Protective Sizing

Protective gear only works properly when it fits. Too big and it shifts under contact — leaving gaps in coverage. Too small and it restricts your movement and won't sit where it should. This guide walks you through how to measure for and fit each piece, so you get it right the first time.

We cover shoulder pads, elbow pads, hockey pants, and shin guards below. If you need help with gloves or helmets, those have their own separate guides.

Before you measure: use a flexible tape measure, not a rigid ruler. Wear a thin base layer — the same kind you'd wear on ice. Have someone help where possible — self-measurements are often less accurate. Write every measurement down before cross-referencing the charts.

Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pad sizing

Shoulder pads protect your chest, shoulders, spine, and upper arms. Getting the size right matters both for protection and for freedom of movement. A pad that's too big rides up and exposes your lower torso; one that's too small won't cover your shoulder caps properly.

How to measure

You need two measurements: chest circumference and height. Use both together to find your size.

  1. 1
    Chest circumference — wrap a flexible tape measure around the widest part of your chest, roughly 2–3 cm below your armpits. Keep the tape level. Breathe normally. Write this down in centimetres.
  2. 2
    Height — stand straight and measure from floor to the top of your head. Write this down in centimetres.
  3. 3
    Cross-reference both in the chart below. If your chest and height point to different sizes, prioritise chest. When between sizes, go up for more coverage or down for a more mobile, lower-profile fit.

Men's, Youth, Junior & Intermediate

CategorySizeChest (cm)HeightAge (guide)
YouthS51 – 5691 – 107 cm3 – 5
YouthM56 – 58104 – 119 cm5 – 7
YouthL58 – 64117 – 135 cm7 – 9
JuniorS61 – 66127 – 142 cm8 – 10
JuniorM66 – 71140 – 150 cm10 – 11
IntM71 – 81147 – 165 cm11 – 13
IntL81 – 102165 – 175 cm13+
SeniorM97 – 107170 – 180 cm14+
SeniorL102 – 112175 – 185 cm15+
SeniorXL107 – 117180 – 196 cm15+
SeniorXXL112 – 117185 – 201 cm15+
SeniorXXXL117 +191 cm +Adult

Age is a guide only. Always size by measurement.

How it should fit

  • ✓Shoulder caps sit squarely on top of your shoulders. The tip of your shoulder should sit directly under the centre of each cap — not hanging off the edge, not buried inside it.
  • ✓No gap at the bottom. The base of the pad should meet the top of your hockey pants. Raise your arms fully — coverage should be maintained throughout.
  • ✓Bicep guards reach your elbow pads. The bicep extensions should connect with or slightly overlap the top of your elbow pads — no exposed skin between them.
  • ✓Full freedom of movement. Raise your arms, reach forward, rotate — the pads should move with you, not against you.
  • ✓Straps snug, not tight. You should be able to breathe normally with straps done up. If you feel compressed across the chest, size up.
Women's shoulder pads are a different design, not just a different size. Bauer's women's pads feature a lower-profile shoulder cap, extended chest coverage designed for a female silhouette, and an adapted vest with comfort edges. If you're a female player, these will fit and protect significantly better than men's pads in a smaller size.

Women's shoulder pads

SizeChest (cm)HeightWeight (kg)
XS76 – 86140 – 155 cm41 – 50
S81 – 91150 – 165 cm45 – 59
M86 – 97160 – 175 cm54 – 68
L91 – 102170 – 185 cm63 – 77

Sourced from Bauer X-W official sizing data. Age 12+ for all sizes.

How it should fit

  • ✓Chest coverage sits flat. The sternum and chest panel should sit flush against your chest with no gaps or lifting at the edges.
  • ✓Shoulder caps on top of the shoulders. Shoulder tip centred under the cap — not hanging off or buried in it.
  • ✓Contoured vest sits naturally. Should follow your silhouette without pulling, bunching, or feeling like a different body shape.
  • ✓Bicep guards reach elbow pads. No exposed gap between the bicep extension and your elbow pad top.
  • ✓Full range of motion. Raise both arms fully and rotate without restriction or the pads shifting.

Try them on with your other gear if possible. Shoulder pads interact directly with your elbow pads and pants. Ideally try all three on together before buying. If you're unsure, contact us before you order.

Elbow Pads

Elbow pad sizing

Elbow pads protect one of the most exposed joints in hockey — constant contact with the ice, boards, and sticks makes a proper fit essential. The key fit check is that the elbow cup sits exactly over your elbow point, with no gap above to your shoulder pad and no gap below to your glove cuff.

How to measure — forearm length

This is Bauer's official measurement method. Having someone help gives the most accurate result.

  1. 1
    Bend your arm to 90 degrees — hold your forearm parallel to the floor with your elbow pointing straight back.
  2. 2
    Measure from the back of your elbow to your wrist crease. Run the tape along the back of your forearm from the bony point of the elbow to where your wrist bends. Write this down in centimetres.
  3. 3
    Find your size in the chart below. Match your forearm length first, then cross-check with age, height, and weight.

Size chart — elbow pads

Scroll sideways to see all columns on narrow screens.

Size Age Weight Height Forearm (cm)
Youth
S3 – 5 yrs14 – 19 kg0.91 – 1.07 m15 – 18
M5 – 7 yrs18 – 24 kg1.04 – 1.19 m16 – 19
L7 – 9 yrs23 – 29 kg1.17 – 1.35 m18 – 20
Junior
S8 – 10 yrs24 – 31 kg1.27 – 1.42 m20 – 23
M10 – 11 yrs30 – 36 kg1.40 – 1.50 m22 – 25
Intermediate
M11 – 13 yrs36 – 45 kg1.47 – 1.65 m24 – 27
L13+ yrs44 – 68 kg1.65 – 1.75 m26 – 29
Senior
M14+ yrs59 – 77 kg1.70 – 1.80 m27 – 32
L15+ yrs68 – 86 kg1.75 – 1.85 m29 – 34
XL15+ yrs77 – 95 kg1.80 – 1.95 m32 – 37

Source: Bauer official size guide (metric). Age is a guide only — always size by forearm length first.

How it should fit

  • ✓ Elbow point sits in the cup. Your elbow tip should sit directly in the centre of the hard cap — not above it, not below it. This is the most important check.
  • ✓ No gap at the top. The upper arm section should connect with or slightly overlap the bicep guard of your shoulder pads — no exposed skin between them.
  • ✓ No gap at the bottom. The forearm section should meet the cuff of your gloves. If you wear a shorter-cuff glove, consider sizing up to keep coverage continuous.
  • ✓ Doesn't slip when strapped. Bend and extend your arm fully — the pad should stay centred on your elbow without sliding. If it shifts, the size is wrong.
  • ✓ Full range of motion. You should be able to bend your elbow fully without the pad bunching or cutting into the back of your arm.

Glove cuff length matters. Traditional longer-cuff gloves provide more forearm coverage. If you're wearing a modern shorter or roll-cuff glove, consider sizing up in elbow pads to maintain continuous protection between the two pieces.

Hockey Pants

Hockey pant sizing

Hockey pants protect your hips, thighs, kidneys, tailbone, and lower spine. The most important fit check is that the bottom of the pants overlaps the top of your shin guard knee caps by 2–3 cm. Too short and your thigh and knee are exposed; too long and they restrict your skating stride.

How to measure

Hockey pants are sized primarily by waist measurement. Always check the shin guard overlap once the pants are on — that's more reliable than any number.

  1. 1
    Measure your natural waist — wrap the tape just above your hip bones. Keep it level and snug but not pulled tight. Write this down in centimetres.
  2. 2
    Note your height — taller players within the same waist size may need to go up a size to get enough thigh coverage and the correct shin guard overlap.
  3. 3
    Find your size in the chart below using your waist measurement.
  4. 4
    Check the shin guard overlap once the pants are on. The bottom of the pants should sit 2–3 cm over the top of the shin guard knee cap. This is the most important check.

Men's, Youth, Junior & Intermediate

CategorySizeWaist (cm)HeightAge (guide)
YouthS/M48 – 5391 – 107 cm3 – 5
YouthM51 – 56104 – 119 cm5 – 7
YouthL53 – 61117 – 135 cm7 – 9
JuniorS56 – 64127 – 142 cm8 – 10
JuniorM61 – 66140 – 150 cm10 – 11
JuniorL66 – 74147 – 165 cm11 – 13
IntM71 – 79155 – 165 cm12 – 13
IntL76 – 86165 – 175 cm13+
SeniorM81 – 91170 – 180 cm14+
SeniorL86 – 97175 – 185 cm15+
SeniorXL91 – 102180 – 196 cm15+
SeniorXXL97 – 107185 – 201 cm15+
SeniorXXXL102 +191 cm +Adult

Age is a guide only. Always size by measurement.

How it should fit

  • ✓Bottom overlaps shin guard knee cap by 2–3 cm. Put your shin guards on first, then check. This is the most critical fit check for pants.
  • ✓Top meets the base of your shoulder pads. No exposed torso between the two pieces.
  • ✓Waist belt sits comfortably. Should sit on your natural waistline and fasten snugly without feeling tight. You should be able to crouch to a skate stance without restriction.
  • ✓Hip and kidney pads sit in position. Hip cups should align with your hips; kidney padding should cover your lower back.
  • ✓Stride is unrestricted. Simulate a skating stride — thigh panels should move with your legs, not fight them.
Women's hockey pants are cut differently, not just smaller. Bauer's X-W women's pants feature a wider hip panel, contoured waist, and adapted coverage across the seat and thigh. Female players will get a significantly better fit from women's-specific pants.

Women's hockey pants

SizeWaist (cm)HeightWeight (kg)
XS61 – 69140 – 155 cm41 – 50
S66 – 74150 – 165 cm45 – 59
M71 – 79160 – 175 cm54 – 68
L76 – 84170 – 185 cm63 – 77

Sourced from Bauer X-W official sizing data. Age 12+ for all sizes.

How it should fit

  • ✓Bottom overlaps shin guard knee cap by 2–3 cm. Always check with shin guards on — the most important physical check.
  • ✓Hip panel sits over the hips naturally. The wider hip section should sit comfortably without pulling at the waist or gaping at the side.
  • ✓Waist belt fastens without pulling. Should sit at your natural waistline — not riding up toward your ribs.
  • ✓Full skating stride without restriction. Thigh panels should follow your leg through a full stride without binding or bunching.

Pants and shin guards work as a matched pair. Always check the overlap between them before settling on a size — it's common for pants to fit well by waist measurement but sit slightly short or long relative to your shin guards.

Girdle vs pants: some players prefer a padded compression girdle worn under a separate shell pant. Girdles are available in women's-specific cuts too. Ask us if you're interested — the fit process is slightly different.

Shin Guards

Shin guard sizing

Shin guards protect your knees, shins, and ankles — areas that take constant punishment from pucks, sticks, and skate blades. The sizing goal is simple: the knee cap of the shin guard should sit directly over your knee, with the bottom of the pad reaching the top of your skate boot.

How to measure

Shin guards are best measured sitting down with your legs bent at 90 degrees — this is the most accurate position.

  1. 1
    Sit on a chair with your feet flat on the floor and your knee bent at 90 degrees.
  2. 2
    Measure from the centre of your kneecap down to the centre of your outer ankle bone. Keep the tape running along the front of your shin. Write this down in centimetres.
  3. 3
    If you have your skates available, measure instead from the centre of your kneecap to the top of your skate boot — this is the most precise method and accounts for skate height.
  4. 4
    Cross-reference with your height to confirm you're in the right general category.

Size chart — shin guards

Size Shin length (cm) Height Age (guide)
Youth 8"18 – 22Under 107 cm3 – 5
Youth 9"21 – 24107 – 122 cm5 – 7
Youth 10"23 – 26119 – 132 cm7 – 9
Junior 11"25 – 29127 – 142 cm8 – 10
Junior 12"28 – 32137 – 152 cm10 – 12
Int 13"30 – 34147 – 160 cm11 – 14
Senior 13"30 – 34155 – 168 cm13+
Senior 14"33 – 37163 – 175 cm14+
Senior 15"36 – 40170 – 183 cm15+
Senior 16"39 – 43178 – 191 cmAdult
Senior 17"42 – 46188 cm+Adult

Age is a guide only. Always size by measurement. Shin guard sizes in inches refer to the pad length, not your measurement.

How it should fit

  • ✓ Knee cap sits directly over your kneecap. The moulded knee cap of the shin guard should align exactly with your knee — not above or below it. This is the most important check.
  • ✓ Bottom reaches the top of your skate boot. No exposed shin between the bottom of the pad and your skate. If there's a gap, size up.
  • ✓ Top overlaps hockey pants by 2–3 cm. The pants should sit slightly over the top of the shin guard knee cap, bridging the gap between the two pieces.
  • ✓ Straps hold it securely without cutting in. Shin guards should be strapped firmly so they don't shift when you skate. Many players also use sock tape over the sock to keep them in place.
  • ✓ Ankle sits inside the skate boot. The bottom of the shin guard sits inside the top of the skate boot — this is normal and intentional. The boot holds the bottom of the pad in place.

When in doubt on shin guards, go up. A shin guard slightly too long is far safer than one too short. An exposed knee is a real injury risk. The bottom tucks into the skate boot anyway, so a centimetre or two of extra length rarely causes problems.

Shin guards that are too short leave your knee exposed. This is one of the most common protective fitting mistakes — especially for growing players. Check knee cap alignment every season.

Still not sure? Ask us.

We'll help you get the right fit

If you're fitting a complete set for the first time, buying for a growing player, or just unsure which size is right — send us your measurements and we'll help before you order. Tell us the player's height, weight, and which pieces you need and we'll give you clear size recommendations. Our team has been fitting players since 1974 and we'd far rather spend five minutes now than have you deal with a return later.

Send us your measurements →

Find Your Perfect Fit

Protective gear is only effective when it fits properly — too big and it shifts, too small and it restricts movement. Our sizing charts below are designed to help you find that just right fit across all gear types, whether you’re shopping for youth players or seasoned pros.

How to use this page:

  1. Use a flexible tape measure to take your body measurements.

  2. Match your measurements to the charts inside each section below.

  3. Still unsure? Feel free to contact us — we're happy to help size you up.

TIP: Most players will fit their gear based on height and weight, but hand and limb measurements can be helpful for gloves, elbow pads, and shin guards.
GENERAL SHOULDER PAD SIZING GUIDELINES
Measure the circumference of your chest roughly 1″ below the armpit using a soft measuring tape, string, or shoelace. Correspond this measurement to the sizing chart and cross-reference your height. Personal preference may come into consideration in case there is an overlap between two shoulder pad sizes. For more coverage, go with the larger size. Choose the smaller size for a lower-profile fit and better responsiveness.
YOUTH
Shoulder Pad Size Age Weight Height Chest
S3–5 years14–19kg0.91–1.07m51–56cm
M5–7 years18–24kg1.04–1.19m56–61cm
L7–9 years23–29kg1.17–1.35m59–64cm
JUNIOR
Shoulder Pad Size Age Weight Height Chest
S8–10 years24–31kg1.27–1.42m61–66cm
M10–11 years30–36kg1.40–1.50m66–71cm
INTERMEDIATE
Shoulder Pad Size Age Weight Height Chest
M11–13 years36–45kg1.47–1.65m71–81cm
L13+ years44–68kg1.65–1.75m81–102cm
SENIOR
Shoulder Pad Size Age Weight Height Chest
M14+ years59–77kg1.70–1.80m97–107cm
L15+ years68–86kg1.75–1.85m102–112cm
XL15+ years77–95kg1.80–1.95m107–117cm
XXL15+ years86–104kg1.85–2.00m112cm+
XXXL15+ years95+kg1.91m+112cm+
WOMEN'S X-W SHOULDER
Shoulder Pad Size Age Weight Height Chest
XS12+ years41–50kg1.40–1.55m76–86cm
S12+ years46–59kg1.50–1.65m81–91cm
M15+ years55–68kg1.60–1.75m86–97cm
L15+ years64–77kg1.70–1.85m91–102cm
BAUER ELBOW PAD SIZING GUIDELINES
With your arm bent at a 90° angle, measure the length from the back of the elbow to the wrist crease. Correspond your arm measurement to an elbow pad size using the table below. If you are in between two sizes, you can choose to go with the smaller size for a better range of motion and a more snug fit. Going larger will provide you with a little more coverage in protection and more volume in the fit.

YOUTH

Elbow Pad Size Age Weight Height Forearm Length
S3–5 years14–19kg0.91–1.07m15–18cm
M5–7 years18–24kg1.04–1.19m16–19cm
L7–9 years23–29kg1.17–1.35m18–20cm

JUNIOR

Elbow Pad Size Age Weight Height Forearm Length
S8–10 years24–31kg1.27–1.42m20–23cm
M10–11 years30–36kg1.40–1.50m22–25cm

INTERMEDIATE

Elbow Pad Size Age Weight Height Forearm Length
M11–13 years36–45kg1.47–1.65m24–27cm
L13+ years44–68kg1.65–1.75m26–29cm

SENIOR

Elbow Pad Size Age Weight Height Forearm Length
M14+ years59–77kg1.70–1.80m27–32cm
L15+ years68–86kg1.75–1.85m29–34cm
XL15+ years77–95kg1.80–1.95m32–37cm
GENERAL ICE HOCKEY PANT SIZING GUIDELINES
Measure the circumference of your waist just above the hips. Correspond this measurement to the sizing chart and cross-reference your height. You may overlap between hockey pant sizes, which in this case comes down to personal preference. The smaller size will fit closer to the body while the larger size will offer more volume and coverage.
YOUTH
Hockey Pants Size Age Weight Height Pant Size
S3–5 years14–19kg0.91–1.07m48–53cm
M5–7 years18–24kg1.04–1.19m51–56cm
L7–9 years23–29kg1.17–1.35m54–62cm
JUNIOR
Hockey Pants Size Age Weight Height Pant Size
S8–10 years24–31kg1.27–1.42m56–64cm
M10–11 years30–36kg1.40–1.50m62–66cm
L11–13 years36–45kg1.47–1.65m66–72cm
INTERMEDIATE
Hockey Pants Size Age Weight Height Pant Size
M12–13 years40–45kg1.55–1.65m71–80cm
L13+ years44–68kg1.65–1.75m76–86cm
SENIOR
Hockey Pants Size Age Weight Height Pant Size
M14+ years59–77kg1.70–1.80m81–91cm
L15+ years68–86kg1.75–1.85m86–97cm
XL15+ years77–95kg1.80–1.95m91–102cm
XXL15+ years86–104kg1.85–2.00m97–107cm
XXXL15+ years95+kg1.91m+102cm+
WOMEN'S X-W PANT
Hockey Pants Size Age Weight Height Pant Size
XS12+ years41–50kg1.40–1.55m61–69cm
S12+ years46–59kg1.50–1.65m66–74cm
M15+ years55–68kg1.60–1.75m71–79cm
L15+ years64–77kg1.70–1.85m76–84cm
GENERAL SHIN GUARD SIZING GUIDELINES
Sitting at a 90-degree angle, measure from the bottom of your kneecap to the top of your foot parallel with your ankle. This measurement equals your pad size, which is worn over the skate tongue. This is the most popular style that offers more coverage and is best suited for defensemen and shot-blocking forwards.
If you prefer to wear the shin guard under the skate tongue, simply subtract 1″ from your measurement, which equals going one pad size down. This style provides a lighter, lower-profile, and snug fit that’s suited for the quick and agile player.
YOUTH
Shin Guard Size Age Weight Height Shin Length
S (8")3–5 years14–19kg0.91–1.07m25.5–28cm
M (9")5–7 years18–24kg1.04–1.19m28–31cm
L (10")7–9 years23–29kg1.17–1.35m31–33.5cm
JUNIOR
Shin Guard Size Age Weight Height Shin Length
S (11")8–10 years24–31kg1.27–1.42m33.5–36cm
M (12")10–11 years30–36kg1.40–1.50m36–38.5cm
INTERMEDIATE
Shin Guard Size Age Weight Height Shin Length
M (13")11–13 years36–45kg1.47–1.65m38.5–41cm
L (14")13+ years44–68kg1.65–1.75m41–43.5cm
SENIOR
Shin Guard Size Age Weight Height Shin Length
M (15")14+ years59–77kg1.70–1.80m43.5–46cm
L (16")15+ years68–86kg1.75–1.85m46–48.5cm
XL (17")15+ years77–95kg1.80–1.95m48.5–51.5cm
XXL (18")15+ years86–104kg1.85–2.00m51.5cm+