What Do NHL Players Wear Under Their Pads? The Truth Revealed

The Base Layer: Where It All Starts

Before a single pad goes on, NHL players suit up in what’s known as the base layer — a set of compression gear that keeps everything in place, helps with temperature control, and (let’s be honest) reduces the stench a bit.

Compression shirts and pants

Most players wear long-sleeved compression shirts and tight-fitting leggings made of moisture-wicking fabric. These aren’t random gym clothes either — they’re specially designed for hockey.
Why? They prevent chafing from the pads, keep muscles warm, and even help with blood flow.

A lot of guys go for brands like CCM, Bauer, or Under Armour. And some — especially old-school vets — stick with whatever they’ve worn for years. If it ain’t broke...

Jock or jill protection

Yes, protection down there is a big deal. Every NHL player wears a jockstrap (or jill for female players) with a built-in hard plastic cup. Some have it integrated into their compression shorts, others go the old-school strap route. No one’s taking a puck to the groin unprotected — ever.

Socks, Garter Belts, and Other Weird Stuff

The long hockey socks

Underneath shin guards, players pull up thick knit hockey socks that stretch from ankle to thigh. These aren’t the cozy kind for winter lounging — they’re more like team-colored sleeves that cover the shin guards.

Sock tape and garters

Now here’s the quirky part: to keep those socks up, players use clear sock tape, Velcro tabs, or — believe it or not — garter belts. Yep, it sounds like something from your grandma’s closet, but some players swear by them.

There’s something oddly charming about seeing a 6’4" enforcer fiddling with a Velcro strap on his thigh like he’s getting ready for a runway show. But hey — if it holds the gear in place, it works.

Do NHL Players Go Commando?

Okay, this one pops up a lot in locker room rumors and Reddit threads: do NHL players wear underwear under all that?

Short answer: some do, some don’t.

• With compression gear: most skip traditional underwear. It just adds bulk and discomfort. Compression shorts usually have a built-in cup pouch anyway.

• Without compression gear (rare these days): they might wear tight boxers or briefs.

I once overheard a semi-pro goalie say, “No boxers. Ever. One wedgie and your whole shift's ruined.” Can’t argue with that.

Special Cases: Goalies and Their Extra Layers

Goalies are a different beast. Because they face direct shots all game long (some over 100 mph), their under-pad setup is a bit heavier.

Extra padding and thicker base

They often wear padded base layers, especially around the thighs, ribs, and collarbone. Some use knee guards under their pants — not inside the pads — for extra flexibility.

And goalies tend to have more rituals. One told me he wears the same base layer for every game, unwashed. Gross? Definitely. Superstition runs deep in hockey culture.

Comfort, Ritual, and Superstition

Honestly, what NHL players wear under their pads isn’t just about performance — it’s also about comfort and routine.

Some guys wear the same T-shirt from juniors, full of holes and sweat stains, because they once scored a hat trick in it. Others tape their socks a very specific way — left leg before right, always.

And yeah, a few go completely off-script. There’s a rumor about a forward who wears women’s yoga pants under his gear “because they’re way more comfortable.” Hey, no judgment.

Final Thoughts: It’s More Than Just What You See on Ice

So, what do NHL players wear under their pads? A precise mix of compression gear, protection, routine, and a dash of superstition. It’s not glamorous. It’s sweaty, personal, sometimes ridiculous — but it’s all part of the game.

And now, next time you’re watching a game and see a player fly across the ice like a missile, remember: underneath all that armor is a carefully chosen setup that only makes sense in the wild world of hockey.

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