![[object Object]](https://res.cloudinary.com/dlwdq84ig/image/upload/w_3840,q_auto,c_scale/x1qgcm5jcooqwptm0kbq)
Football Girdle Buying Guide
When you’re prepping for the football season, there’s a whole list of protective gear to invest in before hitting the field. One important piece of football equipment is a football girdle. Our Football Experts highlight the basics you need to know before buying including the purpose of a football girdle, how to find the right size, and tips for washing and cleaning.
What Is a Football Girdle?
The purpose of a football girdle is to protect the player’s hips, thighs, and tailbone. They are made from compressive fabrics that fit next to your skin and are stretchy and moisture-wicking. Football girdles also feature strategic foam pads that are either integrated or removable, helping to absorb impact and provide protection from tackles. This design offers reliable protection while still maintaining maximum mobility. You’ll wear a football girdle under your padded football pants.
Types of Football Girdles
There are a few types of football girdles:
-
5-pad girdles stop above the knee and feature a tailbone, two thigh, and two hip pads.
-
7-pad girdles offer a three-quarter length fit and have a tailbone, two thigh, two hip, and two knee pads.
-
Integrated girdles have their foam padded sewn in and are not removable.
Sizing a Football Girdle
When finding the proper size football girdle, measure around your waist and hips and use the correct size chart to determine which size football girdle would fit best.
-
Take a flexible measuring tape, find your natural waistline, and measure. Record this number.
-
Next, wrap the flexible measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips. Record this number.
-
Use these measurements and the correct chart below to find your general size. Please note that this is a generic size chart. Be sure to reference the size chart too.
Youth Football Girdle Generic Size Chart
| Size | Waist (in.) | Hips (in.) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 23 - 24.5 | 28 - 29.5 |
| M | 25 - 27 | 29.5 - 31.5 |
| L | 27 - 28.5 | 31.5 - 33.5 |
| XL | 32 - 34.5 | 33.5 - 35 |
Adult Football Girdle Generic Size Chart
| Size | Waist (in.) | Hips (in.) |
|---|---|---|
| S | 28 - 30 | 34 - 36 |
| M | 30.5 -34 | 36.5 - 40 |
| L | 34.5 - 38 | 40.5 - 42 |
| XL | 38 - 42 | 42.5 - 46 |
| 2XL | 42.5 - 46 | 46.5 - 50 |
How to Wash & Care for Football Girdle
After a few practices and games, the sweat build-up will leave you wondering how to wash and care for your football girdle. Follow these tips for cleaning your football girdle:
-
Remove any pads (if applicable).
-
Check the care label. Most football girdles are machine washable, but if it’s not recommended, be sure to wash by hand.
-
Soak your girdle in warm water and detergent designed to remove stains and odors. Do not use bleach.
-
Put it in the washing machine and select the delicate setting—wash it on cold with detergent.
-
Remove immediately after washing and line dry. Do not put it in the dryer.
When getting ready for the upcoming season, investing in a high-quality, comfortable, and breathable football girdle is key to keeping you focused and performing. If you have additional questions about choosing the right football girdle or gearing up for the football season, contact your local SCHEELS to speak with a Football Expert.
