How to Get Measured for Shoulder Pads

Playing aggressive sports requires wearing protective gear. Depending on the sport, players wear protective gear such as helmets, gloves, knee pads and shoulder pads. Shoulder pads minimize the possibility of injury to certain upper body parts such as the collarbone, shoulder blade, sternum and the shoulder muscles (anterior deltoid). An important aspect for ensuring complete upper body protection is proper sizing of the shoulder pads.

Instructions

    • 1

      Wear a close-fitting shirt for the most accurate measurement.

    • 2

      Stand tall with your arms relaxed at your sides. Ask someone to measure your back from the end of one shoulder blade to the other. Increase the measurement amount up to the next half inch.

    • 3

      Select the pad size, put the shoulders pads on and verify that the end of the strap pad aligns with your shoulders.

    • 4

      Adjust the hook-up straps so the shoulder pads stay in place during movement. The hook-up straps extend under your arms around to the front of the pads and connect to the plastic shell.

    • 5

      Put on your helmet and jersey along with the shoulder pads and verify that the measurements have produced a proper fit. Check for adequate coverage in your sternum area, the neck opening and pectoral muscles. Confirm that the shoulder pads cover the scapula (shoulder blade) and your back is not exposed.