Abstract: An athletic cup that is convertible from a hard cup configuration to a soft cup configuration. The hard cup configuration can be used for contact sports or ball sports where maximum protection is needed. The cup can be converted to the soft cup configuration for non-contact sports where a lesser degree of protection is adequate. The cup comprises a hard cup and a soft cup that are detachably connected to each other to form the hard cup configuration. To convert to the soft cup configuration, the hard cup is detached and the soft cup is worn by itself.

Abstract: A relatively wide elastic waistband is provided to encircle the waist of the wearer and has elastic stretchability primarily in the longitudinal direction. A pair of tubular legs is provided with upper ends connected to the waistband. The upper end portions of the tubular legs are adapted to surround the opposed hips of the wearer and the lower end portions are adapted to encircle the upper thighs of the wearer and define lower leg openings surrounding the lower thighs of the wearer. A crotch panel extends throughout the medial portion and crotch of the wearer with opposite ends being connected to the medial front and rear portions of the waistband. The crotch panel is preferably formed of two panel members with the front panel member having an open mesh stitch construction while the rear panel has the usual closed stitch plain knit construction.