As a hockey player, you know the importance of proper equipment. A well-fitting hockey pant shell is crucial for both performance and protection. But with so many brands and sizes available, finding the perfect fit can be overwhelming.
So, how do you know what hockey pant shell size to get? This comprehensive guide will help you understand everything you need to know about hockey pant shell sizing, including how to measure your body, factors that affect sizing, and tips for choosing the right size.
From Bauer to CCM, we’ll also take a closer look at the sizing charts of top hockey pant shell brands, so you can make an informed decision and feel confident in your purchase.
Don’t let ill-fitting hockey pant shells hold you back on the ice. Keep reading to find your perfect fit.
Table of Contents
Why Proper Fitting is Crucial for Hockey Players
As a hockey player, your gear plays a vital role in your performance and safety on the ice. While finding the right fit for all of your equipment is important, your hockey pant shell is particularly crucial.
A well-fitting hockey pant shell provides both protection and mobility. It should sit comfortably on your waist and hips without impeding your movement, while also covering your entire thigh and offering protection from falls and collisions.
Benefits of Properly Fitted Hockey Pant Shells
- Protection: A well-fitting hockey pant shell provides crucial protection for your legs and hips, reducing the risk of injury from falls, collisions, or contact with sticks or pucks.
- Mobility: A proper fit ensures that your hockey pant shell doesn’t restrict your movement on the ice, allowing you to skate, pivot, and shoot with ease.
- Comfort: When your gear fits well, you can focus on your game without distraction or discomfort. This can make a big difference in your performance and enjoyment of the sport.
The Risks of Ill-Fitting Hockey Pant Shells
Ill-fitting hockey pant shells can lead to a range of problems, including discomfort, decreased mobility, and increased risk of injury. Here are some of the most common issues:
- Bruising and Chafing: A hockey pant shell that’s too tight can rub against your skin, causing chafing and even bruising, which can be painful and affect your performance.
- Restricted Movement: If your hockey pant shell is too loose, it can shift around while you’re playing, limiting your range of motion and making it harder to skate, pivot, and shoot.
- Inadequate Protection: A poorly fitting hockey pant shell may not cover your entire thigh, leaving you vulnerable to injury from falls, collisions, or contact with sticks or pucks.
How to Ensure a Proper Fit
Measuring yourself is the first step to finding the right hockey pant shell size. Take accurate measurements of your waist, hips, and inseam to find the size that’s right for you. Be sure to check the sizing chart of the brand you’re interested in, as sizing can vary by manufacturer.
When trying on hockey pant shells, make sure you can move freely and that the shell fits snugly but comfortably on your waist and hips. If you’re unsure, consult with a salesperson or coach for advice on fit and sizing.
Don’t overlook the importance of proper fitting hockey pant shells. Invest in a quality shell that fits well, and you’ll be able to play your best while staying protected on the ice.
Understanding Hockey Pant Shell Sizing
When it comes to hockey equipment, proper sizing is crucial for both safety and performance on the ice. One piece of equipment that often gets overlooked is the hockey pant shell. While it may seem like a minor detail, choosing the correct size can make a big difference in how well you move on the ice.
So, what is a hockey pant shell? It’s the outer layer of the hockey pants that covers the protective padding. Hockey pant shells come in a variety of sizes, and it’s important to choose one that fits properly.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Hockey Pant Shell
- Body Type: Every body is different, and choosing a hockey pant shell that fits your body type is essential. For example, if you have a larger lower body, you may need a larger size to accommodate your thighs and hips.
- Brand: Different hockey pant shell brands may fit differently, so it’s important to try on different options to see what works best for you.
- Padding: The padding underneath the hockey pant shell can affect how the shell fits. Make sure to wear your padded shorts or pants when trying on hockey pant shells.
How to Measure for a Hockey Pant Shell
To ensure a proper fit, it’s important to measure yourself before purchasing a hockey pant shell. Here are the steps to follow:
- Waist: Measure your waist at its narrowest point, typically just above your belly button.
- Hips: Measure your hips at their widest point.
- Thighs: Measure the circumference of each thigh at the widest point.
Tips for Trying on Hockey Pant Shells
Once you have your measurements, it’s time to try on different hockey pant shells. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Try on with padding: Make sure to wear your padded shorts or pants when trying on hockey pant shells to get an accurate fit.
- Move around: Try skating or doing other hockey movements while wearing the pant shell to ensure that it allows for full range of motion.
- Check the fit: Make sure the pant shell fits snugly but comfortably. It should not be too tight or too loose.
Choosing the right hockey pant shell size may seem like a small detail, but it can make a big difference in your performance and safety on the ice. Take the time to measure yourself and try on different options to find the perfect fit for you.
Factors That Affect Hockey Pant Shell Size
Proper hockey pant shells are an essential part of a player’s protective equipment. Choosing the correct size is crucial to ensure maximum protection and mobility on the ice. Here are some of the factors that can affect the size of hockey pant shells:
Body Size and Shape
- Waist Circumference: The waist circumference is a crucial measurement for determining the size of the hockey pant shell. Players should measure their waist and choose the size that corresponds with their measurement.
- Hip Circumference: The hip circumference is also an important factor to consider. Hockey pant shells should fit snugly around the hips to provide adequate protection.
- Thigh Circumference: The thigh circumference is another factor that can impact the size of hockey pant shells. Players with larger thighs may need to choose a larger size to ensure a comfortable fit.
Brand and Model
The brand and model of the hockey pant shell can also impact sizing. Different brands and models may have different sizing charts and fit differently. It is important to consult the size chart for each brand and model before making a purchase. Some brands may also offer different sizing options, such as junior or senior sizes.
Personal Preference
Personal preference can also play a role in determining the size of hockey pant shells. Some players may prefer a tighter or looser fit, depending on their playing style and comfort level. It is important to choose a size that feels comfortable and provides adequate protection on the ice.
How to Measure Your Body for Hockey Pant Shells
If you’re looking for the perfect fit for your hockey pant shells, taking accurate measurements is key. Hockey pant shells come in different sizes, and getting the right size ensures that your gear fits comfortably and doesn’t interfere with your game. Here are a few simple steps to help you measure your body for hockey pant shells:
Step 1: Waist Measurement
The first step is to measure your waist, which is the area above your hips and below your ribcage. Use a measuring tape to wrap around your waist at the narrowest point. Make sure it’s snug but not too tight, and don’t suck in your stomach. Record your waist measurement as it will be the most important factor in determining your size.
Step 2: Hip Measurement
Next, measure your hips, which are the widest part of your body below your waist. Wrap the measuring tape around the fullest part of your hips, making sure it’s parallel to the ground. Record your hip measurement as it will be used to determine the right size pant shell for your body type.
Step 3: Thigh Measurement
Finally, measure the circumference of your thigh. Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your thigh, just below your hip bone. Record your thigh measurement as it will help you choose the right pant shell size that will fit snugly around your legs.
By taking these simple measurements, you’ll be able to choose the right size hockey pant shell for your body type. Remember to measure yourself while wearing your hockey pants, as they can add some bulk to your waist and hips.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hockey Pant Shell Size
Choosing the right hockey pant shell size is important for a comfortable and safe game. Here are some tips to help you choose the right hockey pant shell size:
Tip #1: Know Your Measurements
To choose the right hockey pant shell size, it’s important to know your measurements. Measure your waist, hips, and inseam to ensure a proper fit.
Waist Measurement
- Measure around your natural waist, which is located above your belly button and below your ribcage.
- Make sure the measuring tape is snug but not too tight.
- Round up to the nearest inch for your waist measurement.
Hip Measurement
- Measure around the fullest part of your hips.
- Make sure the measuring tape is parallel to the ground.
- Round up to the nearest inch for your hip measurement.
Inseam Measurement
- Measure from the crotch seam to the bottom of your ankle.
- Make sure you’re standing straight and your legs are slightly apart.
- Round up to the nearest inch for your inseam measurement.
Tip #2: Consider the Brand and Model
Different brands and models may have different sizing charts, so be sure to check the specific chart for the brand and model of the hockey pant shell you’re considering.
Tip #3: Try Them On
Once you have your measurements and know the sizing chart for the hockey pant shell you’re interested in, it’s important to try them on. Make sure to wear your hockey pants and any other protective gear you typically wear during a game to ensure the right fit.
Top Hockey Pant Shell Brands and Their Sizing Charts
When it comes to choosing the right hockey pant shell, it’s important to consider the sizing chart of the brand you’re interested in. Here are some of the top hockey pant shell brands and their sizing charts to help you make an informed decision:
Bauer: Bauer’s sizing chart for hockey pant shells is based on waist and height measurements. They also offer a fit guide for each product to help you choose the right size.
CCM
- Jetspeed: CCM’s Jetspeed hockey pant shells have a sizing chart that is based on waist and height measurements, as well as an optional hip measurement.
- Tacks: The sizing chart for CCM’s Tacks hockey pant shells is based on waist and height measurements, with an optional hip measurement.
Warrior
- Alpha QX: Warrior’s Alpha QX hockey pant shells have a sizing chart that is based on waist and height measurements, with an optional hip measurement as well.
- Covert QRE: The sizing chart for Warrior’s Covert QRE hockey pant shells is based on waist and height measurements, with an optional hip measurement.
Easton
- Stealth CX: Easton’s sizing chart for their Stealth CX hockey pant shells is based on waist and height measurements, with an optional hip measurement.
- Synergy GX: The sizing chart for Easton’s Synergy GX hockey pant shells is based on waist and height measurements, with an optional hip measurement.
It’s important to keep in mind that sizing charts may vary slightly between brands, so it’s always best to consult the specific chart for the product you’re interested in. Don’t forget to also consider the fit guide provided by each brand to ensure the best possible fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to determine my hockey pant shell size?
The best way to determine your hockey pant shell size is to measure your waistline and refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer. Make sure to measure your waist at the widest point to ensure a proper fit. If you are unsure of your size, it is always recommended to try on multiple sizes before making a purchase.
What happens if I order the wrong size?
If you order the wrong size, most retailers have a return or exchange policy in place. Make sure to check the policy before making a purchase to avoid any inconvenience. It is always best to double-check your measurements and refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit.
Do all hockey pant shell brands have the same sizing chart?
No, hockey pant shell brands have different sizing charts. It is important to refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to ensure a proper fit. If you are unsure of your size, it is always recommended to try on multiple sizes before making a purchase.
Should I order a size up or down if I am in between sizes?
If you are in between sizes, it is recommended to order a size up rather than a size down. A pant shell that is too tight can restrict your movements and affect your performance on the ice.
How should my hockey pant shell fit?
Your hockey pant shell should fit comfortably and snugly around your waist and hips without being too tight. It should also allow for freedom of movement in the thighs and legs. Make sure to refer to the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer and try on multiple sizes before making a purchase to ensure a proper fit.
Do hockey pant shells stretch over time?
Most hockey pant shells are made of materials that do not stretch over time. It is important to choose the correct size and fit to ensure maximum comfort and performance on the ice.