Pants

They may not be the most exciting piece of equipment to shop for, but there’s nothing like having a quality pair of pants to keep your rear-end warm and protected from the hard ice surface. Along with keeping your thighs, hips, and tailbone safe, it’s important to make sure your mobility isn’t restricted from pants that don’t fit correctly. 

All traditional pants have the following:

• Nylon fabric shell
• Armored plastic/foam padding
• Stretch material

Girdles 

Girdles are a two-piece alternative to hockey pants that are commonly used by youth players. They include a removable shell and a padded, spandex-like stretch material that allow more mobility. 

Sizing

Oversized pants will restrict your ability to skate in full stride and make tight turns, while undersized pants will leave your bottom-thighs exposed. Before you make a purchase, be sure to try a handful of pairs. When keeping your legs straight, the bottom of your pants should rest between the middle and top of your kneecap.