You might have heard of a hockey girdle, but do you really know what it is? Here’s some essential information about hockey girdles, including what they are used for and when you should wear them.
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What Is A Hockey Girdle?
In hockey, a girdle is a tight belt that goes around your hips. At first glance, it seems like a simple piece of clothing. However, there are multiple forms and variations of the girdle, and understanding them all is essential when using this piece of gear correctly.
Let’s explore the different kinds of hockey girdles and what they’re used for.
Fanny Pack
In some circles, a fanny pack refers to a girdle that is specifically designed to restrict the movement of the wearer’s waist, creating a shape that mimics a woman’s behind. The fanny pack was first designed for use by women during their period and was initially used to simulate the feeling of wearing a corset. These days, you will often see hockey players wear a fanny pack when going through a rough area of the playing field. Sometimes, the fanny pack is combined with a body armour in a single piece of equipment.
Traditional
This type of girdle is often referred to as a “traditional” one, as it was popularized by the “traditional” hockey players of the 1940s and 1950s. These days, you will often see older hockey players wear these types of girdles. While they might not be worn as often as they once were, a traditional girdle can still be found on the hips of some hard-core fans of the sport. In fact, many of today’s professional hockey players have retained the tradition and continue to wear them, despite the absence of a skirt around the waist.
Anti-Slip
This type of girdle is designed to prevent the wearer from slipping on the ice. Typically made of a plastic or rubber material, the anti-slip girdle was first used in the 1970s and is now considered a classic part of the hockey wardrobe. While similar in appearance to a fanny pack, an anti-slip girdle is wider and has a thicker bottom band to prevent the wearer from slipping on the ice surface. This type of girdle can also be used to simulate the feeling of wearing a girdle made of steel, as the material has a very high strength-to-weight ratio.
Functional
In some circles, a functional girdle refers to a type of sports equipment that is completely different from those mentioned above. As the name suggests, a functional girdle is meant to perform a specific task and is usually used for a sport or an activity that involves a lot of running, jumping and/or climbing. Examples include:
- The discus girdle, which is used by high jumpers
- Rings girdle, which is used by shot putters and weight throwers
- Kettlebell girdle, which is used by weightlifters
- And many more…
You will often see this type of girdle worn with other athletic gear, such as a sleeveless bodysuit. Some highly skilled and professional athletes even prefer to wear this type of girdle in combination with a body suit made of Lycra®. The main advantage of this type of girdle is that the material allows for more movement, and it does not restrict the waist as much as the others mentioned above.
When Should You Wear A Hockey Girdle?
Like with most other types of clothing, you should consider the climate and environment where you are and what you will be wearing when deciding when to wear a hockey girdle. In fact, you will often see players change their outfits multiple times during a game. Some will choose to wear them at the start of the game, and then remove them to change into a skirt or slush pants before facing off against their opponent. This type of movement is something that you might see while watching football, basketball or other similar sports. In such cases, it’s best to keep your eyes open for things that could be improved upon.
Other players will choose to wear their girdle all the time, even during a game. The decision depends on the preferences of the individual and the team’s needs. Let’s explore the different types of situations and which type of girdle you should wear in each one.
Playing Field Surface Conditions
Whether you are playing in a stadium or on an outdoor ice rink, the conditions of the playing field will have a big impact on the type of girdle you should wear. In some cases, you might want to go for a fanny pack, as it’s easier to move around on the field while playing. This can be beneficial, especially if you are going to be doing a lot of running and jumping. In other cases, you might want to choose an anti-slip version, as it prevents slippage on the wet or icy surface. In every case, make sure that the material you select is thick and durable, while also being lightweight and breathable.
Type Of Game
Another thing to consider when deciding when to wear a hockey girdle is the type of game you will be playing. Will you be participating in a contact sport or a non-contact one? Non-contact sports do not require as much energy while playing, so you might choose to take your girdle off during those games. Let’s take a look at the different types of games and what type of girdle you should wear in each one.
- Non-contact sports
- Soccer
- Football
- Basketball
- Handball
- And many more…
In contact sports, such as hockey, you will need a thicker and more durable version of the girdle, as you will be hitting and being hit by other players. In most cases, you will choose to wear this type of girdle when playing hockey outdoors. On the other hand, you might want to remove it, especially if you are participating in a non-contact sport.
Temperature
In addition to considering the climate and environment where you are, you should also take into account the temperature of the air. In very cold climates, you might want to wear a thicker and more durable version of the girdle to prevent yourself from freezing during play. Let’s explore the different situations where you might want to choose one type of girdle over the other.
- Very cold climates
- When it’s very windy or snowy
- When you are participating in a sport that involves a lot of running and climbing
- When it’s extremely humid or damp
- When it’s very sandy, dirty or dusty
- When it’s very hot
- When you are participating in a sport that involves a lot of stretching and bending
In most cases, the thinner and more flexible the girdle, the better. In fact, many highly skilled and professional athletes prefer to wear this type of girdle, as it helps improve their performance. Remember, you are the coach, manager and team doctor of your body, so be sure to choose the type of girdle that will make you feel stronger, faster and more effective when playing your sport.