Wanting to start playing hockey? And… you’re now looking for the right equipment?
Skates? Check. Helmet? Check. Stick? Check.
Jock? What? Jill? Huh?
What exactly is a hockey jock and hockey jill?
Simply put, these are vital pieces of equipment that protect the most sensitive part of the body.
You won’t want to play hockey without one.
So, if you want to learn what this crucial piece of equipment is, a few tips on how to use it, and exactly which one you should use—keep reading.
Here’s What a Hockey Jock Is:
A Hockey jock is a piece of equipment designed to protect the groin area of a hockey player—composed of a jockstrap and a cup. Modern hockey jocks are typically built into shorts or pants to make it easy to get on and off (i.e. hockey shorts, compression shorts).
What Size Hockey Jock or Jill Should You Use?
Are you trying to figure out how to properly size your hockey jock or jill? Here are some basic guidelines.
Just keep in mind that these charts are general sizing guidelines. They’re not specified to any specific brand or product so the sizing isn’t guaranteed.
Always remember to check the size guidelines for the specific jock or jill before you purchase one.
Boy’s Jock Sizing Chart
Here are the proper jock sizing guidelines for boys:
| Boy’s Jock Size | Boy’s Waist | Boy’s Height |
| Junior XS | 21.5″ – 23″ | 3’9″ – 4’2″ |
| Junior SM | 22″ – 24″ | 4’2″ – 4’7″ |
| Junior MD | 24″ – 26″ | 4’7″ – 4’11” |
| Junior LG | 26″ – 28″ | 4’11” – 5’4″ |
| Junior XL | 27″ – 29″ | 5’4″ – 5’6″ |
Men’s Jock Sizing Chart
Here are the proper jock sizing guidelines for men:
| Men’s Jock Size | Men’s Waist | Men’s Height |
| Senior SM | 30″ – 33″ | 5’5″ – 5’9″ |
| Senior MD | 32″ – 35″ | 5’9″ – 5’11” |
| Senior LG | 34″ – 37″ | 5’11” – 6’1″ |
| Senior XL | 36″ – 40″ | 6’1″ – 6’3″ |
| Senior XXL | 40″ – 43″+ | 6’3″+ |
Girl’s Jill Sizing Chart
Here are the proper jock sizing guidelines for girls:
| Girl’s Jill Size | Girl’s Waist | Girl’s Height |
| Girls XS | 21″ – 22″ | 3’9″ – 4’2″ |
| Girls SM | 22″ – 23″ | 4’2″ – 4’7″ |
| Girls MD | 23″ – 25″ | 4’7″ – 4’11” |
| Girls LG | 25″ – 27″ | 4’11” – 5’4″ |
| Girls XL | 27″ – 29″ | 5’4″ – 5’6″ |
Women’s Jill Sizing Chart
Here are the proper jock sizing guidelines for women:
| Women’s Jill Size | Women’s Waist | Women’s Height |
| Womens XS (Size 2) | 24″ – 26″ | 5’0 – 5’4″ |
| Womens SM (Size 4-6) | 26″ – 28″ | 5’1″ – 5’5″ |
| Womens MD (Size 8-10) | 29″ – 31″ | 5’2″ – 5’6″ |
| Womens LG (Size 12-14) | 31″ – 33″ | 5’3″ – 5’7″ |
| Womens XL (Size 16-18) | 34″ – 36″+ | 5’4″ – 5’8″+ |
Remember to always check the sizing details of the individual jock or jill you’re interested in buying. Sizing may vary from product to product or even brand to brand.
What Are Hockey Shorts (Jock Shorts)?
Hockey shorts, otherwise known as jock shorts are a pair of shorts that have an insert for a protective cup to be placed. In times past, a cup was typically secured to the groin area with a jockstrap.
However, as hockey equipment has advanced, cups are being built into equipment that is more comfortable, flexible, durable, and easier to use.
Hockey shorts are typically made from mesh for breathability. Plus, they’re made with a velcro attachment on the bottom to help hold your hockey socks up.
What Are Compression Shorts?
Compression shorts are very similar to hockey shorts. They’re another base layer of equipment to wear beneath your hockey gear. They’re a newer version of traditional hockey shorts, but rather than being made of mesh, they’re made of stretchy, comfortable material—similar to leggings.
Jockstrap vs. Compression Shorts?
Jockstraps are the traditional groin protectors for old-timer hockey players. Typically, these were worn without anything underneath.
Jockstraps simply hold the cup in place against the groin with straps.
Compression shorts, on the other hand, are stretchy, comfortable shorts with a jock built in.
Many people prefer compression shorts over jockstraps due to their natural feel.
However, there are still a large number of hockey players who wear jockstraps today —though they often use them with spandex shorts or undergarments beneath.
Hockey Shorts vs. Compression Shorts?
Both mesh hockey shorts and compression shorts are designed with a cup built right in.
However, the main difference between the two is that hockey shorts are made from breathable mesh while compression shorts are skin-tight, smooth, and stretchy legging-type material.
Hockey shorts are better if you’re wanting something a bit more breathable, while compression shorts are better if you want a bit more comfort.
Should You Wear Underwear Under Your Compression Shorts or Hockey Shorts?
Compression shorts and hockey shorts are designed so that you don’t technically need to wear anything underneath them.
However, it all depends on your personal preferences, as well as the cut of your hockey or compression shorts.
The longer you’re on the ice, the more things can get a bit “out of place”, so in that regard, having underwear, or another type of undergarment could be a good idea.
However, if that doesn’t bother you, you don’t really need to wear any underwear.
It’s best to try out with both and see how you feel during the game to get a better understanding of what’s best for you.
What Are the Best Hockey Jocks?
Looking to buy a hockey jock, but you aren’t sure which one to buy? Here are the best hockey jocks available:
Best Compression Pants: CCM Compression Jock Pants W/Grip
Best Mesh Shorts: Pure Hockey Mesh Jock Short
Best Compression Shorts: Bauer Core 1.0 Jock Short
Best Jockstrap: CCM Deluxe Senior Jock Strap W/Cup
What Is a Hockey Jill?
In hockey, a “jill” is the female-version of the jock— a piece of hockey equipment meant to protect the groin area.
Jills come in three main varieties:
- Jill String (the female jockstrap):
This consists of an elastic waistband and support pouch that a cup goes inside. - Compression Shorts:
This is a pair of compression shorts (similar to stretchy leggings material) that has a jill cup built in. - Compression Pants:
Similar to compression shorts—compression pants are stretchy pants similar to leggings with a jill cup built in.
Do Girls Wear a Jock in Hockey?
Yes—most girls wear a jock, known as a jill, in hockey. There are a number of women who don’t use a jill, but it is highly recommended for every female hockey player to wear one for extra protection.
While it’s much easier for a male hockey player to be injured down there, female hockey players can still suffer injuries in the groin area—especially if they aren’t wearing protective equipment like a jillstrap, compression shorts, or compression pants.
How Important Is Wearing a Jill in Hockey?
Wearing a jill in hockey is crucial to player safety.
There have been instances where a female player was seriously injured because they didn’t wear one.
While there are many female hockey players who choose to trust in their hockey pants for protection, it simply isn’t enough to guarantee protection.
This is especially important if you are a goalie or you play defense, as you’ll be counted on to block shots or stop them. Wearing a jill is a primary piece of equipment for any female hockey player to ensure they’re protected during gameplay.
How Do You Wear a Jill in Hockey?
Jill’s can be worn in 3 main ways: a jillstrap, compression shorts, and compression pants.
With a jillstrap, the protective female cup (jill) is held in a protective pouch, connected to the body by an elastic waistband.
With compression shorts, the jill is built right into a pair of shorts, so all you have to do is slip on the shorts, and you’re protected.
Compression pants are identical to compression shorts, except the material covers your entire leg, so you simply slip on the compression pants.
What Are the Best Hockey Jills?
If you’re looking to purchase a hockey jill, here are a couple options:
Best Compression Jill Pants: Bauer Women’s Compression Jill Pant
Best Jill Shorts: Shock Doctor Compression Girls Jill Shorts w/Cup
Best Jillstrap: A&R Female Cup & Supporter
For more hockey gear tips and recommendations, check out these guides: How to Remove Hockey Jersey Wrinkles, Bauer vs. CCM Sticks (Everything You Should Know), and 3 Great Hockey Skates for Ankle Support.
Sources
https://www.purehockey.com/product/ccm-compression-jock-pant-w-grip-senior/itm/18961-41/