Buying Guide
American football Girdles and Padded Pants Explained
A clear guide to choosing the best comfort focused lower body protection.
Last updated: 20 January 2026 | 4 min read
Are you new to American football and still putting your equipment kit together? While helmets and shoulder pads often get the spotlight, leg protection is just as essential, especially in a full contact sport known for big hits and physical intensity. This guide will help you understand the types of leg pads you need, how they fit, and what works best for your playing style and position.
Why Leg Protection Matters
In American football, protection is everything. Whether you’re sprinting downfield or colliding with an opponent, impact absorbing pads help prevent injuries and keep you in the game. While much of this gear may be hidden under your uniform, it plays a major role in performance, safety, and comfort. When we talk about protective gear, we’re not just referring to helmets and shoulder pads, we’re also talking about the crucial gear around your hips, thighs, knees and tailbone. These pads form your base layer of protection and are especially important in high contact zones.
What Leg Pads Do You Need?
For full lower body protection, you’ll need a combination of:
- Two thigh pads
- Two knee pads
- Two hip pads
- One tailbone pad
These pads are usually made from lightweight EVA foam or durable plastic composites. Many include ventilation grooves to improve airflow and comfort during long games or practices. Some pads have a vinyl dipped coating to add toughness. These heavier pads are better for linemen and multi purpose players who engage in constant contact. Skill position players like quarterbacks or wide receivers usually prefer lighter gear to maintain speed and flexibility.
Loose pads are perfect for players who want to build their own setup or replace worn out padding without buying an entirely new girdle or pair of pants. These individual pads can be inserted into 7 pad American football pants.
Which American Football Pants Setup Is Right for You?
Choosing the right type of American football pants depends on your experience, position, and personal preference.
Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
Integrated 7 Pad Pants
Best for beginners, youth players, or anyone who wants a no fuss solution. These pants come with all padding already built in, so you don’t need to buy anything extra. Just put them on and play.
- Includes all 7 required pads: hips, thighs, knees and tailbone
- Padding is sewn in – no need to insert anything
7 Pad Ready Pants (Pads Not Included)
Great for experienced players who want to customize their padding. These pants have pockets for all seven pads, but you’ll need to insert your own. You can choose to: wear a girdle underneath for hip and tailbone protection or insert individual pads directly into the pants’ pockets.
Perfect if you already have pads or want to choose specific ones for comfort or protection.
- No pads included, check product description carefully
- Designed with built-in pockets
- Easy to wash, remove pads before cleaning
5 Pad Girdle + Game Pants Combo
A girdle is a compression short with built-in or removable pads for the hips, thighs, and tailbone. It is worn under your American football pants, and should fit snug, like underwear, to keep the pads in place during play. You’ll still need separate American football pants (without padding) to wear over the girdle.
- Padding included: Hips, tailbone, and thighs
- What’s missing? Knee pads are not included, you’ll need to add those separately inside your American football pants.
7 Pad Girdle + Game Pants Combo
A girdle is a compression short with built-in or removable pads for the hips, thighs, and tailbone.
It is worn under your American football pants, and should fit snug, like underwear, to keep the pads in place during play.
You’ll still need separate American football pants (without padding) to wear over the girdle.
- Padding included: Hips, tailbone, thighs and knees
- Full lower body protection in one piece
How to Wash American Football Pants and Girdles
To keep your gear clean and long-lasting:
- Machine wash cold, on a gentle cycle
- Remove pads if possible before washing
- Air dry only, avoid the dryer, as heat can damage the fabric and foam
- Wash gear after each game or practice to prevent odor and bacteria build-up
- Turn pants inside out before washing for better results
- Store in a dry, cool space
Keeping your padded gear fresh will help it last longer and keep you more comfortable on the field.
Discover our Padded Pants
Looking for Rib or Back Protection?
For more detailed information on rib protectors and back plates, including sizing tips and when to wear them,
check out our Back Plate and Rib Protector Buying Guide.
It covers everything you need to know to stay protected in high impact positions.