The ideal fit for hockey pants requires a specific balance between safety coverage and movement freedom.
A player needs pants that sit right at their waist or just above the hip bones. Too much space lets the pants drop down, which exposes important body parts during play. Pants that squeeze too much force players to move like robots on ice. Hockey suspenders help many players keep their pants in place, which makes them a useful addition to basic equipment. We will review them in its entirety in this article.
Parents who watch their children struggle with loose or tight hockey pants know this common problem, more besides feeling as though they are falling down. The pants should allow a child to bend at their hips or knees without restrictions. The padding inside must stay in the correct spots to shield against hits or falls during games.
The right hockey pants fit affects both protection and skating for young players from Mite to Bantam level.
Each company makes pants with different cuts or features.
Fundamentals of Hockey Pant Fit
A correct fit of hockey pants matters for both performance and safety. Players at every skill level need proper gear to stay protected on the ice. The fit of hockey pants affects movement along with comfort – let me share my experience from my son’s growth phases.
Mites: We got them handed down. We didn’t care to be honest. But, I was a new and naive hockey parent. No psychological scars that I have heard about yet. So, I may have skated (cheesy I know) through this phase.
Midgets – Bantam – We progressed with quality and better fittings. We followecd the good natured representatives we met at Pure Hockey.
U16 and U18: Enter older adolescence, bigger request and larger amount of money. We have tried all names, girdles to standard fittings. Protection became of the utmost importance, and parallel to fit for performance.
Before my son just switched from the Bauer Supreme ACP Elite Ice Hockey Girdle (which he loved for the functionality of being able to take on and off quickely is designed for competitive players seeking a close to the body fit that enhances mobility without compromising protection. He just switched to the CCM AS 580, which he loves for the padding.
Key Features of the Bauer Supreme ACP Elite Girdle:
- Protection: Equipped with molded plastic and standard foam in key impact areas, including the hips, thighs, spine, and kidneys, ensuring comprehensive coverage during play. Ice Warehouse
- Fit and Mobility: The girdle offers a tailored fit with a large Velcro closure around the waist and adjustable attachments around the legs, allowing players to customize the fit according to their preference. Ice Warehouse
- Liner: Incorporates Bauer’s Thermo Max liner, which is soft, comfortable, and designed to wick away sweat and moisture, keeping players dry throughout the game. Ice Warehouse
User Feedback of the Bauer Supreme ACP Elite Girdle:
- Comfort and Fit: Users appreciate the snug, true snug fit of the girdle, which enhances mobility on the ice. The adjustable features allow for a personalized fit. The girdle is accommodating various body types. Pure Hockey
- Protection: While the girdle provides adequate protection for most players, some users have noted that the padding feels thinner compared to other models, raising concerns about its effectiveness in high impact situations.
- Durability: There are mixed reviews regarding durability. Some players have reported signs of wear after a few months of use. We feel that the girdle may not withstand intense and frequent play over extended periods.
Considerations:
- Level of Play: The ACP Elite Girdle is suitable for competitive play but may not offer the level of protection required for higher contact leagues. Players participating in more aggressive play might consider higher end models with enhanced padding.
Why the Right Fit Of Hockey Pants Matter
Protection, Mobility, and Comfort
- Getting the right fit is crucial—it’s not just about comfort but also safety. The pants need to cover key areas like the hips, thighs, kidneys, and tailbone without feeling bulky or restrictive. If the pants are too tight, your kid won’t be able to pull off those smooth crossovers or deep knee bends. And let’s be honest, no one wants their player fidgeting with their gear mid-game because their pants are slipping or pinching
Hockey Pants Features by Brand
| Brand | Fit Type | Best For | Notable Feature | Adjustability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Tacks AS580 | Traditional and roomy fit | All around protection | Molded spine + thigh guards | 1″ inch length extension |
| Bauer ACP Elite | Girdel style, snug to body (girdle) | Peferred by players preferring mobility | Lightweight, with molded foam padding | Velcro closures for custom fit |
| Warrior Covert | Tapered and flexible | Preferred for Mobility and speed | High density foam, and sleek design | Internal belt system |
| STX Surgeon | Precision fit | For fast and agile players | Ventilated liner for moisture | Adjustable girdle-style legs |
Some Popular Picks:
CCM Super Tacks AS1
Known for high-density foam padding. These pants provide excellent protection for the hips, thighs, and importantly, the kidneys. They are known for a snug fit that contours to the body and enhancing mobility.
Bauer Vapor 2X Pro
These pants feature a tapered fit, offering a super close to body feel. They are lightweight yet provide robust protection, with an adjustable waist for a customized fit.
Warrior Covert QRE 20 Pro
These pants are designed for players seeking a balance between lightweight protection and mobility. They feature high density foam padding and an adjustable liner system for a custom fit. Nice!
STX Surgeon RX 2.1
Ideal for players looking for a precision fit, these pants offer high density foam protection in key impact zones and a ventilated liner for moisture management.
Easton Stealth S3
Featuring a poly rib insert with single density foam, these pants provide protection and flexibility. They are more lightweight then their competitors, making them a pick for players who seek mobility.
How Should Hockey Stay Up?
1. Why Fit Matters (and Why It’s Tricky)
- Protection First: Hockey pants cover critical areas to protect hips, thighs, and tailbone. A good fit keeps everything where it should be, even during big hits.
- Movement Matters: Pants that are too tight can slow your player down, while baggy pants can shift around, leaving them unprotected and distracted.
- The Real Struggle: Some players grow faster than others, and sometimes the right size still slips down. That’s where suspenders and accessories come in.
2. The Suspender Solution: Keeping Pants Where They Belong
- Why Use Suspenders? Sometimes hockey pants just won’t stay put. Some just like the look. If your player likes a generally looser fit of the pants, then we would suggest suspenders. The will prevent sagging and keep pants in position no matter how aggressive the game gets.
- Types of Suspenders:
- Traditional Elastic Suspenders (A&R, Bauer, CCM): Adjustable, durable, and attach to any hockey pants with built in buttons.
- TronX Suspenders: Known for their affordability and universal fit across age groups (Junior to Senior sizes).
- Wide Strap Suspenders: Better for older players who need more support without the digged in feeling from thinner straps.
3. Beyond Suspenders – Other Accessories for Hockey Pants
- Garter Belts: Not just for socks—some garter belts clip onto pants to provide an extra layer of security.
- Pant Shells: Essential for girdle users, shells mimic the classic hockey pant look and add a layer of abrasion resistance.
- Jock Shorts and Compression Shorts: Many come with Velcro tabs, helping secure hockey socks and keep pants in place. Also, they protect sensitive areas.
- Belt Systems (Built nIn): Some pants, like Bauer or CCM models, come with integrated belts that tighten around the waist for a secure fit.
4. Choosing per Age of Player
When to Upgrade: If pants constantly slide even with suspenders, it might be time to size up or explore other models with better waist adjustments.
For Young Players: Suspenders are often the easiest solution for growing kids who are still building muscle or outgrowing gear quickly.
For Older Players: Belt tightening pants or girdle/shell combos might offer more tailored fit and less bulk.
TronX Ice Hockey Pant Suspenders
The TronX Hockey Pant Suspenders are designed to keep your hockey pants securely in place during play. They feature 1.5-inch woven elastic straps and flexible rubber loops, ensuring compatibility with most hockey pants. Available in various sizes, they cater to Junior (waist sizes 22″ – 30″), Senior (32″ – 50″), and Senior XL (44″ – 60″) players.
The Final Takeaway
At the end of the day, how hockey pants should fit comes down to finding that sweet spot between comfort, protection, and movement. Whether you’re suiting up your little Mite for their first season or trying to keep up with a growing Bantam, the right fit matters. It matters not just for performance, but for keeping them safe on the ice.
If hockey pants start to sag (and they will), suspenders, belts, and garter belts are your best friends. Accessories like TronX, Bauer, or CCM suspenders make a world of difference for keeping pants where they belong, especially for younger players still growing into their gear.
When in doubt, head to your local pro shop, let your kid try on a few pairs, and ask the staff for advice. No one knows gear better than the folks who fit skaters every day. And trust me, a little extra time spent now means fewer gear adjustments in the middle of the game.
References
Pure Hockey. “How to Fit Hockey Pants.” Pure Hockey, www.purehockey.com/c/how-to-fit-hockey-pants. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
Ice Warehouse. “Bauer Supreme ACP Elite Senior Ice Hockey Girdle.” Ice Warehouse, www.icewarehouse.com/Bauer_Supreme_ACP_Elite/descpage-ACPEG.html. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
HockeyMonkey. “CCM Tacks AS580 Senior Hockey Pants.” HockeyMonkey, www.hockeymonkey.com/product/ccm-tacks-as580-ice-hockey-pants-senior/itm/47676-41. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
Ice Warehouse. “A&R Hockey Pant Suspenders.” Ice Warehouse, www.icewarehouse.com/AR_Hockey_Pant_Suspenders__Sr__Jr/descpage-ARSUS.html. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
HockeyMonkey. “Bauer Hockey Pant Suspenders.” HockeyMonkey, www.hockeymonkey.com/accessories/suspenders.html. Accessed 1 Jan. 2025.
