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Learn how to find the best size and shape for you
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A protective cup is a hard shell that’s inserted into a jock strap or compression shorts to protect the genitalia while playing physical sports. Some people believe that they don’t need to wear a protective cup when playing or competing, but it’s a necessary precaution if you want to protect yourself from the risk of permanent damage. When shopping for a sports cup, it can be difficult to know where to start. To make the process easier, we put this article together. Continue reading to figure out the size of cup that you need based on your waist line, what to wear with the cup, and more!
How to Wear a Sports Cup
Slide the cup into the front pouch of your jockstrap or compression shorts with the narrow end facing down. Once it’s in, make sure you’re able to move with your genitals covered. If you have sensitive skin, opt for a cup with a thick gel lining so it doesn’t rub.
Steps
Section 1 of 3:
Choosing a Cup that Fits
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Measure your waist or check the tag on a pair of pants that fit. To figure out your waist size , take measuring tape and wrap it around your hips where your pants sit. Wrap your measuring tape with the end under your belly button and pull the rest of the tape tight around your body. Keep it parallel to the floor and read the number where the two lengths overlap to get your waist size. [1] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source- You can also check a pair of pants that fit you well and simply read the tag.
- It doesn’t matter if you’re off by a little bit. Cups are sized to fit a range of waistlines.
- You can actually do this while wearing your shirt if you want. Jockstraps and compression shorts are typically worn over underwear, so the extra fabric won’t change anything.
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Select your cup based on your waist size. Go to an athletic or sporting goods store. Look for a cup that corresponds with your waist size. If they don’t list the waist sizes on the packaging, use the general sizing recommendations to get a size that will fit you.- As an additional guideline, pee wee sizes are usually for boys aged 5-7, youth sizes typically fit boys aged 8-12, teen sizes are for boys aged 13-17, and adult sizes are for men 18 and older.
- If you’re an adult with a waistline smaller than 28 in (71 cm), start with a teen’s medium.
- Children older than 5 should wear a protective cup if they’re engaged in contact or physical sports. [2] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
General Sizes
19–22 in (48–56 cm) – Extra Small/Pee Wee
22–28 in (56–71 cm) – Small/Youth
28–30 in (71–76 cm) – Medium/Teen
30–36 in (76–91 cm) – Large/Adult
36–46 in (91–117 cm) – Extra Large/Adult
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Choose a shape that you think will be comfortable for you. Cups have a few different shapes, but they aren’t radically different. One style is shaped more like a crescent moon, while the other is a little more form-fitting. Every style of cup will provide the same level of protection so long as it fits right and covers your entire genitalia. Choose a design that looks and feels comfortable to you. [3] X Research source- You won’t be able to try a cup on over your underwear before buying it, but you can try it on over your shorts in the store.
- You can always go back and get another one if you don’t like the style you’ve picked. Cups aren’t particularly expensive.
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Pick a model with a thicker gel lining if you have sensitive skin. The edge of a protective cup has a gel lining so that the edges don’t chafe your skin. If you have sensitive skin, get a cup with a thicker gel lining. This will ensure that the cup doesn’t cause you skin irritation while you’re wearing it. [4] X Research source- There are foam cups that use a softer material than the traditional hard-shelled plastic. These cups are a great option for children, but don’t offer as much protection.
- Some cups are machine-washable. If you want an easier time cleaning your cup, read the label carefully to see if it can be cleaned in a washing machine.
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Section 2 of 3:
Selecting a Supporter
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Get a jockstrap for a basic setup. The jockstrap is the most common supporter for a cup. You can usually buy them together. It has a pouch for the cup and 2 elastic bands that wrap around your legs. Jockstraps usually come in small, medium, and large, and are extremely elastic. Select a jockstrap that will fit firmly around your waist. The waist size ranges will be listed on the packaging. [5] X Research source- Jockstraps tend to be cheaper than compression shorts.
- Don’t use a jockstrap that doesn’t hug your waist firmly. You don’t want it falling down as you’re running.
- If you’re getting a cup for hockey, get a hockey jock . It’s a special type of jockstrap designed to fit into hockey pants.
- Jockstraps are great for sports where you move a lot, as they don’t tend to fall down. It’s advised to wear a jockstrap in most sports, including baseball, football, rugby, and lacrosse.
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Wear compression shorts if you don’t like the feeling of elastic bands. Compression shorts are a good alternative if you don’t like jockstraps. Compression shorts are basically tight-fitting boxer briefs with a slot for a protective cup in the front. Get a pair of compression shorts that list your waistline’s measurement on the packaging. [6] X Research source- They should hug your thighs and waist firmly, but shouldn’t be so tight that they cut off circulation.
- If you have sensitive skin in your inner thighs, opt for compression shorts—they feel like tight boxer shorts and are less likely to cause chafing.
- Compression shorts are great for sports that involve a lot of running, like basketball, baseball, or football. They’re also excellent for biking. They may fall down if you twist and turn a lot though depending on the shape of your body.
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Wear impact shorts for some additional protection. Impact shorts are like compression shorts, except they have foam padding around the thighs, tailbone, and sides to soften any blows or falls. They’re popular with snowboarders and skaters because they protect your hips and legs during bad falls. Wear impact shorts for additional support around your hips and thighs. [7] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source- Impact shorts are often called padded shorts or snowboarder shorts.
- Impact shorts are great for snowboarding, rugby, skating, or boxing, but they’re not great for sports that already have padded uniforms, like football. They’re also a poor choice if you have to run a lot, like in baseball or basketball.
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Section 3 of 3:
Wearing Your Cup
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With the narrow side down, slide the cup into the pouch. Locate the seam on the inside of your shorts or strap. It will be located on the front, near the top of the waist. Use 2 fingers on your nondominant hand to open the slot. Slide the cup down through the opening until it’s fitted in the bottom of the pocket. [8] X Research source- The gel lining may make it kind of difficult to push it all the way down. Wiggle the cup back and forth until it slides all the way down if it sticks.
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Put a jockstrap on by sliding your legs through the elastic bands. With your underwear on, spread the elastic band out and slide your right leg through the band and the hoop on the right. Repeat the process on the left side. Pull the waistband up and let the elastic bands slide up your legs. Once the waistband is on your waistline, reach behind your thighs and adjust the elastic bands until they’re comfortable. [9] X Research source- If you’re new to wearing a cup, you’ll probably feel more comfortable if you’re wearing boxer shorts underneath.
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Pull compression shorts all the way up like you’re putting boxers on. With your underwear on, slide your right leg through the hole on the right. Put your left leg through the hole on your left. Pull the compression shorts up to your waistline so that they’re comfortable. [10] X Research source- If you really want to, you can wear compression shorts without your underwear. Most people wear underwear though.
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Adjust the cup so that your genitals are protected. Adjust your cup so that you’re comfortable and protected. Your genitals need to be entirely covered by the cup, and the bottom of the cup should rest 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) underneath your testicles. Move the cup as needed until it’s comfortable. [11] X Research source -
Take a few steps and do some lunges to see if it’s comfortable. Once you’ve got your strap or shorts on, take a few steps back and forth. Raise your knees up to your waist to see how it feels. Do a few lunges or squats to get used to the feeling of the cup. Make any adjustments as needed based on how comfortable you are. [12] X Research source- If you find your cup pinching your skin when you’re wearing it, move up a size.
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Wash your strap or shorts and clean your cup after every use. You can wash your strap or shorts with your normal laundry. Both the jockstrap and the compression shorts will absorb sweat, so don’t wear your jockstrap or compression shorts for multiple days in a row without washing them. Clean the athletic cup with hot water and a sponge loaded with antibacterial soap. Let it air dry after washing it. [13] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDoes penis size affect which cup size I should wear?Community AnswerOf course! Your penis and testicles must fit inside the cup.
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QuestionShould I dispose of the cup when I throw out a used jockstrap, or can I reuse it?Community AnswerIf it still fits your genitals, then you can certainly use the old cup with a new jockstrap if you'd prefer.
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QuestionThere is no way I can fit everything in any of the cups I have used. Do they make bigger cups?Community AnswerI appreciate that Dick's Sports sells an XL cup. You usually have to order them online.
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Tips
- Don’t worry if it feels kind of awkward to wear a jockstrap or cup at first. It may feel kind of odd initially, but you’ll get used to it!Thanks
- If you’re putting your cup on in a locker room, don’t feel embarrassed. They’re a normal part of playing competitive sports, and if your classmates or teammates aren’t wearing them, they’re being foolish.Thanks
- If you’re a goalie, try goalie cups. They provide extra protection, as they’re padded and cover more of your genital area.Thanks
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Warnings
- Never play a physical sport without wearing a protective cup. You’ll risk doing serious damage to your reproductive system if something goes wrong while you’re playing.Thanks
- For men, you risk groin strains or sprains, hernias, testicular ruptures, and testicular torsion if you don’t wear a cup. For women, you risk hematoma, which is a severe bruise that may need to be drained, and labial tears.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/why-is-my-waist-size-important/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/athletic-cups-for-kids
- ↑ https://www.urologyhealth.org/patient-magazine/magazine-archives/2014/spring-2014/ask-a-urologist-athletic-cups-and-supporters
- ↑ https://www.urologyhealth.org/patient-magazine/magazine-archives/2014/spring-2014/ask-a-urologist-athletic-cups-and-supporters
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/111805-different-styles-athletic-supporters.html
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/111805-different-styles-athletic-supporters.html
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/athletic-cups-for-kids
- ↑ https://www.urologyhealth.org/patient-magazine/magazine-archives/2014/spring-2014/ask-a-urologist-athletic-cups-and-supporters
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCvunjyOJSc
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCvunjyOJSc
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/5785067/how-to-put-on-a-sports-protective-cup
- ↑ https://www.urologyhealth.org/patient-magazine/magazine-archives/2014/spring-2014/ask-a-urologist-athletic-cups-and-supporters
- ↑ https://www.sportsrec.com/choose-athletic-cup-size-2126599.html
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Reader Success Stories
- "I found it very informative on which way the penis should be worn in a cup. I had always pointed mine down. Will have to try the testicles on the base and put the penis on top as indicated for certain types of cups. I own several types." ..." more
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"I found it very informative on which way the penis should be worn in a cup. I had always pointed mine down. Will have to try the testicles on the base and put the penis on top as indicated for certain types of cups. I own several types."
..."
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