband all-elastic supporter that gives extra-firm support, is sturdy, long-lasting, comfortable." Notice that the pouch and waistband are made of the same material.
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| The Bike No. 9 has an extra-wide 6" waistband. |
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