Hockey Equipment Resource Center - What's the Difference Between Hockey Pants & Hockey Girdles? (2024)

Hockey Equipment Resource Center - What's the Difference Between Hockey Pants & Hockey Girdles? (1)

While the debate rages in locker rooms and online forums, players just picking up the game wonder what the differences are between hockey pants and girdles and which style of protection is best. Throw in covers and breezers and it's enough to send a hockey newbie's head spinning.

Main Differences Between Hockey Pants and Girdle

The biggest difference between hockey pants and hockey girdles is the way they fit. Hockey pants are loose, fitting tight only at the waist and sometimes held up by suspenders. The protective padding is built into the pants. A girdle fits tight, like compression shorts. They also have padding built in, but because of their tight fit, the padding bulges out. Girdles must be covered by a shell, which is simply a pair of thin nylon shorts that are worn over the tight girdle. When worn, they look very much the same to the uninitiated and from a distance, it can be hard to tell whether a player is wearing hockey pants or a girdle and shell.

Which is Better, Hockey Pants or Girdles?

It really all comes down to personal preference. Some people like the tight feeling of a girdle and will say it feels lighter and allows more freedom of movement. Players who like hockey pants will often say they enjoy the looser feeling of pants, don't feel constricted, and feel like they're constantly adjusting a girdle to make it fit right. Both, if sized appropriately, will protect you well. The better quality pants and girdles offer better protection and more padding in some places. Also, girdles may have a built-in cup, whereas you'll need to wear a cup and supporter with hockey pants. Finally, many hockey players prefer pants because they are more traditional. Hockey pants were around long before girdles became popular and for that reason alone, many players stick with them. But the popularity of girdles is growing, and more and more professional hockey and elite players are making the switch.

What are Hockey Shells and Breezers?

Hockey shells, as previously mentioned, are lightweight nylon shorts that are worn over girdles. But they can also be worn over traditional hockey pants, which happens when a player is on more than one team and one team wears different color pants. Rather than buying a second expensive pair of hockey pants, a different color shell can be worn over the pants to match the team's color scheme.

Breezers is a term that sometimes confounds even seasoned hockey players. It's a popular term for hockey pants used by players primarily in the American states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, as well as in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Hockey Equipment Resource Center - What's the Difference Between Hockey Pants & Hockey Girdles? (2024)

FAQs

What is the benefit of a hockey girdle? ›

They're what they sound like — tight-fitting, protective garments. A benefit of girdles is that one girdle can be worn under whatever shell you like. So, if you play for two or more teams, you can swap out shells and use the more expensive girdle with all of them. Also, some girdles come with a built-in protective cup.

What are the different types of hockey pants? ›

What are the different kinds of hockey pants? The three different kinds of hockey pants are girdles, pants, and shells. Girdles provide a tight fit with built-in padding.

What do you wear under a hockey girdle? ›

Put on your undergarments. These can be compression shorts or jock shorts. Jock Shorts have a pocket for a cup and velcro tabs on the front and back of each leg to attach your hockey socks to. Jock shorts can be worn over compression pants.

How are hockey pants different? ›

When choosing hockey pants, there are two distinct styles to choose from — hockey pants and hockey girdles. The choice between the two styles is completely based on personal preference. Hockey pants are the more traditional style, with a bigger fit and more volume, while girdles will fit tighter to your body.

What is the purpose of wearing a girdle? ›

The purpose of a girdle is to make a person's waist and stomach look smaller and firmer. Girdles are thought of as old-fashioned ladies' underwear these days, though they are still worn by some — and many others wear "foundation garments" that are essentially modern girdles.

What is the purpose of a girdle? ›

girdle, a band that encircles or girds the waist either to confine the loose and flowing outer garments so as to allow freedom of movement or to fasten and support the garments of the wearer.

What hockey pants should I get? ›

When fitting Hockey Pants, the general rule of thumb is that you want them to be snug, but comfortable while at the waist level. This will ensure that they do not slide down during gameplay. While standing with Hockey Pants on, they will usually rest one or two inches above the kneecap of your shin guards.

How should a hockey girdle fit? ›

How Should Hockey Pants Fit? Both hockey pants and hockey girdles should be snug with the belt around your waist, not your hips. Hockey pants will fall a little longer, overlapping the kneecap of your shin guard by about half way.

What are hockey players pants called? ›

Here's What Hockey Breezers Are:

Hockey breezers are another term for hockey pants. Typically, the term “breezers” is used instead of “hockey pants” in some upper midwestern states. It's most popular in Minnesota.

What is best to wear under hockey gear? ›

WHAT DOES A HOCKEY PLAYER WEAR UNDER ALL OF THEIR EQUIPMENT? Long shirt and pants that are breathable, typically a moisture wicking material is preferred. The base layer should fit tight and feel comfortable. This layer improves the fit of the pads and helps control body temperature.

What do hockey players wear to protect their lower body? ›

The hockey skate is usually made of a thick layer of leather or nylon to protect the feet and lower legs of the player from injury.

What do hockey players wear around their waist? ›

Garter Belts. Garter belts are basically suspenders. Garter belts are not worn very often in hockey, but the garter belt is used to make sure a player's hockey pants do not fall and slide down their waist.

What are two different types of pads hockey players wear? ›

While all players wear knee and shin pads, the goalie has a separate set of specific knee and shin guards. Whether you buy a hockey pads set or select each piece separately, this protective equipment is required to play the game.
...
When it comes to hockey pads, you need:
  • Shoulder pads.
  • Elbow pads.
  • Knee and shin pads.
Oct 6, 2021

What is the purpose of hockey pants? ›

Hockey pants are knee-to-waist protective gear for ice hockey or roller hockey players. The pants carry a variety of padding depending on whether they are worn by goaltenders or skaters (forwards and defenders), and also on the manufacturer.

What happened hockey pants? ›

The NHL subsequently passed a rule that teams had to wear short pants and home and away socks from the 1983–84 season onwards. However, they remained popular in amateur hockey and inline hockey throughout the 1980s and the girdle and short shell design is still available from some hockey manufacturers.

What is the disadvantage of wearing girdle? ›

Due to being rather restricting, a girdle can lead to problems with blood circulations, which, in turn, will cause your heart to work harder with negative consequences. Digestive problems. Most girdles feel rather tight on your abdomen and often compress your stomach, intestines, and colon.

Is it better to wear a girdle? ›

Girdles do not reduce tummy fats! On the other hand, some studies have shown that wearing a girdle does not reduce tummy fats. It can only temporarily redistribute one's fats to the right places and make you look slimmer for the time being. However, it does not reduce tummy fats as it can't shrink the fat cells at all.

When should I wear girdle? ›

A girdle is a high-tech targeted compression garment designed to hold the lower abdomen in place while recovering from surgery. These compression garments are good for after abdominoplasty or liposuction. They will support your abdominal wall muscles and speed up the recovery process.

What are the 2 types of girdles and their parts? ›

The pectoral girdles are to the upper limbs as the pelvic girdle is to the lower limbs; the girdles are the parts of the appendicular skeleton that anchor the appendages to the axial skeleton.

Who would wear a girdle? ›

It may be worn for aesthetic or medical reasons. In sports or medical treatment, a girdle may be worn as a compression garment. This form of women's foundation replaced the corset in popularity, and was in turn to a larger extent surpassed by pantyhose in the 1960s.

Are girdles supposed to be tight? ›

Physically, your waist trainer should feel tight, and warm in the mid-section areas but should not restrict your breathing. This isn't a corset – so don't wear one that's so tight that it feels like it.

What size should my hockey pants be? ›

The pants should be snug enough around the waist that they won't fall down during play. If you like a loose fit, suspenders are an option for you. The bottom of the pant should rest somewhere between the middle and top of your kneecap when your legs are straight.

Is black or white tape better for hockey? ›

Many believe that using black tape is what hides the puck from the goalie, but many goalies actually mentioned that white makes it harder to see when they are shooting the puck because the tape blends into the color of the ice.

How do you know what size girdle to get? ›

You just need to follow 3 simples steps:
  1. Take your contour, waist and hip measurements like shown in the figure.
  2. Locate your measurements in the sizing chart.
  3. If all of your measurements are not in the same column, choose the size based on your biggest measurement.

What size girdle do I need? ›

How do I know what sized girdle is right for me?
SizeWaist Size
Youth Large30" - 32"
Small28" - 30"
Medium32" - 34"
Large36" - 38"
5 more rows

Can you wear a shell over hockey pants? ›

Can I Put Them Over My Pants? Yes -- you can also put shells over normal hockey pants, not just girdles. Just make sure that they're properly sized.

What are the most popular NHL pants? ›

The 8 Best Hockey Player Pants For 2023
  1. CCM HP45.
  2. Bauer Supreme 2S Pro. ...
  3. CCM Super Tacks AS1. ...
  4. CCM JetSpeed FT1. ...
  5. Bauer Nexus 400. ...
  6. Warrior Covert QRE Pro. ...
  7. CCM JetSpeed FT350. ...
  8. Bauer Nexus 1N. Starting off at number 8 the Bauer Nexus 1N. ...
Jan 9, 2023

Are hockey pants too small? ›

If the pants are too tight around the waist and don't overlap the thigh protection of the shin guards they are too small. They won't offer sufficient coverage in protection and restrict mobility.

Where do you put your weakest player in hockey? ›

A "weaker" player is more focussing on the forehand techniques. Therefore he/she will position him/herself with the left shoulder or even the back towards the goal recieving a pass from a co-player. In this position the stopping/control of the ball will be in forehand and a shot/push can be taken also in forehand.

Do you wear anything under hockey pants? ›

For the lower body area, players often use a base layer pair of compression pants with an athletic cup. Some pants come with a jockstrap, so the purchase of a separate one wouldn't be necessary. Having a tighter pair of pants as a base layer can often keep shin guards from rubbing uncomfortably on bare skin as well.

Why do hockey players put tape on their sticks? ›

Adding some hockey tape to your stick helps add a bit of grip to the puck so you have more control on where you're shooting and not slipping up when you're trying to do a cross ice pass to a teammate.

Do NHL players wear hockey pants or girdles? ›

Finally, many hockey players prefer pants because they are more traditional. Hockey pants were around long before girdles became popular and for that reason alone, many players stick with them. But the popularity of girdles is growing, and more and more professional hockey and elite players are making the switch.

Do hockey players undress between periods? ›

Of all professional athletes, it's hockey players who change their clothes most, dressing and undressing about 10 times a day.

Why do hockey players tape their shin guards? ›

Shin tape is a polyethylene backed tape used on shin pads or socks over the shin pads to help keep them in position.

What is a Jill in hockey? ›

Women's Protective Jocks (known as Jills) are offered by your favorite brands in both loose and compression fits. Loose mesh jills are loose fitting for a more traditional fit that breathe very well. Compression fit jills sit close to your body for more responsiveness.

Why is there no body contact in women's hockey? ›

“Personally, I think bodychecks and hitting in women's hockey aren't necessary. It's the game itself that is interesting. The beauty and the aesthetics of ice hockey are concentrated in our style of the game without rough and tough play.

What is a dirty dangle in hockey? ›

MORE: Men's ice hockey national championship history | USCHO rankings | Scores. Dangle: when a player is a deke (or decoy) by making moves to fake out the goalie or opposing player; also used to describe the act of stick-handling. Dirty: term to describe an outstanding deke.

What do hockey players wear on their legs? ›

Shin guards or leg pads are essential to protect against bruises: the chest and shoulder area in particular must be well protected. Elbow, knee and shin guards are also essential.

What are the three types of pads? ›

Regular: A middle range absorbency pad. Maxi/Super: A larger absorbency pad, useful for the start of the menstrual cycle when menstruation is often heaviest. Overnight: A longer pad to allow for more protection while the wearer is lying down, with an absorbency suitable for overnight use.

Why did Nike stop making hockey? ›

Sportswear giant Nike has suspended its partnership with Hockey Canada, pausing all support for the sport's national governing body amid an increasing backlash over its mishandling of alleged sexual assaults.

What pants do pro hockey players wear? ›

Hockey players wear shorts, which are usually simply called “pants,” for mobility and safety reasons. The pants are padded and serve as protection for the thighs and the waist region. The pants are short to allow for the maximum range of motion during skating.

Why did Nike leave hockey? ›

Oct 7 (Reuters) - Nike Inc (NKE. N) has decided to suspend its relationship with Hockey Canada as the national governing body faces increased scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations, the world's largest sportswear maker said on Friday.

What is the hardest position in hockey? ›

It is said that goalie is the most difficult position to play within Ice Hockey, and one of the hardest to play in any sport. The main objective for a goalie is to keep the puck out of the net, and with a great one, they can control the game and greatly influence their team's confidence.

What muscles make you faster in hockey? ›

Fully activating and strengthening glutes is perhaps the biggest key to improving your skating power and speed. Glutes are the most powerful muscle in your body and using them to their potential can have massive impacts on your performance in hockey and many other sports.

Why do hockey players have tight hips? ›

Hip tightness is a common complaint from hockey players, caused by the repetitive pattern of skating and a lot of time spent in a hip flexed position. Upper back tightness is also common problem, building up from forward leaning and rounded postures on the ice.

What do compression pants do for hockey? ›

Many people who play sports involving equipment (think ice hockey, football, lacrosse, etc.) wear compression tops and bottoms under their gear to encourage blood flow and enhance performance.

What's the easiest position in hockey? ›

The easiest hockey position is a winger. It requires the fewest additional skills, unlike other positions. You should play left wing if you're left-handed and right wing if you're right-handed.

What is the golden rule in hockey? ›

1. Always back your partner — on the offensive blue line, in the neutral zone and especially in the defensive zone. 2. Always one defenseman in front of the net when the opposition has the puck in your zone or there is danger that they may gain possession.

How can I increase my hockey speed? ›

Six keys to improve skating speed & efficiency
  1. Longer skating strides = wider strides. ...
  2. For acceleration, nothing compares to short off-ice sprints. ...
  3. Less equipment means faster skating practice. ...
  4. Strength workouts must incorporate explosive movement of your body, not just slow strength alone. ...
  5. Practice skating on your own.
Dec 9, 2020

What is the most important muscle in hockey? ›

Muscles used in Hockey

The most important muscles during a game are the core muscles. Core muscles include the rectus abdominus and transverse abdominus, which are the abdominal muscles, and both internal and external oblique muscles. The strength and flexibility of the lower body is also very important.

How do I stop my hips from being tight? ›

You can do this stretch daily to help loosen your hip flexor.
  1. Kneel on your right knee.
  2. Put your left foot on the floor with your left knee at a 90-degree angle.
  3. Drive your hip forward. ...
  4. Hold the position for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat 2 to 5 times with each leg, trying to increase your stretch each time.
Jan 10, 2018

How many hours a day should you wear compression? ›

Depending on your need, you can consider wearing them all day long (though you should take them off before bed), or just for a few hours at a time. Compression socks can be helpful for many people, but you should still talk to your doctor before making them a part of your health care routine.

How tight should hockey pants fit? ›

When fitting Hockey Pants, the general rule of thumb is that you want them to be snug, but comfortable while at the waist level. This will ensure that they do not slide down during gameplay. While standing with Hockey Pants on, they will usually rest one or two inches above the kneecap of your shin guards.

Is it OK to wear compression all day? ›

You should wear your compression stockings during the day and take them off before going to bed. Put them on again first thing in the morning. You should be given at least 2 stockings, or 2 pairs if you're wearing them on both legs. This means you can wear 1 stocking (or pair) while the other is being washed and dried.

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