Who Invented the Athletic Supporter?

Sometimes it's the simplest of inventions that change the world. Wristwatches, disposable dish sponges and athletic supporters are examples of this. First distributed by Guelph Elastic Company in the 1920s, these handy comfort devices have changed a lot over the years, with modern athletic supporters being made of comfortable, breathable materials.

  1. History

    • While there is evidence of homemade athletic supporters as far back as the mid 1800s, it was 1920 when Joe Cartledge invented the first commercially marketed athletic supporter. Cartledge was the owner and founder of the Guelph Elastic Hosiery Company, and was first marketed under the name "Protex" which sounded sporty and scientific at the same time.

    Purpose

    • An athletic supporter is designed to be worn in addition to underpants and restrains a man's penis and testicles, protecting them from jarring movements during running and jumping associated with field sports. Inserting a protective cup can create a safety barrier that protects men from projectile injuries, like from a tennis ball, baseball or opponent's knee.

    Types

    • In the beginning, when the nylon straps were less stretchy, the straps were adjustable but now they are very stretchy. The use of a padded pouch, which isn't quite as firm as an protective cup, is becoming common, both for appearance and additional protection. Additionally, a padded cup can help absorb moisture from sweating that can cause chaffing and discomfort.

    Function

    • A waistband strap keeps the supporter from slipping down. In modern athletic supporters, they sit at the hips, instead of at the navel. In the front, a stretchy pouch is designed to house the man's genitals, quite snugly, in order to keep them close to the body for protection. Additional straps secure the pouch behind the man's rear end, to keep the pouch secure.

    Misconceptions

    • Did you know that a jock strap and an athletic supporter are the same thing? The term jock strap, however, is more descriptive and more commonly understood. "Athletic supporter" is sometimes used to refer to a woman's jogging bra, even though no marketers or hosiery companies have used the phrase that way.