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While football is certainly a manly game, that doesn’t mean all the gear worn by players have to be uber-masculine. For instance there’s the girdle, kind of football’s version of sliding shorts in baseball: tight shorts snugly holding pads underneath uniform pants.
Old football players may not be aware of the girdle, as long ago the only option was football pants with pockets sewn in to hold the removable pads. Only a jockstrap was underneath.
Not so today, where a variety of these tight leggings similar to compression shorts are quite common for football players. In fact, there are so many that anyone new to the sport, whether players or their parents, may find it difficult to decide on the best model.
When we discovered just how many football girdles are on the market, we knew we had to step up, do some research, and help our readers in the process of choosing this piece of gridiron gear.
We inspected dozens of football girdle models, and judged them on a variety of factors including pricing, buyer ratings, number of buyers, utility, safety, weight, and more. Hope you find our results helpful.
Summary
- Probably no surprise to industry insiders that we most liked the Under Armour Game Day Pro 5-Pad Girdle ~ a top-quality short that delivers in all the right areas.
- Not far behind at all is the Champro Formation 5-Pad Integrated Football Girdle, with a lot of detailed features to attract most any players’ desires.
- The Cramer Classic 5-Pad Football Girdle is low-priced and nicely incorporates a classic style, in a lot of sizes to choose from.
- The pads used in the Schutt Protech Tri Football Girdle are a batch of small triangles, helping to make this model an all-in-one protector for the lower body.
- Want special padding for the knees? Here is the Sports Unlimited Omaha Adult 7-Pad Integrated Football Girdle, a super-lightweight garment with notable knee joint protection.
- Perhaps the highest-quality pads we found are in the McDavid Hex Rival 5-Padded Football Pants ~ which are not really football pants at all.
- Gain peace of mind wearing a Russell 5-Piece Integrated Adult Football Girdle. , a quality offering from a very trusted brand for football.
- The Under Armour Boys 6-Pocket Girdle has a different design, which upon closer inspection shows how focused this model is for use by very young players.
- Just a glance reveals how the TUOY Padded Compression Shorts Padded Football Girdle considers the sides more so than other girdle models.
- For really good compression support on the ever-vulnerable knees, check out the capri-pants style of the COOLOMG Youth Boys 7-Pads Football Girdle.
- The design of the Wearcog Integrated 7-Padded Football Girdle looks pretty darn cool for the youngest football players ~ with plenty of padding oomph.
- Comfort in the middle is important to most players, so look closely at the mesh inner thigh and crotch region of the Exxact Sports Battle 7-Pad Football Girdle.
Who Needs a Girdle for Football?
Pretty much anyone who plays the game today can benefit from wearing a football girdle ~ which are basically compression shorts with pads. The intent is to provide protection underneath regular football pants. Some players just like the feel of integrated pads, or avoiding clumsy removable pads of old-time football pants.
It’s a splendid, relatively new type of sports wear that can deliver in multiple ways, from the tight compression element helping with circulation during exertion, to extra padding right where individual players most need it.
Football girdles are considered part of “activewear undershorts” by the industry. In recent decades, more and more athletes turned to compression sleeves, shirts, and shorts, to manage circulation during heavy exertion.
It didn’t take long for manufacturers to realize they could give a lot of football players what they really want with what they wear under the uniform pants.
Many points on the lower body are susceptible to injury for football players, among them the knees, thighs, hips, and tailbone. Historically football pants have come with built-in pockets for players to insert foamy pads into for play, to take them out to wash the pants.
The built-in pockets could be quite annoying; and the foam pads would lose their shape and become challenging to get into the pocket right. Both were difficult to keep clean enough to prevent odor.
Lastly, the pockets and inserted pads on football pants are always in the same location: big pads over the kneecap, and large vertical rectangular pads curved over the middle of the thighs. (Football pants also have pockets for pads on the hips and over the tailbone, used in high school and college play, but rarely at the professional level).
High-quality football girdles have eliminated the need or desire of using all those pockets, and being at the whim of the manufacturers in terms of pad placement. Modern football girdles have pads in different places, reaching to protect areas not considered before.
Today there’s a huge selection of many different types of football girdles, so players can choose models with pads right where they want them. Some might just want the outer thighs protected better; or want the knee pads higher up than they are on football pants.
What to Look for to Buy a Girdle for Football
Top Football Girdle Brands
- Under Armour
- Russell
- Schutt
- Champro
- Sports Unlimited
- Cramer
Number of Pads
Typically football girdles come with 5 to 7 pads. Almost always there are pads for the thighs and knees, plus a pocket elsewhere, maybe over the tailbone, or a pocket for a protective cup.
Larger girdles can have special pads over the hips. Pads can be placed differently depending on the band and model. Some girdles might have only 4 pads.
Pads vs. Pockets vs. Pieces
In reviewing football girdle ad copy, make note of product names. Understand what the different “Ps” signify:
- Pads: Products that state “5-Pad,” “7-Pad,” etc. are self explanatory. These girdles have pads built in.
- Pockets: If a product’s copy does not specifically say pads, they might use “pockets” to market. Read closely, make sure removable pads are included. They may also word it like this to count the pocket for a protective cup.
- Pieces: These products count everything you get in the package, including the shorts. Again, check the number of pads, and whether they are built in.
Material
The only no-no here is cotton, which absorbs sweat, holds weight, and is not easy to clean. Most athletic undershorts and girdles are synthetic, mainly polyester, with some blending polyester with another material, often elastic in nature. Spandex comes to mind. Fabrics that stretch 4 ways, and that can wick moisture away from the body, are preferred. Some even get treated to hide odors.
Weight
Lighter is preferred, to not slow down a player, of course. However, don’t sacrifice fractions of an ounce for quality. Make sure the materials used are quality, and the seams are well-done.
Waistband
Wider is better, for a more snug feel, and the bigger size tends to keep its elasticity longer. The waistband is among the first things to fail on athletic undershorts; inferior bands can get stretched out too far.
Cup Pocket
Most girdles will mention a pocket for a cup, but the cup is not provided. Regardless, it’s a nice thing to have sewn right into the girdle.
Our Choices: Best Girdles for Football for 2024 & Beyond
1. Best Girdles for Football Overall ~ Under Armour Game Day Pro 5-Pad Girdle
Analysis
The Under Armour Game Day Pro 5-Pad Girdle is a high-quality model that delivers a tremendous mix of protection, comfort, and style. Football products from this brand, preferred by many National Football League players, are known for using the best materials, and for being well-constructed.
Right away you’ll notice the pads filled with what look like little hexicons. It’s the noted McDavid Hex padding. It’s a neat design that acts like those sheets of air bubbles squished in boxes to protect items, working in tandem to allow ease of movement while also teaming for serious impact reduction. The fact that UA offers a lifetime warranty says much about the company’s confidence in this product.
Specifications
- Weight: 0.28 kg
- Length: 10.75 inches
- Material: Polyester
- Number of pads: 5
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s): Hex padding
What We Like
- Under Armour’s experience and reputation with football gear items
- Lifetime warranty
2. Best Girdles for Football Runner-Up ~ Champro Formation 5-Pad Integrated Football Girdle
Analysis
In all honesty, it was a back and forth decision between the Under Armour top choice and this one. The Champro Formation 5-Pad Integrated Football Girdle has quite the collection of very detailed features ~ and the brand seems to choose styles based on experience with players’ desires.
Note some things we noted above, to look for in buying football girdles, and compare with Champro Formation’s 2-inch elastic waistband, or the 4-way stretch fabric. There’s perforations near the pads for air flow, which lets the shorts “breathe” and naturally cool off. This is a top-quality compression girdle that any player would love as a base layer for serious play.
Specifications
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
- Length: 12.6 inches
- Material: Polyester and Spandex
- Number of pads: 5
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s): Wraparound pads for more coverage of the thighs
What We Like
- Nice collection of desired features
- Well-placed and -shaped pads
3. Best Girdles for Football 2nd Runner-Up ~ Cramer Classic 5-Pad Football Girdle
Analysis
This company inserted the word “classic” into this model, and that’s pretty much what you get. That the Cramer Classic 5-Pad Football Girdle is priced wonderfully, and has a lot of sizes to choose from, harkening back to golden consumer years. There’s plenty of old-school charm built in.
We especially like the closed-cell EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) foam in the pads for the hips, thighs, and tailbone. The hard plastic built inside the thigh pads will seem familiar to anyone who played football many years ago. Cramer has been making sports gear for over a century, so you know that experience means solid applications with the features.
Specifications
- Weight: 4 oz.
- Length: 8.6 oz.
- Material: 85% 70 Denier Polyester, 15% 50 Denier Spandex
- Number of pads: 5
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s): Hip padding positioned higher than usual to protect the vulnerable top of the hip bone (ilium), a little over the waistband.
What We Like
- Super light
- The breathable polyester-Spandex fabric mix is above average in moisture-wicking
4. Best Girdles for Football for Comfort ~ Schutt Protech Tri Football Girdle
Analysis
Whereas some football girdle manufacturers brag about the hexagons in their padding, the Schutt Protech Tri Football Girdle has pads taking the triangular angle. This in reality is an all-in-one protector for the lower body, your “one-stop shop” for peace of mind around the hips and thighs.
As with the model above, Schutt’s application of a nice 80-20 polyester-Spandex mix lets enough air flow through to keep the player cool, plus it nicely wicks away sweat. Add Schutt’s triangular advanced cushioning technology, and even an element for odor protection, and you have a high-quality football girdle.
Specifications
- Weight: 11.6 oz.
- Length: 9.29 inches
- Material: Blend of 80% Polyester, 20% Spandex
- Number of pads: 5
- Special Feature(s): Applies odor-control technology (treated with an antimicrobial); separate pocket for personal protective cup
What We Like
- High-quality material for pads that are placed nicely
- Special touches like odor protection
5. Best Girdles for Football for Coverage ~ Sports Unlimited Omaha Adult 7-Pad Integrated Football Girdle
Analysis
Those wishing for knee coverage also should look for 7 pads, and for that we recommend the Sports Unlimited Omaha Adult 7-Pad Integrated Football Girdle. This model is quite light in weight, so perfect to wear under football pants where you can set aside those annoying removable pads.
We have to give Sports Unlimited credit for the number of sizes they offer for this girdle. While the protection for the knees, hips, thighs, and tailbone are obvious, we point out the nice way this girdle fits and lets the compression do its work to let circulation flow properly during play. Sometimes with football girdles, it’s not just all about the pads.
Specifications
- Weight: 12 oz.
- Length: 15 inches
- Material: Synthetic
- Number of pads: 7
- Special Feature(s): Special protection for knees, hips, thighs, and tailbone
What We Like
- Feel of the fit in terms of compression
- You sure feel safer wearing it
6. Best Girdles for Football Waist-Area Protection ~ McDavid Hex Rival 5-Padded Football Pants
Analysis
If quality of the pads are most important for a player’s underwear, then we suggest the McDavid Hex Rival 5-Padded Football Pants. The company includes “pants” in the name, but make no mistake, with missing knees and exposed hex-dotted pads, this model is intended to be worn under a uniform. Have you ever seen a men’s underwear-style elastic waist band on the field during games?
The company’s own 9mm Hex Technology, applied over the vital hips and tailbone, are the big draw here. The hexagon-checkered pattern is known in the sport for its impact-absorbing ability. Elsewhere, McDavid sets hardshell thigh guards; a special moisture management technology to remain dry and cool; and a pocket for a protective cup.
Specifications
- Weight: 8 oz.
- Length: 24 inches
- Material: Synthetic
- Number of pads: 5
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s): Hex Technology at tailbone and over hip joints
What We Like
- The Hex pad technology is almost worth the price of admission; so respected, other models apply it
- Really a no-frills football girdle that executes well
7. Best Girdles for Football on a Budget I ~ Russell 5-Piece Integrated Adult Football Girdle
Analysis
To get a quality protective item from this brand at this price range is impressive. If you’re just starting to play football, get peace of mind underneath wearing a Russell 5-Piece Integrated Adult Football Girdle. It’s difficult to find older adults who played football in the past who are not familiar with the Russell brand.
The company just seems to know football. They go with only 4 pads here, which some players prefer. (Older players with more developed tailbones, with more muscle around it, are not always fond of padding there in the back). We also love how they left the darker, cool lines of the seams. Stylish in the locker room, too!
Specifications
- Weight: 9.9 oz.
- Length: 9.25 inches
- Material: Synthetic blend
- Number of pads: 4
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s):
What We Like
- Low-priced
- Brand trust for football
8. Best Girdles for Football on a Budget II ~ Under Armour Boys 6-Pocket Girdle
Analysis
On a budget for your little player but still want a quality NFL-known brand? Our runner-up for those who want to spend just a little more for a brand the pros use is the Under Armour Boys 6-Pocket Girdle.
Because you can expect something a bit different from this brand, notice how Elastane is the partner material with the usual polyester ~ straying away from the usual Spandex. This blend helps keep the girdle light, while also waterproofing pads, and providing the desirable 4-way stretchability. Sports gear by UA is always comfy, and this boys’ girdle is no exception.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.21 ounces
- Length: 24 inches
- Material: 84% polyester, 16% Elastane
- Number of pads: 6
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s): HeatGear Sonic fabric
What We Like
- Under Armour quality, particularly in the blend of materials used
- 4-way stretch construction is excellent for the all-directional nature of the game
9. Best Girdle for Football for Side Protection ~ TUOY Padded Compression Shorts Football Girdle
Analysis
Sometimes with sports gear you can just look at the marketing photos and see where a product might focus, or add special benefits. That’s true with the TUOY Padded Compression Shorts Padded Football Girdle. We like how this particular girdle wraps the hip and thigh pads around the curvy body more so that most competing shorts.
This girdle is super light, as TUOY did an exceptional job mixing a 90-10 polyester-Spandex blend with larger-than-usual pads. The EVA foam pads are 10mm, up from the more typical 9mm, if that presents additional peace of mind. For the rest, TUOY checks the boxes: the moisture-wicking is there, along with nice elasticity, and plenty of sizes.
Specifications
- Weight: 3.7 oz.
- Length: 9.49 inches
- Material: 90% polyester, 10% Spandex
- Number of pads: 5
- Special Feature(s): Multi-sport use (think contact sports like football, soccer, rugby, basketball, snowboarding, skiing, paintball action, bicycling)
What We Like
- Design and placement of the pads for more lateral coverage
- Super light
10. Best Girdle for Football for Knee Support ~ COOLOMG Youth Boys 7-Pads Football Girdle
Analysis
Football is absolutely brutal on the knees. They were not designed to be bumped hard from the sides ~ which happens routinely on the gridiron. For that reason, we really like the capri-pants style of the COOLOMG Youth Boys 7-Pads Football Girdle. Here are basically compression shorts extended down well below the knee joint.
This product is extremely well-crafted, with top-quality materials, but it’s the extension of the compression entirely over the knees that gives this model a leg up on others. That this girdle carries such a very low weight is phenomenal considering the modern materials used, with special attention to ergonomics. The 10mm EVA foam pads absorb plenty of impacts, and the company was thoughtful with the crotch-area mesh.
Specifications
- Weight: 6.4 oz.
- Length: 11 inches
- Material: 85 polyester, 15% Spandex
- Number of pads: 7
- Strap: Adjustable
- Special Feature(s): Capri pants style; multi-sport applications
What We Like
- Very well-designed for protection
- 2-year warranty
11. Best Girdles for Football for Young Newcomers ~ Wearcog Football Girdle 7 Integrated Pads
Analysis
At first glance our thoughts were that the Wearcog Integrated 7-Padded Football Girdle seems designed weirdly. Then we realized, this design looks aimed for the very young, with pads that look a bit thinner, and wrap off to the sides more than normal. Take a look at this girdle, as you might really like the pads placement.
Wearcog applied nice 4-way stretching Material that’s plenty breathable. The 85-15 polyester-Spandex blend is acceptable, and we especially like the Spandex mesh inside the leg and crotch area. The pads are EVA, providing a bit more flex which kids will appreciate. The compression fit is plenty comfortable.
Specifications
- Weight: 12.7 oz.
- Length: 8.6 inches
- Material: 85% Polyester, 15% Spandex
- Number of pads: 7
- Special Feature(s): Kid-friendly design for pad placement
What We Like
- 7 pads nicely placed for young players
- Check out the camouflage option
12. Best Girdles for Football for Thigh Comfort ~ Exxact Sports Battle 7-Pad Football Girdle
Analysis
While players want their compression short girdles plenty tight, sometimes it means sacrificing comfort in the sensitive areas of the inner thigh and crotch area. If that’s important to you, check out the Exxact Sports Battle 7-Pad Football Girdle.
The main feature for us here is the mesh fabric not only for the inner thighs, but also in the front and rear. This provides plenty of air flow and flexibility to keep the player plenty comfy ~ while also enjoying all the protection of EVA foam pads. The top-quality 4-way-stretch, moisture-wicking fabric is yet another drawing point.
Specifications
- Weight: 9.9 oz.
- Length: 8.31 inches
- Material: Polyester and Spandex; mesh center area
- Number of pads: 7
- Special Feature(s): Mesh groin and upper-thigh design
What We Like
- Great focus on comfort
- High thigh pad placement for protection of the upper crest of the hip bone
A Player’s Insight on Football Girdles
Some of us old former football players see these girdles and sure wish they had them when we played.
Parents new to the game might think, Why wear extra padding underneath, when there are pockets for all those removable pads in the football pants that must be worn on the outside?
The answer, mainly, is comfort. Those removable pads get mis-shaped over time, and the pockets are not always well-stitched into the pants so the pads can tend to shift around during hard play. Old football pants just feel clumsy.
Those old football pads get heavy, too. The newfangled, high-tech materials used in these new glorified compression shorts (girdles) keep it light and cool. There’s much to be said about that advantage.
But perhaps something parents might like most is, you can choose where exactly on the body you want extra protection. Old football pants always sew in the pockets in the same places: over the tailbone, hips, thighs, and knees. Straight up.
New football girdles take modern materials to sew lighter pads wherever they want. Most top brands do the research to figure out precisely where pads protect best ~ which may seem counterintuitive to us non-scientists.
In short, the compression short girdle is a fine piece of football gear that I would recommend for any player. Toss out those squishy removable pads, and make it easy to put on your football pants before practice and games. And feel more protected while at it.