What do hockey players wear under their uniforms?
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.
All NHL hockey players have the choice to wear girdles or hockey pants. It all boils down to personal preference. However, NHL players who wear girdles have to cover them with hockey shells.
Hockey pants – These are knee-length oversized shorts, which incorporate the thigh, pelvic, hip and tailbone pads, and cinch at the waist. They are often held up by a belt or suspenders. Jockstrap or ladies' pelvic protector – The jock is a protective cup which is designed to protect the genitals.
Having played ice hockey for several years, I can confidently say that you need to wear a cup! Players of all levels in ice hockey wear a cup. This includes both amateurs and professionals, players of all ages, and also players of different genders.
Hockey players wear shoulder pads and a chest protector to reduce the risk of injury to their collarbone, shoulders and chest. The pads come in a variety of styles and sizes. Defensive players tend to prefer more padding to protect them from high sticks, pucks and excessive physical contact.
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.
Hockey girdles, basically, are the inside of hockey pants, disconnected from the outside and reconnected to something much more form fitting. 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.
More recently, athletes have begun to use smelling salts with the belief that their use will keep them more alert. The use of smelling salts is particularly popular among football and hockey players who believe this reflex will counteract the effects of concussion.
| Equipment | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hockey Skates | $30 - $180 |
| Hockey Stick | $30 - $100 |
| Hockey Helmet | $30 - $120 |
| Hockey Gloves | $30 - $60 |
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.
What are hockey pants called?
So, which term is more popular–hockey pants or breezers? Overall, the majority of hockey players and fans refer to them as hockey pants. The term “breezers” is most popular in Minnesota.
At season's end, 37.8 percent of the NHL's players were wearing Bauer pants. The Supreme line is designed with an “anatomical” fit; the Vapor line is tapered; and the Nexus line, with a “classic” fit, is the roomiest cut. Slightly more that 42 percent of the league's players are wearing CCM pants.
The short answer is, no, you don't need suspenders. Hockey pants generally do not need suspenders if they are fitted properly; however, lots of players today still use them for extra support and comfort on the ice.
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.
