Choose a football girdle by the pads it includes and how those pads attach. A common 5-pad layout covers the hips, thighs and tailbone; a 7-pad version adds knee pads. Use the maker's waist and hip chart, then check the complete uniform so the layers do not bunch.
A football girdle keeps lower-body pads together under the game pants. Start with the pad list your uniform needs, then compare how each model holds those pads and how its size chart maps to the player’s measurements.
Compare pad layouts
| Layout | Common pad arrangement | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| 5-pad | Two hip pads, two thigh pads and one tailbone pad | Confirm every required area is covered by the girdle or another part of the uniform |
| 7-pad | The common five-pad arrangement plus two knee pads | Check the game’s knee-pad rules and whether the pants already supply knee pads |
Pad placement can differ between models. Read the individual product details instead of treating the pad count as a complete fit description.
Integrated or pocketed pads
Integrated girdles have pads sewn into the garment, so the pieces stay together when the girdle is put on or washed. A pocketed design holds removable pads, which can make it easier to replace a piece or use a different pad shape. Check whether a model includes the pads or expects you to buy compatible inserts separately.
Measure for the brand’s chart
Use a soft measuring tape and follow the maker’s directions for waist and hip measurements. Select a size from the chart for that model. The girdle should sit smoothly under football pants; check the waistband, leg openings and pad pockets while wearing the layers used for games.
Check the whole uniform
Review the league’s equipment list and your pants’ built-in pockets before ordering. This avoids missing a required pad or doubling a layer that already has one. For any disputed or unclear pad requirement, the current league rulebook and equipment instructions are the controlling references.
Related: football shoulder pad sizing, football helmet buying guide, and football mouthguard rules by level. Visit the protective gear hub.
Sources
Common questions
What does a 5-pad football girdle include?
A common 5-pad layout has two hip pads, two thigh pads and one tailbone pad. Check the exact product because pad layouts vary by model.
What is the difference between a 5-pad and 7-pad girdle?
A common 7-pad layout adds two knee pads to the five hip, thigh and tailbone pads. Match the included pads to the player's uniform and league requirements.
How do you size a football girdle?
Measure the waist and hips as the brand directs, then use that brand's chart for the specific girdle. Do not assume that the same letter size fits across brands.