Guelph claims many firsts but this is one of our most important inventions, not only for Guelph but for athletes around the world.

Joseph Cartledge started the Guelph Elastic Hosiery Company in 1922, making knit sports stockings and garments. Cartledge worked with a doctor to create an athletic support garment for men and he patented his design.

A contest was held in the 1920s to name the athletic support and Jockstrap was the winning name. The winner was awarded five dollars– a big prize in the 1920s. Guelph Elastic Hosiery held the patent for the Jockstrap until 1956 and the company continued to make jockstraps and other protective devices until 2006.

Object Information:

• Object ID: 2014.65.2.3
• Object Name: Jockstrap, Manual and Box
• Dimensions: 33 cm L x 29.5 cm W (jockstrap)

Kathleen Wall, Curatorial Coordinator, Guelph Museums