What To Wear Under Hockey Gear? Find Out Now!

When it comes to playing hockey, your gear is extremely important. Not only does it protect you from injuries, but it can also affect your performance on the ice. However, one crucial part of playing hockey that often gets overlooked is what to wear under your gear.

This may seem like a small detail, but wearing the wrong clothes underneath your equipment can lead to discomfort, hindrance of movement, and even rash and irritation. It’s essential to choose appropriate clothing that fits well, breathes well, and doesn’t cause any chafing or rubbing against your skin.

“Just because you’re wearing more layers doesn’t mean you’ll be warmer or more comfortable.”

The right choice of garments in terms of material, size, thickness, and style depends on factors such as climate conditions, personal preferences, and type of sportswear. You want to make sure your layers stay in place and don’t bunch up or restrict your motion during gameplay.

In this article, we will explore various options for what to wear under your hockey gear and offer some tips and tricks to keep you comfortable and confident on the rink.

Compression Shorts

When it comes to playing hockey, having the right gear not only protects you from injuries but also enhances your performance. One important aspect that many players overlook is what they wear under their hockey gear. Compression shorts are a popular choice among athletes for various reasons.

Benefits of Compression Shorts for Athletes

Compression shorts offer numerous benefits for athletes, including increased muscle support and reduced fatigue. The tight-fitting design of compression shorts limits muscle vibration during exercise, helping prevent muscle strain. Additionally, these shorts can improve recovery time after intense physical activity.

“Compressing muscles during exercise theoretically improves blood flow to them and decreases muscle oscillation. This improved venous return should decrease lactic acid production and reduce DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness).” -Dr. Lori Shemek

Furthermore, compression shorts have moisture-wicking properties that keep sweat away from the skin, which reduces chafing and irritation.

How Compression Shorts Improve Blood Flow

One significant benefit of wearing compression shorts is that they help improve blood flow to the working muscles. With improved circulation, more oxygenated blood reaches the muscles, which can enhance athletic performance. Additionally, the compression helps facilitate the removal of metabolic waste, such as lactic acid, reducing soreness and fatigue after exercise.

“While more research must be conducted on this topic, recent evidence suggests that graduated compression through clothing in humans may provide strategies whereby efficiency of venous return could be optimised, removing deoxygenated blood more efficiently and potentially feeding an expanding economy with freshly oxygenated blood.” -Dr. David Opar

Compression Shorts vs Regular Shorts: Which is Better?

Comparing compression shorts to traditional athletic shorts, we can see that compression shorts provide more support and protection to the muscles. Regular shorts may be loose-fitting and cause skin irritation due to excessive sweating.

Additionally, compression shorts are made from stretchy materials that conform to your body shape, providing a comfortable fit. Standard shorts can restrict movement or shift around during physical activity.

Top Brands for Compression Shorts

• Skins: This brand is known for its innovative designs and quality performance gear. Their compression shorts offer targeted compression zones that enhance circulation, minimize muscle vibration, reduce fatigue, and speed up recovery time.
• Nike Pro Combat: Nike’s signature Dri-FIT technology makes their compression shorts ideal for moisture management and comfort. These shorts also have flat seams that reduce chafing and irritation on sensitive areas.
• Under Armour HeatGear: Under Armour’s HeatGear range of compression shorts is designed to keep you cool, dry, and light. They feature a blend of polyester and elastane that wicks away sweat and prevents bacterial growth.

Compression shorts are an excellent choice for hockey players looking to improve their performance and minimize the risk of injury. When choosing a pair, consider factors like material quality, design, and price before making a purchase.

Moisture-Wicking Shirts

How Moisture-Wicking Shirts Help Keep You Cool

When engaging in high-intensity activities such as hockey, it is vital to wear clothing that keeps you cool and dry. One of the best options for this purpose is moisture-wicking shirts. These types of shirts are designed with special fabrics that quickly absorb sweat from your body and transfer it to the outer layer of the fabric where it can evaporate faster. As a result, moisture-wicking shirts keep you feeling comfortable, dry, and cool throughout your game.

The rapid absorption and evaporation of sweat by moisture-wicking shirts also help prevent bacterial growth and odor formation. This means you don’t have to worry about smelling bad after an intense practice session or game.

Benefits of Moisture-Wicking Shirts for Exercise

In addition to keeping you cool and dry during physical activity, moisture-wicking shirts offer several other benefits when exercising:

• They reduce chafing: Moisture-wicking material reduces friction against the skin, preventing painful chafing and irritation.
• They provide UV protection: Some moisture-wicking materials offer UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings as high as 50+, offering additional protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
• They are versatile: Moisture-wicking shirts come in various styles, colors, and sizes, making them suitable for all ages, gender, and body types.

If you’re looking for a shirt that offers more than just style, moisture-wicking shirts might be the perfect solution for your exercise routine.

Top Fabrics Used in Moisture-Wicking Shirts

Not all moisture-wicking shirts are created equal. Some fabrics work better than others in terms of wicking sweat and providing a comfortable fit. Here are some of the most popular fabrics used in moisture-wicking shirts:

• Polyester: Polyester is lightweight, durable, and dries quickly, making it an excellent choice for active wear.
• Nylon: Nylon offers superior softness and breathability while also being incredibly strong and tear-resistant.
• Merino wool: Merino wool is naturally antimicrobial, moisture-wicking, breathable, and regulates temperature, making it ideal for cold climates or winter sports like ice hockey.

Choosing a fabric that suits your needs, preferences, and budget can make all the difference in your performance on the field or rink.

Moisture-Wicking Shirts vs Regular Shirts: Which is Better?

The debate between moisture-wicking shirts and regular cotton t-shirts has been going on for years. While both have their advantages and disadvantages, here’s what sets them apart:

• Wicking ability: Moisture-wicking shirts are designed specifically to move sweat away from the skin, whereas regular cotton t-shirts absorb sweat but are slow in drying, which may cause discomfort and chafing.
• Odor control: Most moisture-wicking fabrics are treated with anti-microbial agents to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria. In contrast, regular cotton t-shirts tend to retain sweat and smell bad after multiple wears without washing.
• Comfort: Moisture-wicking shirts offer unparalleled comfort due to their light-weight and quick-drying features. They also provide excellent stretch and mobility during physical activity. Regular cotton t-shirts tend to feel heavy, clingy, and lack flexibility.

Choosing between moisture-wicking shirts and regular cotton t-shirts ultimately depends on your needs, preference, and budget. For high-intensity activities such as hockey or other sports that involve sweating, we recommend choosing moisture-wicking shirts for optimal comfort, performance, and hygiene.

Protective Cup

Why Athletes Need Protective Cups

A protective cup is a must-have item for athletes who participate in contact sports like hockey. The primary function of a protective cup is to protect the groin area from serious injury during gameplay or practice.

As per the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, players who used protective cups were less likely to suffer from genital injuries compared to those who did not use them. Therefore, it is essential to wear a protective cup while playing hockey as it reduces the risk of severe health problems caused by groin injuries.

Top Brands for Protective Cups

When it comes to buying protective cups, there are many options available in the market. However, you should choose the one that offers maximum protection and comfort. Here are some top brands for protective cups:

• Bauer: Bauer’s compression pro jock shorts offer excellent support and comfort with its stretch-fit design. Additionally, their hard plastic-shell-cup provides ultimate protection against any form of impact during play.
• Ccm: CCM Tacks holds multiple layers including perforated foam to provide comfortable padding between your skin and the rigid plastic shell on the outside.
• Shock Doctor: Shock doctor has been manufacturing athletic gear for over two decades now and ranks high when it comes to cups. Their Bio Flex Cup is lightweight and flexible but also highly durable due to its multi-layered construction consisting of a hard outer layer resistant to impact.

“Hockey is a very physical game, and even more so perhaps than other sports, personal safety equipment is an absolute necessity.” -Mark Messier

To conclude, wearing a protective cup is crucial for athletes, especially those in contact sports like hockey. Choosing the right brand and fit will provide you much-needed protection while allowing comfortable range of motion to play at your best.

Thin Socks

Why Thin Socks are Essential for Athletes

Athletes, including hockey players, need socks that can provide them with the necessary support and protection while maintaining their comfort during games. Thick socks may seem like a better option, but thin socks have proven to be more beneficial in many ways.

Thinner socks offer better control over your movement on the ice, allowing you to pivot, stop, and start quickly without losing your balance or slipping around in your skates. They also wick away sweat and moisture much more efficiently than thicker socks, which helps prevent blisters and other foot injuries.

In addition, most good quality thin socks are made from breathable materials, preventing overheating of the feet and resulting odor build-up

Top Materials Used in Thin Socks

The material used to make a sock is as important as its thickness when choosing what to wear under hockey gear. The right material can help keep athletes dry, comfortable, and injury-free throughout a game. Here are some of the best materials for hockey socks:

• Nylon: Known for its durability and strength, nylon is often used to reinforce certain areas, such as the heel and toe, in hockey socks. It’s also lightweight, so it won’t add unwanted bulk to the player’s feet or skates.
• Polyester: This synthetic fabric has excellent moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for skating sessions. It dries fast and resists shrinking, stretching, and wrinkling, making it an excellent choice for active wear.
• Cotton: A soft and absorbent natural fiber that is great for everyday use, but it is less desirable as performance gear. Cotton retains moisture, which means it won’t wick sweat away from your feet effectively and may result in blisters or fungal infections if used during long hockey sessions.
• Spandex: This fabric is added to thin socks for improved fit and comfort while reducing bulkiness. It’s ideal for athletes who need a snug-fitting sock that moves with them.

How Thin Socks Help Prevent Blisters

Blisters are quite common, especially among athletes, and can be caused by wearing the wrong shoes or socks during games or practice sessions. Thinner athletic socks help to prevent blister formation because they’re tighter around the foot, minimizing friction between the skin and footwear.

In addition, most thin sports socks are made of synthetic materials such as Polyester, Spandex, and Nylon, which wick away sweat much faster than cotton socks. Dryer feet mean minimal break down in the epidermis (top layer of skin) – Simply put: Less sweat = less Softening and breaking down the skin layers on the bottom of your foot= fewer blisters!

Thin Socks vs Regular Socks: Which is Better?

The type of sock you wear depends on personal preference and the conditions under which you play. As mentioned earlier, thinner socks have several advantages over thick socks when playing ice hockey. However, some players prefer regular socks due to their cushioning effect and extra warmth.

It’s important to note that thick socks can trap more heat and moisture against your feet, leading to an increase in fatigue levels, making them unsuitable for high-intensity activities like hockey. Thick socks also offer more material causing unwanted bulk in skates resulting in decreased mobility. So ultimately the choice rests primarily on the individual player and their style of play.

“Your feet are the foundation of your temple. Treat them with respect.” -Astrid Binnie

Layering Options

Why Layering is Important for Athletes

As an athlete, proper layering of clothing can make a significant difference in your performance. It’s essential to stay warm and comfortable during practice or games, especially when playing sports like hockey that require you to be out on the ice for extended periods.

Layering clothes can help regulate body temperature and prevent sweating by wicking moisture away from the skin. This makes it easier to maintain optimal body temperature and avoid overheating or chills.

Another crucial reason why layering is important for athletes is that it provides protection against injuries. Hockey players need to wear multiple layers of protective gear, but they also need a layer of clothing underneath this protective gear to provide additional insulation and support their knees, back, and other areas prone to injury.

Top Materials Used in Layering Clothes

When choosing what to wear under hockey gear, material selection is critical. The following are some top materials used in layering clothes:

“Polyester is lightweight, durable, and breathable, making it ideal for athletic clothing.” – New Balance

Polyester fabric traps warmth without the weight or bulkiness of traditional fabrics such as cotton. It’s perfect for those who want to move freely while still feeling warm and protected.

“Merino wool is comfortable, soft, and itch-free, providing the ultimate blend of durability, comfort, and natural style with excellent moisture management.” – Icebreaker Merino

Merino wool is known for being soft, cozy, and breathable. It’s also excellent for heat regulation, wicking away moisture from the skin to keep athletes dry and warm.

“Spandex increases flexibility and durability without weighing down athletes’ gear.” – Lululemon Athletica

Spandex is a stretchy fabric that allows for maximum range of movement and flexibility. Many hockey players prefer spandex fabrics since they’re lightweight, comfortable, and do not restrict their movements while playing.

How to Layer Clothes for Maximum Comfort

Knowing how to layer clothes correctly makes a huge difference in terms of comfort level during prolonged sessions on the ice. Here are some tips on how to layer clothes for maximum comfort:

A good base layer should fit snugly but not be too tight or restrictive. Ideally, it should be made of synthetic material that will wick sweat away from your body and prevent overheating.

Your middle layer should insulate you against the cold while allowing some breathability. A thick fleece or wool sweater is an excellent choice for this layer because of its insulation properties.

This final layer protects you from wind and rain and provides additional insulation. Choose a water-resistant jacket or vest depending on the weather conditions.

Remember, your layers need to work together seamlessly; otherwise, you could end up overheated, sweaty, or shivering on the ice. So try out different combinations and materials until you find the perfect balance for your body.

What to wear under hockey gear isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Layering clothes can be tricky, but with a little experimentation and knowledge about different materials, you can outfit yourself for peak performance on the ice every time.

Frequently Asked Questions