jockstraps in sports, the use of the necessary abdominal guard has also declined despite the safety implications. Typically cups are worn in the pouch of a jockstrap which may be double-lined to hold the cup, or in compression shorts or sport-specific briefs. Cups for some combat sports (e.g. mixed martial arts, kick boxing) have a waistband and straps attached directly to the cup designed to be worn over a regular jockstrap or briefs. Some sports such as boxing use an oversized cup and jock combined into a single item which has layered foam padding that protects the groin, kidneys and abdomen. Use Cups offer protection for contact sports. They are usually made of hard plastic or steel and perforated for ventilation. A more flexible and comfortable soft cup is also offered for low-contact sports such as soccer. A flex cup variation features a hard exterior cup with a soft cups lining. Jockstraps for females The pelvic protector is the female equivalent of the male jockstrap. It is currently unclear who was responsible for the first invention of the female pelvic protector. It is designed to protect the female genitalia from bruising or tearing. The area protected includes the entire vulva, including the clitoris, the clitoral hood and the delicate labia minora which protrude from the vulva in some women and are therefore especially vulnerable to bruising from impact. It is also occasionally nicknamed a "jill" or "jillstrap". Women wear the garment during contact sports or activities. The garment cups around the genitals and is usually reinforced with rigid material. Gay subculture fetish Since the 1950s and 1960s, some gay men use jockstraps as an erotic attire, particularly those belonging to the leather and BDSM subcultures. The garment has become especially popular between gay men and LGBT+ individuals in the 2020s, with major brands producing rainbow-coloured, Pride-themed jockstraps. Gallery See also Baseball clothing and equipment BIKE Athletic Company Cricket clothing and equipment Russell Crowe's jockstrap Tinea cruris, more commonly known as "jock itch" References External links 1870s fashion 1874 introductions 19th-century fashion 20th-century fashion American inventions Protective gear Sportswear Undergarments