When you think of athletic cups, your mind probably flashes to awkward moments in high school PE, Little League sports, or maybe even locker room jokes. But for many men—especially within the LGBTQ+ community—athletic cups represent more than just protection; they symbolize masculinity, identity, and, for some, a unique form of self-expression.

In a recent episode of Brief Talk After Dark, host UNB Tim brought together fellow gear lovers Andrew and Alex for a deep (and often hilarious) dive into the world of cups, from their first encounters with them to the current state of cup culture.

From Locker Rooms to Leather Bars

For Tim, the fascination started young—even though he wasn’t a sporty kid. “I wore a cup to work at a bank,” he laughed, “and sometimes to the bar—just for fun.” His interest wasn’t rooted in sports, but in the look, feel, and fantasy that the gear inspired. “You get a great bulge under your pants, and you feel powerful.”

Alex echoed the sentiment, recalling how his attitude toward cups evolved over time. “As a little kid in T-ball, it was the worst thing in the world. But when I became a teen, I thought, ‘This is kind of awesome.’” Now, in his 30s, he’s wrestling and boxing—and choosing gear that both protects and affirms his identity.

Andrew, the resident sports veteran, had a different introduction. “I was playing baseball and MMA when my parents handed me my first cup. I didn’t even know what it was—but I liked the way it felt, even before I had the vocabulary to explain why.” That early exposure blossomed into a collection of dozens of cups, from classic bike styles to high-end goalie jocks and discontinued titanium Shock Doctors.

Cup Culture: A Hidden (But Growing) Community

Although cups may seem niche, they’re part of a growing subculture—especially among queer men who’ve reclaimed athletic gear for their own enjoyment and expression. “There’s this hyper-masculinity in cups and jocks,” Alex said. “Especially the big, padded boxing protectors—they just scream power and dominance.”

Andrew agreed, describing how goalie jocks and groin guards are now collected like prized sneakers or rare vinyl. “They’re not just functional anymore,” he explained. “You’ve got brands making cups with designs, patterns, even faux-Louis Vuitton prints. There are bulletproof cups selling for hundreds of dollars.”

Still, despite all the technological advancements in fit and materials, fewer athletes seem to be wearing them today. “When we were kids, every player had to wear one,” Andrew said. “Now? Not so much. If you wear a cup to football practice, you’re the odd one out.”

Identity, Kink, and the Power of Gear

But for this trio, cups are about more than function—they’re tied to identity and, yes, kink. Whether it’s wearing one out for the day, swapping gear with a friend, or incorporating it into a sexual encounter, the cup becomes a personal and intimate symbol.

“There’s something thrilling about knowing you’re wearing one and no one else does,” said Andrew. “Or being in a room where everyone is wearing a cup—it’s like this unspoken bond.”

Tim summed it up best: “You can mix it with leather, with spandex, with whatever. There are no rules anymore. It’s about what makes you feel sexy, powerful, and seen.”

The Rise of Gear Positivity

As kink culture becomes more visible and accepted, so too does gear like athletic cups. They’re no longer something to be hidden—they’re proudly displayed, photographed, and yes, worn for pleasure as well as play.

For those who never played sports, or who were told they were “too soft” to join the team, cups offer a new kind of power. “It’s like I get to rewrite my past,” Alex said. “Now I choose my gear, I choose my sport, and I choose how I show up.”

And that’s what makes this topic worth talking about. Whether you’re a collector, a curious newcomer, or a lifelong wearer, there’s a place for you in the growing cup community.

Want more gear talk?
Follow Brief Talk After Dark for future episodes diving into the worlds of jocks, gear, kink, and everything in between. And if you’ve got a favorite cup—or a story about one—reach out. There’s plenty more to explore.