I have encouraged my boys to wear them for comfort, breathability, and character starting around 8-10 years old. Most middle school boys harass boys in the locker room who do not wear boxers or boxer briefs. My 10 and 13 year old were no exception, but they actually took pride in being obstinate by not just going along with the crowd. For a little while they were embarassed, for the other kids told the girls. They got over it by being very forward with it. I think that wearing them through formative years builds character.
It is pretty difficult to find a boys size in the store. Walmart carries Franklin, but the pouch is way too small and tight. I did not buy one of these for my sons, for then they would dislike all jocks. Bike and Duke jocks are the most comfortable by far. No cups. Cups are terribly uncomfortable. Go to sportskids.com. They have them in 2 packs and by the dozen. Get a size up and make sure they have several to wear. Mine have about 20 boxers and briefs plus about 14 jocks each to wear throughout the week for xc, Wrestling, track, and soccer. Our kids are involved in a bunch of sports so jocks are regular and ordinary underwear. So long as they are wearing a SIZE UP, then they will prefer them under a pair of shorts or compression shorts.
At a minimum, a boy should start wearing a jockstrap once they begin puberty, since their genitals will be growing and need more support. But boys should wear a jock and cup any time they play a sport where they might get hit, regardless of age.
Chat with our AI personalities
I had my first one when I was 13. My son had his first at 11. In his case, puberty started early, and with that came growth down there of the frank and beans.
He caught a ton of crap for being the only guy to wear one at his age for gym, but by the end of the first half of the year, all but a handful of guys were strapped up for class.
They keep you cooler by not having your butt covered. They don't stretch and chaff your inner thighs like briefs(tighty whities) or some jammers will. They also keep the equipment in the pouch in place to it doesn't bounce around. Overall, for athletics, they are the most comfortable thing a guy can use and wear. If heavier contact sports happen, then you can get a jockstrap with a cup in it. Both my son and myself have Nutty Buddies for times when a cup is needed. These are the most comfortable cups to wear and they WORK! I took a direct hit from a hockey puck and didn't even know I was hit there. I never went down. Thanks Mark, for thinking and designing a cup that is anatomically correct to the male form. These are not the typical, one size fits all adults thing, but the cup itself comes in several sizes and is worn in a different manor than what you would think. All guys, men and boys, should check this site out and get one.
A boy should wear a jockstrap with a cup for sports with direct contact, regardless of age. It's a good idea for boys to start wearing a jock for support (no cup) for running, other non-contact sports sometime before puberty starts.
You should wear a jock strap if you need to be wearing a cup - so for sports where you might get hit. You should also wear a jock strap for support for running, working out, gym class, etc, even if a cup is not required.