What to Wear Under Football Pads
From your helmet to the tape you wear around your ankles, wrists, or fingers, we know that what football players put on for gameday is practically ritualistic. Even the order in which you get dressed, warm up, and take on the field matters. Because to you, if one thing in your routine feels just a bit off, so are the vibes when kickoff comes around. If there’s one thing that’s going to help you stay on track throughout practice or a game, it’s what you’ve got on under your football pads. Baselayers like compression shorts, T-shirts, and long sleeve shirts are perfect additions to your locker when it comes time to get ready.
Compression football gear can help keep you comfortable with lightweight, sweat-wicking materials that keep you dry in the dog days of Summer workouts and early-season games. It can also help when temperatures drop, as gear that features light, brushed interiors should keep you warm without overheating. These pieces of football gear, whether it’s compression shorts for under your pants and thigh pads, or a long sleeve with a mock neck to go under your shoulder pads for a cold Fall game, can help you stay locked-in when push comes to shove. By wearing the right football gear under your pads, you’re giving yourself a chance to move better with your gear on, as well as perform how you expect yourself to when you hit the field.
The Role of Compression Gear
We’ve heard the whole “if you look good, you play good” thing for a while. And, in many ways, it’s true. If you’ve got the right gear on, it’ll help you perform. Call it aura. Call it style points. Call it whatever you want. With compression gear, not only can your presence be felt from miles away, but with the right stuff, you’ll be prepared for every down, rep, drive, and game.
Compression clothing works well underneath your football pads and gear because it’s designed to stay tight on your muscles, helping you feel where you are in open space. Plus, compression football gear features things like moisture-wicking, non-chafing, and stretchy fabrics that give you what you need to stay comfortable no matter the play. By wicking sweat, you’ll be able to stay cooler and drier throughout each practice and game, instead of being worn down by sweat-soaked 100% cotton options.
Important Features & Materials
What’s in your football gear matters. Think about it, you’re going to have your shoulder pads, jersey, pants, thigh pads, knee pads, and whatever other protective gear you choose. That’s a lot of gear. To help you feel better, move better, and perform better, compression baselayers are highly recommended to wear under it all.
There’s compression baselayers built for both cold and warm weather. For practice in cold weather, look for something that’s going to have a warm interior that won’t overheat you. That way you’re able to stay nimble and warm when the cold nights on the gridiron challenge you. For something in the heat, find compression gear that’s lightweight and wicks away sweat fast, especially when temperatures rise. You’re already going to be breaking a sweat. The last thing you’ll need is sweat soaking up your gear and interfering with how you perform.
Since you’re going to be moving in all different directions on every play, finding football gear that has stretchy fabric is practically a must-have. There’s a notable difference between wearing something that’s letting you move without distraction versus something that’ll hold you back when you twist or turn a certain way. Imagine being a quarterback, and not being able to get a full range of motion in your throws because the undershirt you have on limits it.
Finding football gear with synthetic/polyester-blended materials versus something that’s 100% cotton is a gamechanger. Synthetic and polyester-blended materials are designed to dry faster and wick away moisture. You’ll find some athletic clothing features both polyester and elastane, giving athletes a moisture-wicking piece of gear that’s also stretchy and flexible for a better wear when being active. It’s best to avoid anything that’s 100% cotton when you’re considering gear to go under your football pads. Things that are 100% cotton aren’t the best for athletic needs, as they’re more likely to retain moisture and sweat, which can lead to uncomfortable chafing.
Maintenance & Care
Take care of your gear! The little things you do maintenance-wise with your gear can help it all last longer, stay fresh, and perform the way you expect it to every time. Here’s how you can take care of your football baselayers made from synthetic materials:
Wash in cold water with like colors (check the garment tag, but most baselayers can be machine washed)
Tumble dry on low, or air dry
Don’t use fabric softeners, which leave behind a film that can interfere with moisture wicking.
Don’t use chlorine bleach, which can break down synthetic fibers, especially elastane
Consider investing in 2-3 sets of baselayers so you can rotate them