What are the different types of athletic supporters. How do you choose the right size supporter. What factors should be considered when purchasing an athletic cup. How can proper fit be ensured for maximum protection.
Types of Athletic Supporters: Providing Protection and Support
Athletic supporters play a crucial role in protecting athletes during contact sports and high-intensity activities. These specialized undergarments are designed to hold and safeguard the genitalia without restricting movement. Let’s explore the main types of supporters available:
- Jockstraps
- Compression shorts
- Impact shorts
- Pelvic protectors (for female athletes)
Jockstraps are the most traditional and widely used type of athletic supporter. They feature an elastic waistband and leg loops, with a fabric pouch in front to securely hold a protective cup. This design provides excellent support and protection while allowing for unrestricted movement.
Compression shorts have gained popularity in recent years as a more comfortable alternative to jockstraps. These form-fitting shorts offer support and muscle compression benefits. Many styles include a special pouch designed to accommodate a protective cup, combining comfort with essential protection.
Impact shorts take protection a step further by incorporating additional padding. These shorts typically feature pockets for hip and thigh guards, as well as a pouch for a protective cup. This comprehensive design is ideal for sports with a high risk of impact to multiple areas.
For female athletes, pelvic protectors (also known as “Jills”) provide specialized protection. These supporters, such as the ProForce® Female Tuck Under Guard, feature a flatter design compared to male jockstraps and cover both the lower abdomen and groin area.
Selecting the Right Size: Ensuring Proper Fit and Protection
Choosing the correct size athletic supporter is crucial for both comfort and effective protection. The key measurement needed is your waist size. To obtain an accurate measurement:
- Use a tailor’s tape measure
- Position the tape at the top of your hipbone, near your belly button
- Alternatively, measure where you typically wear your pants
- If you plan to wear the supporter over underwear, take the measurement while wearing underwear
Once you have your waist measurement, you can determine the appropriate size. While sizing may vary between manufacturers, here’s a general guide for male supporters:
- Youth Small: 20-21 inches
- Youth Medium: 22-23 inches
- Youth Large: 24-25 inches
- Small: 26-32 inches
- Medium: 34-38 inches
- Large: 40-44 inches
- Extra Large: 46-50 inches
Always check the specific sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best fit for your chosen supporter.
Achieving the Perfect Fit: Comfort Meets Protection
A properly fitting athletic supporter should strike a balance between comfort and functionality. It should be snug enough to lift and secure the genitals close to the body, but not so tight as to cause discomfort or chafing.
Is it possible for a supporter to be too tight? Yes, a supporter or cup that’s too small can lead to several issues:
- Chafing and skin irritation
- Pinching of the genitals
- Inadequate protection due to incomplete coverage
To mitigate these risks, many modern cups feature soft foam or gel around the edges to reduce abrasion. If you find that the supporter’s pouch feels too tight, consider moving up to a larger size.
Conversely, can a supporter be too loose? Absolutely. An oversized supporter can be just as problematic as one that’s too small. A loose fit may allow the cup to move excessively during activity, potentially causing discomfort or even injury. In some cases, a cup that’s too large might slam against the genitals upon impact, defeating its protective purpose.
Key Features to Consider When Purchasing an Athletic Supporter
Beyond size and style, several other factors should influence your choice of athletic supporter:
Waistband Width
A waistband that’s at least 2 inches wide helps ensure the cup stays securely in place during intense activity. This wider design distributes pressure more evenly and reduces the likelihood of the supporter riding up or shifting during movement.
Closure Mechanisms
Hook and loop closures offer adjustability and a secure fit without causing chafing. These closures allow you to fine-tune the fit of your supporter, ensuring maximum comfort and protection throughout your athletic endeavors.
Material Composition
The materials used in both the supporter and the cup play a significant role in comfort and protection. Look for cups with gel or foam padding to absorb impact and reduce discomfort. Many modern supporters and cups are machine washable, simplifying maintenance and hygiene.
The Importance of Proper Protection in Contact Sports
Why is protective gear so critical in contact sports, particularly martial arts? Unlike some sports where contact is incidental, martial arts involve deliberate attacks from an opponent. This heightened risk of impact makes proper protection absolutely essential.
Before engaging in any contact sport or martial art, ensure you have a complete set of protective gear, including:
- Head guard
- Mouth guard
- Hand wraps
- Gloves
- Athletic supporter or pelvic protector
By prioritizing safety and using the appropriate protective equipment, athletes can focus on performance and skill development without unnecessary worry about potential injuries.
Innovations in Athletic Supporter Technology
The field of athletic protection continues to evolve, with manufacturers constantly seeking ways to improve comfort, protection, and performance. Some recent innovations in athletic supporter technology include:
Moisture-Wicking Fabrics
Advanced materials that draw sweat away from the body help keep athletes dry and comfortable during intense activities. These fabrics reduce the risk of chafing and skin irritation, allowing for longer, more comfortable wear.
Antimicrobial Treatments
Some supporters now incorporate antimicrobial treatments to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria. This feature is particularly beneficial for athletes who engage in frequent or prolonged training sessions.
Ergonomic Designs
Manufacturers are increasingly focusing on anatomically correct designs that provide better support and protection while maximizing comfort and range of motion. These ergonomic supporters conform more naturally to the body’s contours, reducing pressure points and enhancing overall performance.
Impact-Absorbing Materials
Advancements in material science have led to the development of new impact-absorbing substances for use in protective cups. These materials offer superior protection against blunt force while remaining lightweight and flexible.
Maintaining Your Athletic Supporter: Care and Longevity
Proper care of your athletic supporter is essential for maintaining its protective qualities and extending its lifespan. Here are some tips for keeping your gear in top condition:
Regular Cleaning
Clean your supporter after each use to prevent the buildup of bacteria and odors. Many supporters are machine washable, but always check the care instructions for specific guidance.
Proper Storage
Store your supporter and cup in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid leaving them in a damp gym bag, as this can promote bacterial growth and compromise the integrity of the materials.
Inspect Regularly
Periodically examine your supporter and cup for signs of wear or damage. Look for stretched elastic, loose stitching, or cracks in the protective cup. Replace any components that show significant wear to ensure continued protection.
Rotate Your Gear
If possible, have multiple supporters and rotate their use. This allows each piece to fully dry between uses and can help extend the overall lifespan of your protective gear.
The Psychology of Protection: Confidence in Contact Sports
The impact of proper protective gear extends beyond physical safety. How does wearing appropriate protection affect an athlete’s mental state and performance?
Wearing a well-fitted athletic supporter and cup can significantly boost an athlete’s confidence. This increased sense of security allows competitors to focus on their performance without the distraction of worrying about potential injuries. The psychological benefits of proper protection include:
- Reduced anxiety about impacts or collisions
- Increased willingness to fully commit to techniques or movements
- Enhanced focus on strategy and skill execution
- Greater overall enjoyment of the sport or activity
By providing both physical and psychological protection, a quality athletic supporter becomes an integral part of an athlete’s equipment, contributing to improved performance and a more positive sporting experience.
Customization and Personalization: Tailoring Protection to Individual Needs
As the importance of proper athletic protection becomes more widely recognized, manufacturers are offering increasing options for customization and personalization. This trend allows athletes to fine-tune their protective gear to meet their specific needs and preferences.
Custom Fitting Services
Some specialty sports retailers now offer custom fitting services for athletic supporters and cups. These services use advanced measurement techniques and may even employ 3D scanning technology to ensure a perfect fit.
Modular Systems
Modular protective systems allow athletes to mix and match components to create a personalized protection solution. This might include interchangeable cups of varying sizes or styles, or supporters with removable padding for different levels of impact protection.
Sport-Specific Designs
Recognizing that different sports place unique demands on athletes, manufacturers are developing sport-specific supporter designs. These specialized products take into account the particular movements, impact zones, and equipment requirements of various athletic disciplines.
By offering these customization options, the athletic protection industry is empowering athletes to take a more active role in their safety and comfort. This personalized approach not only enhances protection but also contributes to improved performance and enjoyment of sports activities.
Cups and Supporters Buying Guide
Cups and Supporters Buying Guide
AWMA
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Cups and Supporters Buying Guide
In any contact sport there’s a risk of personal injury, and a low blow can bring your sparring session or tournament hopes to a short, painful conclusion. That’s why a supporter with a cup is an official requirement for boys and men in most martial arts tournaments, and is an essential piece of equipment for sparring and training sessions. AWMA offers a range of ProForce® supporters and pelvic guards, making it easy to prioritize your health and safety in your athletic endeavors. Before committing to a purchase, learn what size and type of supporter you require to ensure you’re getting the perfect protective apparel for your needs.
Types of Supporters
A supporter is essential apparel for many sports. It’s a close-fitting undergarment that holds and protects genitalia, without impeding motion.
Male athletes commonly use supporters in conjunction with a cup for additional protection. Common types include:
• Jockstraps: The jockstrap is the most common type of supporter. It comprises an elastic waistband and leg loops, with a fabric pouch at the front for securing a cup in place.
• Compression shorts: Compression shorts are flexible, form-fitting shorts that have gained popularity in recent years. They are more comfortable than a jockstrap, and some shorts have a special design allowing for a protective cup.
• Impact shorts: Impact shorts are similar to compression shorts, except they have pockets for hip guards and thigh guards, in addition to a pouch for the cup.
• Pelvic protector: A pelvic protector, or Jill, such as the ProForce® Female Tuck Under Guard is a type of jockstrap for female athletes. The design is flatter than the male jockstrap, and covers the lower part of the abdomen as well as the groin area.
Buying the Correct Size
To get the correct supporter size, you need to know your waist measurement.
Measure your waist with a tailor’s tape. For the most accurate measurement, position the tape at the top of the hipbone, which is close to the level of your belly button. Alternatively, measure your waist where you normally wear your pants. Be aware that if you intend to wear your supporter over your underwear, you should take the measurement while wearing underwear.
Your waist measurement determines which size of supporter to purchase. Sizing varies between manufacturers, so always check the labels. For male supporters, sizes commonly fall into the following categories:
• Youth Small: 20 to 21 inches
• Youth Medium: 22 to 23 inches
• Youth Large: 24 to 25 inches
• Small: 26 to 32 inches.
• Medium: 34 to 38 inches.
• Large: 40 to 44 inches.
• Extra large: 46 to 50 inches.
Ensuring a Good Fit
Athletic supporters should be comfortable, yet tight enough to lift the genitals and secure them close to the body. Chafing may occur if the supporter or cup is too small, although many modern cups have soft foam or gel around the edge of the cup to reduce the risk of abrasion.
A small cup that fails to completely enclose the genitals may cause pinching, and may not protect all of the genitals during an impact. If the supporter’s pouch is too tight, you may need to go to a larger size.
A supporter that’s too large has the potential to be just as problematic as one that’s too small, as a large pouch may give the cup too much room to move during exercise. A cup that’s too large may slip, or even slam against your genitals following an impact, causing as much harm as if you weren’t wearing a cup at all.
Other Purchasing Considerations
Besides the style and size of the supporter, consider the quality and construction:
• Waistband size: A waistband that’s at least 2 inches wide helps to ensure the cup stays in place.
• Hook and loop closures: Comfortable closures help to adjust and secure the fit without causing chafing.
• Materials: Cups should have gel or foam padding. Many are machine washable for easy maintenance.
Safety First
Protective gear is essential in any contact sport, and especially in martial arts, which involve concerted attacks from an opponent rather than occasional, accidental contact. Before you get on the mats or in the ring, ensure you have all of the essential safety equipment, including a head guard, mouth guard, hand wraps, gloves, and a supporter or pelvic protector.
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“I’m just having fun with everyone” How a Croatian fan staged a sexual revolution in Qatar and became the star of the championship a Brazilian who shouts obscenely about his love for Russia, as well as the “most beautiful fan” of the host team, who turned out to be an adult film actress. Four years later, in Qatar, there were much fewer colorful characters in the stands, or they simply disappeared into the crowds of fake fans of the top teams from India and Pakistan absent from the World Cup. The heavy burden of popularizing the fan movement in Qatar was almost single-handedly shouldered by the Croatian model Ivana Knoll, who passionately supported the national team in skimpy outfits throughout the tournament. Lenta.ru is about a fan who managed to emerge victorious from a duel with the conservative Arab world and became one of the symbols of the World Cup.
A challenge to morals
It all started on November 23, the day of the first match of the Croatian team in the tournament.
Luka Modric and company rolled up a dull goalless draw with Morocco, and the most talked about person of the match was… Knoll! The model arrived at the stadium wearing a long-sleeved bodycon dress in the colors of the Croatian flag. The dress even had a hood that covered Ivana’s head, but one important detail of the outfit still insanely pissed off local fans and residents. The dress, which looked chaste from the back, had a very deep neckline that perfectly emphasized the dignity of Knoll’s figure.
Ivana Knoll
Photo: @knolldoll
The model got into the lenses of photo and video cameras, published pictures from the match on her Instagram ( a social network banned in the Russian Federation; owned by the Meta corporation, which is recognized as extremist in the Russian Federation and banned ) for half a million subscribers and blew up the information field. In social networks, a storm of criticism from local residents fell upon the impudent fan: she was insulted in every possible way, urged to get out of Qatar and even asked law enforcement officers to open a criminal case against her.
Many girls in such a situation would immediately leave the country or at least apologize, but Knoll chose a different path. To begin with, she harshly criticized the level of organization of the tournament.
This is a disaster. I feel sorry for all the people who can’t get to the World Cup because of the worst tournament organization in history. My friends have not been able to get a Hayya Card for more than 20 days (analogous to Fan ID – approx. “Lenta.ru” ), and they have tickets for all matches. I am lucky that I can support the Croatian national team. It is understandable why many did not want to go to Qatar. It’s a circus
Ivana Knoll
After a resonant appearance in the press, Knoll appeared at the second round match between Croatia and Canada in a dress with a less obvious neckline. True, now the outfit was as short as possible and did not cover the shoulders, which threw an even more severe challenge to local traditions. Ivana received a new batch of hate: comments on photos from the match on her Instagram were bursting with indignation from Arab (and not only) men and women.
Knoll’s dress was called inappropriate and accused of disrespecting Qatari culture. The Croatian fan even got it from the Romanian tennis player Andrea Prishkariu.
Since when is football a woman’s breast? And don’t make me start talking about clothing choices in a country where a few rules are mandatory. A woman can be sexy in different outfits, I guarantee you that
Andrea Pryshakari Rumanian tennis player
But things didn’t go further than insults in social networks and criticism again. Knoll continued to balance on the edge, and for all the following matches of the Croatian national team she dressed more and more frankly. Dresses were replaced by tight leggings and tops, more like bras. Only the colors of the Croatian flag remained unchanged, in which each new bow was made.
Ivana Knoll
Photo: Anton Zaitsev / Globallookpress.com
From hate to love
Surprisingly, no one was going to fight Knoll, except for sofa commentators on the net.
The Croatian fan continued to be allowed to the matches, she willingly posed for photojournalists and did not refuse selfies to fans, including local ones. Those who did not dare to approach the newly-minted sex symbol of the World Cup filmed her from afar. There are many photos of men and women in traditional clothes on the network, who look at Ivana with undisguised admiration. According to Knoll, she never received any negative offline for the entire World Championship.
I was very surprised and very happy that the Qataris are accepting my style. Women, men and children are photographed with me. There are many people here from other countries. I did not meet any negative reaction to my clothes
Ivana Knoll
During the world championship Knoll was interviewed by journalists from various media, she also visited the live TV show of the famous British journalist Piers Morgan. A local businessman, Mohammed Hassan al-Jefairi, was also involved in the same inclusion, whom the Briton directly asked about his attitude towards Knoll’s outfits.
He did not show any aggression on the air and only noted that he was not very used to such performances. In addition, the man, with a smile on his face, offered the Croatian woman to try on a traditional Qatari dress and expressed confidence that she would look very good in it.
Knoll, at 30, is still unmarried, fortunately at the World Championships she had a lot of opportunities to improve her personal life. According to the Croatian, she was very popular with local sheikhs and even the players participating in the tournament.
Some of the messages I received on social media were invitations to meet from footballers playing in the World Cup. I just have fun with everyone. I guess people like me because I look good. I don’t want to meet anyone here. Intends to make people smile, that’s all
Ivana Knoll
Separated from Qatar Knoll on a super positive note. In one of the last posts on Instagram, Ivana was full of compliments to the country, local residents and the organizers of the tournament.
From the rigid obstruction that the model arranged for the receiving party, there was not a trace left. The Croatian also promised to return to Qatar.
Ivana Knoll
Photo: Ulmer / Imago / Globallookpress.com
Bonanza
Knoll, who has become the main symbol of Croatia in recent weeks, was born in Frankfurt, Germany 30 years ago. As a child, Ivana and her family returned to their historical homeland, and after graduating from school, she decided to devote her life to the modeling business. In 2016, Knoll won the title of “Miss Croatia”, which gave her a great help to promote her Instagram account. Later, the girl also started TikTok.
Ivana’s social media content is standard: a million candid photos and videos from all over the world, erotically inviting dances and advertising posts
There are also photos from all kinds of sporting events. It turns out that Knoll started the tradition of appearing in revealing outfits a long time ago: she used similar outfits at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups, NBA matches and Super Bowl 2022.
However, it really took off only in Qatar. It seemed that for such risky performances, a girl in this Muslim country could be sent to jail. But she is not only free, but also at the zenith of fame.
Ivana Knoll
Photo: @knolldoll
Knoll’s Instagram account exploded during the World Cup. Now, instead of 500 thousand, the Croatian has 3.5 million subscribers. It’s easy to imagine how this affected the cost of advertising, as well as the level of sales of her own brand Knolldoll. Interestingly, the entire assortment, consisting of three items (one-piece, two-piece swimsuits and men’s swimming trunks, made in the colors of the Croatian flag), has one price – 55 euros per piece. Perhaps now Knoll will increase it and expand the range.
A huge contribution to Ivana’s success was made by the Croatian national team, which in many ways unexpectedly stayed at the World Cup for the maximum possible number of matches and eventually won bronze. If the team had packed home after the group stage, the girl would definitely not have had time to become so popular.
***
It was not possible to force the organizers of the World Cup in Qatar to soften their position in relation to the use of alcohol during the World Cup. But with the modest forces of Knoll, a mini-sexual revolution definitely took place in the country. Whether it will choke with the end of the football holiday, or whether Ivana’s performance will have any further consequences is hard to say. It is only indisputable that Knoll added bright and necessary colors to the World Cup in a conservative Islamic country.
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February 6, 12:43
Hockey
#Irina Efremova
#Gagarin Cup
#HC Avangard
#Rodion Kazantsev
#HC Rubin
#Denis Yachmenev
Main trophy of the Kontinental Hockey League The Gagarin Cup ended up in Tyumen for one day. The event was held as part of the partnership between Rostelecom and the KHL. Everyone was able to take a picture with the prize and take part in a quiz about their favorite sport.
The holiday was attended by Irina Efremova, a big fan of Avangard Omsk, which plays in the KHL championship.
– As soon as I found out that the Cup would be brought to us, I couldn’t even sleep! the woman confessed.
– For me, this is an important event, because when Avangard became the champion, I didn’t manage to go to the final. And here is such a miracle! I am a real hockey fan. My grandson Rodion Kazantsev plays in the Omsk club system. And at the Academy they know me as the Tyumen grandmother of Avangard (smiles).
— How long has hockey been a part of your life?
– I didn’t know what kind of sport it was until Rodion started doing it – that was ten years ago. He came to Tyumen for the Ruby Puck children’s tournament, then I started to get sick.
— This season Avangard returned to Omsk — to the G-Drive Arena. Already been there?
– We were even invited to the opening. But, unfortunately, circumstances prevented us from visiting it. A little later, I still managed to go. A colossal building, very cool. I sincerely loved the last stadium – Omsk Arena. Tears flowed when I saw how it was taken apart. They also watched how the new complex was being built.
