A protective cup is a hard shell that is inserted into a jock strap or compression short to protect the male reproductive system when playing physical sports. Some men don't think it's necessary to wear a protective cup when competing or training, but the truth is that it's important to protect the genitals from permanent damage. Determine the required cup size based on your waist circumference, and get a jockstrap or compression pants in advance according to personal preference. Even if it feels awkward at first, don't worry. You'll get used to it the more you use it!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Cup
Step 1. Measure your waist circumference or check the label of your pants for the right size
To find out your waist circumference, take a measuring tape and wrap it around your hips where your pants usually fit. Place the end of the tape measure below your belly button, and wrap it around your waist until the tape meets the end below your belly button to get your waist measurement. You can also use the label on the pants that fit around your waist as a guide.
- Don't worry if the size is a little off. Protective cup sizes are designed to fit a variety of waist sizes.
- You can actually measure your waist circumference without taking off your clothes. Jockstrap and compression pants are usually worn over the underwear so an extra layer of clothing doesn't change anything.
Choose a cup based on your waist circumference. Go to an athlete's supply or fitness store. Find a cup that fits your waist circumference. If your waistline isn't listed on the package, use the general size recommendations to determine the perfect cup.
Common Size
48–56 cm – Extra Small/ Pee Wee
56–71 cm – Small/ Youth
71–76 cm – Medium/ Teen (Teen)
76–91 cm – Large/ Adult
91–117 cm – Extra Large/ Adult (Adult)
Step 1.
- As an additional guide, the pee wee size is usually for children aged 5-7 years, the youth size is for children aged 8-12 years, the teen size is for men aged 13-17 years, and the adult size is for men aged 18 years and over.
- If you are an adult male with a waist circumference of less than 70 cm, start with the Medium Teen size.
- Children over 5 years old should wear protective cups when playing contact sports.
Step 2. Choose the shape that feels most comfortable
Protective cups come in several forms, but each one is not very different. There are types that are crescent-shaped, while other common designs are designed to fit more on the genitals. All types of cups are equally strong in protecting the entire male genitalia. So you only need to consider the look and comfort of the cup when worn.
- You can't try a cup on the outside of your underwear before you buy it. However, try it outside your pants.
- You can always go back and buy another one if you don't like the type you chose. This protective cup is not very expensive.
Step 3. Choose a model with a thick layer of gel if you have sensitive skin
The rim of the protective cup has a gel so it doesn't rub against the skin. If you have sensitive skin, choose a cup with a thick gel coating. Thus, your skin is not irritated when wearing the cup.
- There are foam cups that use a softer material than traditional hard shell plastic. These cups are great for kids, but not as strong as standard cups.
- Some cups are machine washable. If you want to be able to wash the cup easily, read the label carefully to see if it can be cleaned in a washing machine.
Method 2 of 3: Selecting a Supporter (Supporter)
Step 1. Get a jockstrap
Jockstrap is the most common support for protective cups. This loincloth has a pocket for the cup and 2 elastic straps that wrap around the legs. Jockstrap are usually small, medium, and large, and are very stretchy. Choose a loincloth that fits around your waist. The waist size of the loincloth is stated on the package.
- Jockstrap are usually less expensive than compression pants.
- Do not use a jockstrap that is not firmly attached to the body. Do not let the loincloth sag as you run.
- If you're going to play hockey, choose a hockey loincloth. This is a special type of loincloth designed to fit snugly in hockey pants.
- Jockstrap are great for sports that involve a lot of running or turning around because they don't sag easily. Almost any athlete can wear a jockstrap, including baseball, basketball, rugby, badminton, and soccer. However, loincloths usually feel uncomfortable if you sit a lot.
Step 2. Choose compression pants if you don't like the touch of an elastic band
Compression pants can be worn if you don't like jockstrap. Compression briefs are tight boxer shorts that have room for protective cups in the front. Choose compression pants according to your waist measurement on the package. Pants should fit snugly at the thighs and hips, but not so tight that they cut off blood flow.
- If the skin on your inner thighs is sensitive, choose compression pants as they feel more like boxer briefs and don't rub against each other.
- Compression pants are great for sports that involve a lot of running, such as basketball, baseball, or soccer. These pants are also great for cycling, but can sag if you twist and turn a lot depending on your shape.
Step 3. Choose impact short if you want to add protection
Impact shorts (impact pants) are similar to compression pants; the difference is, these pants have foam padding around the thighs, tailbone and sides to absorb impacts or falls. These pants are popular among snowboarders and skateboarders because they prevent falls from seriously injuring the hips or legs. Choose an impact short if you don't want thigh and hip cushioning and want extra support.
- Impact shorts are also known as padded shorts or snowsurf pants.
- Impact shorts are great for snowboarding, rugby, skating, or boxing, but are not suitable for sports where the uniform already has padding, such as american football. You may also not like the feeling of running a lot, making it unsuitable for baseball or basketball.
Method 3 of 3: Wearing a Cup
Step 1. Tuck the cup into the opening in the center of the loincloth or pants
Look for the seams inside the pants or loincloth. It is located in front, near the top of the pelvis. Use 2 fingers of your non-dominant hand to open the gap. Slide the cup down through the opening until it fits snugly at the bottom of the bag.
The cup can be difficult to push in because it has a gel coating. If it's still sticky, shake the cup until it's completely down
Step 2. Put on the jockstrap by tucking your foot through the elastic
While wearing the panties, stretch the elastic of the loincloth and thread the right leg through the strap and the right eyelet of the loincloth. After that, do the same with the left foot to the left side of the loincloth. When the hip band is at the waist, reach behind your thighs and adjust the elastic until it feels comfortable.
If you're new to wearing protective cups, you may feel more comfortable wearing boxer shorts underneath
Step 3. Pull the compression shorts all the way up as if you were wearing boxer shorts
While wearing your underwear, slip your right leg through the hole on the right, and the left foot through the hole on the left. Pull the compression pants all the way up to your waist and feel comfortable.
If you want, wear compression pants without panties. However, most people wear them
Step 4. Adjust the cup so that your genitals are protected
Adjust the cup so that it feels comfortable and safe to wear. Your genitals should be completely covered by the cup, and the bottom of the cup resting 2.5-5cm below the testicle. Slide the cup until it feels comfortable.
Tips:
Don't be shy about wearing a cup in the locker room. This is common in competitive sports, and if your classmates or team don't wear it, they lose.
Step 5. Walk a few steps and perform lunges to test the comfort of the protective cup
Once you've put on your loincloth or pants, take a few steps back and forth. Raise your knees to your waist to assess the taste. Do a few lunges or squats to get used to the sensation of the protective cup. Adjust until it feels comfortable and secure.
If the protective cup pinches your skin when you put it on, increase the size one notch.
Step 6. Clean the loincloth or pants and protective cup after each use
You can wash loincloths or pants with other clothes. The loincloth and pants will absorb sweat so don't wear them several times a day in a row without washing them. Clean the protective cup with hot antibacterial soapy water and a sponge. Air dry after washing.
