REF · 060430080701
Football girdles
A football girdle is a padded compression short worn under your match trousers to protect the hips, thighs and tailbone. Because compression keeps the pads in place, many players prefer it to loose pads slotted into their trousers. This section brings together girdles with integrated padding, such as the McDavid HEX Thudd Short, which combines 9 mm HEX padding over the hips, thighs and tailbone with a cup pocket, and the VICIS Padded Compression Shorts, with five separate zones of auxetic foam. Each product page lists the fabric, padding and sizes published by the manufacturer, together with prices from European retailers in euros, so you can compare models on verified information rather than marketing copy.
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REF · MD7333-07-32
Girdles
REF · N1013624-010
REF · N1013625-010
REF · 89970306
What a girdle does
A girdle is a compression short that holds protective pads against the body. It covers the areas that take the most punishment in tackles and falls: the hips, thighs and tailbone. It replaces, or works alongside, the separate pads that slot into match trousers, with the advantage that the pads stay where they should.
Integrated or slot-in pads
- Integrated: the foam is sewn into the short. Simple and stable; both the McDavid HEX Thudd and the VICIS Padded Compression Shorts work this way.
- Slot-in: the short has pockets for removable pads, which can be taken out for washing or replaced.
If you wear a protective cup, check for a cup pocket. McDavid, for example, notes that the cup is not supplied with the HEX Thudd.
Choosing a girdle
Level of protection
Compare the zones covered and the type of foam the manufacturer describes. Thicker padding absorbs more energy but can limit your range of movement.
Fabric
Girdles usually blend polyester and elastane for compression. Mesh panels and moisture-wicking finishes make a noticeable difference in long, warm sessions.
Position
Every position benefits. Ball carriers and defensive backs, who spend a lot of time on the ground, value good hip and tailbone cover; linemen tend to look for durability and strong seams.
Sizing and fit
A girdle should be snug without cutting in: the pads must stay over the hips and thighs while you run. Use the manufacturer's size chart; where none is published, compare with the compression shorts you already wear and ask the retailer for advice.
Washing and care
Wash the girdle after every use, cold or at a low temperature, and let it air-dry. Avoid the tumble dryer, which can deform the foam. Check the seams and padding regularly and replace the girdle once the foam has flattened.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a girdle and trouser pads?
A girdle is a compression short that holds the pads against your body. Trouser pads slot into pockets in your match trousers and can shift more during play.
Does a girdle come with a protective cup?
Usually not. Some girdles, such as the McDavid HEX Thudd, have a cup pocket, but the cup is bought separately.
How should I wash a padded girdle?
Follow the care label, which normally means a gentle, low-temperature wash and air-drying rather than the tumble dryer.