Iconic underwear: Celebrating 150 years of the jockstrap
It was in 1874 that the style of underwear that we know as the jockstrap was first developed.
Necessity is always the mother of invention and it was the bicycle couriers of Boston who we can thank for the jockstrap – they needed some protection for their genitals as they rode the cobblestone streets.
But it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t only the bicycle couriers who were worried about their genitals – athletes in many sports also saw their potential, adapting the style so that the pouch could accommodate a protective cup.
It’s a bit of a no-brainer as to why gay men are drawn to this style of underwear – if you’re partial to admiring a man’s ass, the jockstrap perfectly presents a guy’s butt on full display.