How to Dress for Football

Proper attire for football is necessary for the protection of yourself and others, as well as to maximize your performance on the field. As such, there are a number of pads and performance wear that any football player should know how to put on in order to have the best experience. The specific uniform and equipment rules differ at the NFL, NCAA, amateur, and youth level, but there are general guidelines for a player of any level.

Instructions

    • 1

      Put on any performance wear you desire. These clothes can include layers that help keep you warm, whisk moisture off the body, or help cool you down.

    • 2

      Put on you jersey’s socks, one foot at a time. Check with your league to ensure your socks comply with league rules. The NFL, for example, requires players’ socks to go over their knees at all times.

    • 3

      Put on your jersey’s pants. Your pants should have pads in them to protect your thighs. Put on the pants as you would any pair of non-athletic pants, and tighten them as necessary.

    • 4

      Put on your cleats. Appropriate football shoes depend on your position and your personal preference. For example, many kickers prefer to wear cleats made for soccer, while many wide receivers like to wear cleats with toe studs to aide the quickness of their first step off the line of scrimmage.

    • 5

      Measure your shoulder width and chest to ensure you have appropriately-fitting shoulder pads. You can find your chest measurement by wrapping a cloth-tape measure around your chest, coming across just under the arms. To measure shoulder width, stand behind the subject and measure the distance between the bumps that form the shoulders when the subject puts his/her arms out. Pads that are too loose will not provide sufficient protection and may impair your movement on the field; pads that are too tight will be uncomfortable and may also impair your movement.

    • 6

      Pick the appropriate shoulder pads depending on your position and size. Pads should be listed by size in a catalogue or by a sports equipment retailer. Ask your coach for if you need specific pads for your position. A kicker, for example, may have lighter pads than a lineman.

    • 7

      Put on the shoulder pads by slipping them over your head. Tighten them by tying any laces and connecting straps or buckles.

    • 8

      Put on your jersey over the shoulder pads. Slip your head through its space in the middle of the jersey, followed by the arms through their holes on the side.

    • 9

      Measure your head by wrapping a cloth tape measure, about one inch above the eyes, all the way around your head. That measurement is your head’s circumference. Like with shoulder pads, too-large or too-small helmets can be dangerous. They can also impair vision.

    • 10

      Pick the appropriate helmet based on size and position. Ask your coach to ensure that you have the proper helmet for your position. Also check your league’s rules on helmets. Some youth leagues require all helmets to have a complete cage in order to protect the players’ faces.

    • 11

      Put on your helmet by holding it with both hands and pulling it over your face. Remember to tighten any straps and button all the buttons.

    • 12

      Put on any accouterment you desire. For example, you may want to wear gloves to warm your hands or improve your grip on the ball.