What is the mesh bit in football shorts for?

[whatdayisit]

OK , I know what it's for in men's shorts, but why does my 7 year old need it? They always rub him. Would I be committing a terrible faux pas for him if I cut it out?

[girlywhirly]

Possibly! I remember back to junior school, Wed after home time was football practice. The male teacher who took this was going up and down the cloakroom while the boys changed into their kit shouting 'no pants!' which made all the girls laugh as they left to go home! So maybe the shorts lining is a substitute.

It's a pity the manufacturers don't make them a bit better, with enclosed elastic' etc. Perhaps there are different shorts with different linings available, my shorts buying days are over now!

[MrsSnape]

What IS it for in mens shorts?

[Whizzz]

Isn't it so you can wear them without pants? Like in swim shorts

[lizinthesticks]

Isn't a kind of net satchel thing to hold the bollocks? I have no idea.

[zippitippitoes]

i thought it was to stop your bits dangling out of the legs

[zippitippitoes]

harking back to the days of suoper short shorts

[cocolepew]

Easy access for ball scratching.

[PeachyBAHons]

You know I also don't have a cue what it is for..... DH is the least sporty (bar F1) person I know. AS I have 4 lads I should find out!

[lizinthesticks]

Maybe it helps the nads to "breathe" so the spunklets don't expire. They're always going on about how sperms die if trousers are too tight. God knows.

[girlywhirly]

Whatdayisit, have consulted my DH who used to play rugby and run a lot when younger, and he says they all used vaseline to stop chafing. Says the runners applied it to their nipples to stop their running vests making them sore. Don't know how your 7yo will get an opportunity to apply it before games unless he hides in the loo!! Can you imagine the teasing? And yes, the mesh bit is a support of sorts, but he says wear pants as well.

[whatdayisit]

Oh thank you for all your research - I think I'll cut it out

[Flamesparrow]

DH says he thinks it is so you don't have to wear pants as just the shorts along rubs your bits.

He said to google though

[MissDown]

Id say cut it out. I always make my boys wear propper briefs on a PE/games day so nothing falls out!