American football pants: the complete buying guide

American football pants are not ordinary sports shorts. They are a technical garment designed specifically for the demands of the game: a close-fitting cut to reduce opponent grip, durable fabrics built to handle repeated contact and abrasion, and an integrated or removable padding system to absorb the shocks of every play. Choosing the right football pants means playing with greater efficiency, comfort, and protection.

In both competitive play and training, football pants are a mandatory part of every player's equipment under official regulations — whether you play in the NFL, NCAA, or a national European federation. At Sportland American, we carry a carefully selected range of certified football pants suitable for all levels of play, from beginners to competitive athletes, in both youth and adult sizing.

Padded vs non-padded football pants: what is the difference?

This is the first question to answer before purchasing American football pants. There are two main categories:

Integrated padded pants (all-in-one) are the standard for game day. They incorporate the required protective pads directly into their structure — hip pads, thigh pads, knee pads, tailbone pad, and sometimes a kidney pad — sewn in or inserted into internal pockets. The key advantage is speed of preparation and optimal pad stability during play: they do not shift or come loose during contact. Premium models feature removable, machine-washable pads. The Rawlings F3500P and Meyer Sport 7-pad pants are the flagship models in this category within our range.

Non-padded pants (also called shell pants or game pants without pads) are primarily used in practice, or combined with a separate integrated girdle worn underneath. Lighter and more breathable, they offer maximum freedom of movement. Some models include side pockets for optional pad insertion. Our Rawlings non-padded pants and Under Armour training models serve this purpose perfectly.

Pad placement in integrated football pants

A fully padded American football pant can accommodate up to 7 pads, strategically positioned to protect the most impact-prone areas of the lower body:

Hip pads protect the iliac crests during lateral falls and side tackles. They are among the most frequently impacted pads on the field, particularly for running backs and linemen.

Thigh pads absorb frontal and lateral shocks to the upper legs. They are especially important for positions that take frequent tackles from multiple directions.

Knee pads protect the most vulnerable joint in a football player's lower body during falls and ground contact. They are essential regardless of position.

The tailbone pad — positioned at the base of the spine — cushions backward falls and hard landings. It is particularly valued by quarterbacks and receivers who absorb sacks and go to the ground regularly.

The kidney pad protects the lower back and kidneys from lateral impacts. Some pants integrate this pad directly into the waistband for a seamless fit.

Game pants vs practice pants

Game pants are engineered for competitive performance. They feature a tighter cut, more technical fabrics (high-density polyester, tear-resistant weaves), and are available in team colours. Their slim profile reduces opponent grip and improves on-field aerodynamics. They may or may not include integrated pads depending on the model.

Practice pants prioritise comfort, durability, and breathability over tight fit. More forgiving in cut, they hold up to repeated training sessions and frequent washing without losing shape or elasticity. Many clubs use practice-specific pants year-round to preserve their game pants for match days. Our Under Armour training selection includes technical joggers and practice pants designed specifically for American football use.

Which pants to choose by position?

Every position on the field has specific requirements in terms of protection level and freedom of movement:

Quarterback (QB) — The QB needs to pivot, drop back, and throw without restriction. A 5 to 7-pad pant with a trim, non-compressive cut works best. Tailbone protection is a priority for this position given the frequency of sacks and backward falls.

Wide Receivers (WR), Tight Ends (TE) and Defensive Backs (CB, S) — These players sprint, jump, and change direction at full speed. Lightweight and freedom of movement come first. A 5-pad pant with thin, low-profile pads is generally sufficient without hindering stride.

Running Backs (RB) — RBs absorb constant, high-impact tackles from all angles. Maximum protection is essential while maintaining explosive movement. A 7-pad pant with reinforced hip and thigh pads is strongly recommended.

Offensive and Defensive Linemen (OL/DL) — Linemen endure the most physically demanding play on the field on every single snap. Fabric durability and pad quality are the priorities. Tear-resistant materials and robust hip pads are non-negotiable. The cut can be slightly more generous to accommodate larger builds.

Linebackers (LB) — As versatile all-around defenders, LBs need a balanced combination of protection and mobility. A quality 7-pad pant at an intermediate protection level suits this position well.

How to find the right football pants size

Pants that are too large will shift and allow pads to move out of position during contact. Too tight, and they restrict movement and cause discomfort over the course of a game. To find your size:

Measure your waist and hip circumference with a soft tape measure. Then refer to the size chart specific to each brand — sizing varies between Rawlings, Meyer Sport and Under Armour. As a general guide, sizes run from Youth S (approx. age 8–10) to Adult 2XL (hip circumference above 120 cm / 47 in). If you fall between two sizes, size up: a slightly larger pant can be adjusted with the elastic waistband, whereas a pant that is too small will not accommodate the pads correctly and will restrict movement.

Fabrics and technology in football pants

The textile composition of football pants determines both on-field performance and long-term durability:

Polyester is the foundation material for virtually all football pants. Tough, lightweight and fast-drying, it withstands repeated contact and frequent washing without deforming or fading. Most Rawlings and Meyer Sport models are 100% polyester.

Spandex (Lycra) is often blended with polyester — typically between 5% and 15% — to add stretch and ensure a consistent fit during athletic movement. A higher spandex content suits skill positions that demand greater lower-body mobility (WR, CB, RB).

Moisture management technologies — Nike Dri-FIT, Under Armour HeatGear — draw sweat away from the skin to keep players dry and reduce chafing during long sessions and double-header game days.

Youth American football pants

Young players need pants sized and engineered specifically for their stage of physical development. Youth football pants incorporate the same certified protective technologies as adult models, with cuts and sizing tailored to youth competition categories from age 8 upwards. The emphasis is on lightweight construction and comfort to support skill development without restriction. All our youth padded models include integrated pads for complete protection from day one on the field.

How to care for your football pants

Proper maintenance significantly extends the life of your pants and preserves the performance of their technical fabrics:

Always remove removable pads before washing. Machine wash at a maximum of 30°C (86°F) on a gentle cycle to protect elastic components and reinforced seams. Avoid fabric softener — it degrades technical fibres and reduces moisture-wicking performance. Air dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting only — high heat deforms synthetic materials and can damage pad pockets. Wash pads separately by hand or in a mesh laundry bag.

Why buy your football pants from Sportland American?

Since 2011, Sportland American has been Europe's go-to online destination for American sports equipment. Every pair of pants we sell is 100% authentic, sourced directly from official brand distributors — Rawlings, Meyer Sport and Under Armour. Our team of American football enthusiasts is on hand to advise you on the right model for your position, body type, and level of play — before and after your purchase. Fast delivery across France (24–48h) and worldwide shipping to over 50 countries. Free shipping on orders over €80 (see conditions).

Also available at Sportland American: American football helmets, shoulder pads, football gloves, football cleats, NFL jerseys and protective accessories.