Buzz
A langot is a traditional loincloth worn by men in the Indian subcontinent, similar to a jockstrap. It consists of a triangular fabric with ties at the top and a long strip of fabric hanging below. Once positioned correctly, simply wrap and secure the straps. It's commonly worn during activities like weightlifting, yoga, or sports such as wrestling, where protection of the genital area is important.
Steps
Securing the Langot
Locate the smooth side of the langot. The garment will have a side where you can feel the seams and another side that is smooth. For added comfort, ensure the smooth side faces your body when positioning it.
Position the triangular edge with the straps at the top of your backside. Place the long edge of the triangle, which should have two straps extending from it, at the top of your backside. Hold one strap in each hand and bring them around to the front, tightening the fabric against your bottom.
- The pointed end of the triangle, or the long strip of fabric, should hang behind you, between your legs.
Pull the long fabric strip between your legs and over your shoulder. Reach between your legs and grab the fabric. Pull it through, keeping it smooth and straight as you go. Bring it up to your waist and toss the end over your shoulder.
- While tightening the fabric, ensure your genitals are tucked against your body and pointed backward.
- Throwing the long piece over your shoulder keeps it out of the way as you tie the langot at the front.
Cross the strings in front and tie them once. Pull the straps tightly around you, then cross one strap over the other, as if you’re about to tie a square knot or beginning to tie your shoes.
- The straps should be positioned at your natural waist.
Cross the strings at the back once more. Pull the straps tight, wrapping them around your back. Cross them over each other and bring them to the front on the opposite sides. Keep them taut as you do so.
Secure the strings in a bow at the front. Tie the straps slightly off to one side of your hips instead of directly in the center. This will make the langot feel more comfortable once it’s secured. Tighten the strings, then tie a bow, like you would when tying shoelaces. This will keep the langot in place.
- You can also tie a square knot for extra security.
Pull the long fabric strip through your legs to secure it in the back. Release the long fabric from over your shoulder and let it hang over the knot you've just tied. Reach behind you, grab the fabric, and pull it through your legs. Tighten it, then tuck the end into the top of the triangle at the back.
Wearing a Langot During Physical Activity
Use a langot for sports requiring genital protection. Much like a jockstrap, a langot can be worn during contact sports such as football, soccer, or cricket, where there is a risk of injury to the genital area. It is also commonly worn in traditional wrestling. To add extra protection, you can insert an athletic cup underneath the langot.
- Ensure that the athletic cup fits properly, covering your genitalia completely and securely against your body.
- Once the langot is in place, slip the cup underneath the fabric, positioning it over your genitalia, ensuring they are pressed against your body and pointing toward the back. The rounded end of the cup should face forward.
Consider wearing a langot while strength training. Langots have traditionally been used during strength training exercises due to their ability to provide freedom of movement. However, if you're aiming to avoid a hernia, it may be better to choose another type of undergarment. The snug fit of the langot could, in some cases, contribute to hernias in certain wearers.
Wear a langot for yoga to maintain freedom of movement. Many yogis have traditionally worn just a langot during their practice, as it provides maximum flexibility while performing various yoga poses.
