The Best Lacrosse Padded Shirts for Protection and Performance

The Best Lacrosse Padded Shirts for Protection and Performance

Why Lacrosse Players Need Protective Padded Shirts

Lacrosse is a fast-paced, high contact sport that requires players to wear protective gear to prevent injuries. Padded shirts have become an essential piece of equipment for lacrosse players of all ages and skill levels. Wearing a padded lacrosse shirt provides extra protection to the ribs, chest, back, and shoulders from the inevitable checks, slashes, and collisions during games and practices.

The padding in lacrosse shirts acts as an extra layer of armor against the solid rubber lacrosse balls that can sting and bruise unprotected areas. Getting hit in the ribs or chest by a 50+ mph lacrosse shot can knock the wind out of you without the proper padding. Lacrosse padded shirts feature extra thick foam or plastic padding panels sewn into areas most vulnerable to injury.

Another benefit of lacrosse padded shirts is they allow for more aggressive and confident play. Knowing your torso is protected by lightweight, breathable padding gives players the peace of mind to charge through traffic, take chances between multiple defenders, dive for loose balls, and not shy away from contact. The padding compresses on impact to absorb the shock and force of checks and passes.

For youth lacrosse players still learning proper checking techniques and stick control, padded shirts provide insurance against incidental and accidental contact from other beginners. The extra padding is like training wheels for young lacrosse athletes while they develop their skills and defensive positioning. High quality youth and women’s lacrosse pads shirts are mandatory to prevent bruising during those early lacrosse seasons.

While rib guards and arm pads cover small specific areas, lacrosse padded shirts deliver all-around protection for the entire upper body. Before padded lacrosse shirts existed, players would wear makeshift padding cobbled together from football gear that was bulky and restrictive. Now lacrosse athletes can suit up in lightweight, breathable protection engineered specifically for their sport. Advanced padded shirt technology allows for full range of motion and comfort during intense competition.

Top Features to Look for in Lacrosse Padded Shirts

When shopping for the best lacrosse padded shirt for your protection needs and budget, there are several important features and technologies to look for. The ideal lacrosse padded shirt should have a combination of lightweight padding, breathable moisture-wicking fabric, and a tailored fit.

The padding itself comes in a variety of materials, thickness, and protection levels. High density foam and plastic pads will offer the most shock absorption, while ventilated padding reduces sweat and allows air flow. Chest and rib padding should be thicker than shoulder pads for extra protection where you need it most. Brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior use multiple foam laminate layers to engineer lightweight padding that moves with you.

Today’s lacrosse padded shirt padding also incorporates ventilated arch technologies that contour across the body for unrestricted mobility. This adds ventilation channels to keep you cool during intense game action. For maximum comfort, the padding itself should also be antimicrobial and moisture-wicking.

The shirt fabric matters just as much as the padding. Look for shirts made of durable stretch woven polyester or mesh that won’t restrict your movement. Breathable fabric with moisture management properties will keep you cool and dry for all 4 quarters. Some brands use quick-drying nylon material on high sweat zones.

When trying on lacrosse padded shirts, the fit should be snug but not restrictive in your range of motion. A tailored anatomical fit will keep the padding in place as you play. Features like stretch side panels, gusseted armpits, and raglan sleeves allow ease of movement. For goalies, extended length shirts offer extra protection.

Padding placement is also optimized in the best lacrosse shirts to put protection where you need it most. Extra rib armor, back spine pads, and double thick chest plates target the biggest impact zones. Breathable underarm mesh, stretch shoulders, and ventilated padding provide mobility and cooling.

Finally, quality lacrosse padded shirts should be durable to withstand countless high-speed impacts. Look for reinforced seams, bar tack stitching, and abrasion resistant fabric. Premium lacrosse brands test gear for maximum impacts and use innovative materials like D3O foam that flex and rebound upon contact.

Padded Shirts for Youth Lacrosse Players

Lacrosse continues to grow as a youth sport, with more elementary, middle school, and high school athletes taking up the fastest game on two feet each year. But with stick and ball sports like lacrosse comes the increased risk of bruises, welts, and injuries from incidental contact, sticks, and errant passes.

That’s why a protective padded shirt is essential safety gear for any youth or teen new to lacrosse. Youth lacrosse leagues usually require padded shirts and rib padding once players are in intermediate levels and full contact play. The padding acts as an insurance policy against rookie mistakes as young players develop stick skills and proper checking techniques.

Youth lacrosse padded shirts are tailored for growing kids, with a looser fit and smaller padding than adult versions. Premium youth shirt brands like STX and Maverik use high density proprietary foams that are lighter and more flexible for unrestricted movement. Vented arch padding adds breathability while protecting the ribs and chest.

Since youth lacrosse leagues have different contact rules based on age and level, the padding can range from minimal to comprehensive. For U15 high school JV and varsity lacrosse, protection equals adult shirts to allow aggressive play. For U11 and U13 modified lacrosse, lighter padding focuses on the ribs and chest.

When looking at youth lacrosse padded shirt sizing, allow room to grow and go up a size from the player’s normal shirt size. Measure chest circumference for the best fit. Taller rib pads protect the midsection as kids go through growth spurts. Adjustable belt straps are helpful for getting the right snug fit.

Along with protection, breathability and comfort are key for youth lacrosse padded shirts. Moisture-wicking technical fabrics like polyester or mesh keep them cool and dry on hot days. Stretch paneling and gusseted armpits allow ease of movement and passing. Quality padded shirts should hold up for multiple seasons of youth lacrosse action.

Purchasing the right protective padded shirt gives parents and young athletes one less worry at practices and games. Lacrosse specific protection like bruised ribs and chest welts are avoided. Budget friendly padded shirts from brands like STX and Maverik remove any financial barriers to playing safely.

Best Rib Protection Padding for Lacrosse

One of the most vulnerable areas of the body in lacrosse is the ribs. Getting hit with a rubber lacrosse ball traveling 50+ mph in the ribs can knock the wind out of you and lead to nasty bruises or even cracked ribs. That’s why choosing a padded lacrosse shirt with maximum rib protection is so important.

Lacrosse padded shirts feature extra thick padding panels that cover the ribs on both sides of the torso. Premium rib pads use multi-layer foam laminates or advanced materials like D3O to optimize protection levels and impact absorption. Ventilation channels help keep the padding breathable.

Strategic placement of rib padding is also engineered to protect lacrosse players when hunched over in an athletic stance. Angled and wrap-around rib pads shield both the front and back ribcage from shots, checks, and collisions during play. Some lacrosse shirts extend the rib padding lower for extra coverage.

When trying on lacrosse padded shirts, pay close attention to the rib padding coverage and make sure there are no gaps where the pads meet in front. There should be full wrap-around coverage with no exposed areas. Quality rib padding will compress on impact and rebound to absorb shock forces.

For goalies, expanded rib protection is a must, since they are constantly in the line of fire from close range shots. Goalie specific padded shirts feature extra wide wrapping rib guards and abdominal padding to protect the entire midsection.

Youth lacrosse rib padding is essential since beginners lack stick control and shooting accuracy. Enlarged chest and rib pads cushion incidental contact from passes and checks. Adjustable belts help tighten the shirt for a secure fit.

Women’s lacrosse rib pads offer similar protection levels to men’s pads but are tailored with a contoured fit. Women tend to experience more bruising since they wear less protective gear during games compared to male players.

While stand-alone rib pads just cover a small section, full lacrosse padded shirts with integrated rib padding provide all-around protection for the torso, shoulders and back. Breathable, lightweight, and flexible rib pads that move with you provide the best experience.

Padded Shirts for Male vs Female Lacrosse Players

When it comes to protective padding in lacrosse, male and female players have slightly different needs due to variations in required gear, the intensity of legal contact, and anatomical differences between the sexes.

For male lacrosse athletes, a robust padded shirt is a vital piece of armor against aggressive checks, collisions, and high-speed shots. Male lacrosse rules allow significant legal body contact and there are fewer pad requirements compared to football. A padded shirt combined with shoulder pads and arm pads form a protective shell.

Female lacrosse padding requirements are more limited, with more restrictions on legal contact. But women still need ample chest and rib protection from errant sticks and hard shots. Women tend to experience more bruising than male players due to less overall padding during games.

When shopping for women’s lacrosse padded shirts, look for contoured, tailored fits designed for the female form versus a generic or oversized men’s cut. The chest and rib padding panels should wrap snugly with no gaps.

Some female players may prefer integrated bra cups or openings for sports bras to provide secure support and wick away moisture. For additional coverage, high neck lacrosse shirts protect the collarbone area. Longer shirt lengths also provide extra protection.

In terms of materials and technology, female and male lacrosse padded shirts offer similar benefits like lightweight foam padding, moisture-wicking technical fabrics, and ventilation channels. But the placement and proportions of padding may vary slightly between men’s and women’s shirts.

Premium athletic brands like STX, Maverik, and Warrior engineer their men’s and women’s lacrosse padding technology to maximize comfort, breathability, and protection based on the gender-specific needs of the sport. This allows both male and female players to practice and compete aggressively with peace of mind.

Differences Between Long and Short Sleeve Padded Shirts

Lacrosse padded shirts come in both long sleeve and short sleeve styles, each with their own benefits depending on the player’s preference and climate. The main differences between long and short sleeve lacrosse padded shirts are coverage, ventilation, and how they pair with other protective gear.

Long sleeve padded lacrosse shirts provide maximum coverage and protection for the shoulders, biceps and forearms by extending padding down towards the elbows. Long sleeves also help prevent turf burn when diving for ground balls. In colder weather, the extra coverage retains heat and keeps muscles warmer.

Short sleeve lacrosse padded shirts feature smaller shoulder caps and leave the arms exposed for greater mobility. Ventilation is improved in hot weather with a short sleeve design. Some short sleeve shirts will still offer partial forearm padding for extra coverage.

When selecting a long or short sleeve lacrosse padded shirt, consider what other protective gear you’ll be wearing. For short sleeves, extended arm padding like elbow pads helps make up for less coverage from the shirt. Long sleeve shirts complement and overlap with standard lacrosse shoulder pads.

Goalies may prefer a long sleeve padded lacrosse shirt since they’re constantly exposed to close range shots. The full coverage protects the arms and overlaps with goalie-specific chest/arm padding. For field players, short sleeves allow maximum freedom of movement for cradling, passing, and shooting.

Hybrid designs like 3/4 length sleeves split the difference and provide some extra arm protection past the shoulders. Other features like stretch mesh panels, gusseted underarms, and raglan sleeves promote mobility regardless of sleeve length.

When trying on different sleeve length options, consider your playing style and team’s uniform codes. While some brands offer the same padding technology in both versions, sleeves are typically an aesthetic choice that comes down to fit and comfort. Both long and short sleeve lacrosse shirts provide impact protection for the upper body.

Finding Breathable and Lightweight Padded Lacrosse Shirts

One of the biggest advances in modern lacrosse protective gear is the development of padding that is simultaneously lightweight, breathable, and protective. Early lacrosse pads used bulky materials that restricted movement and caused overheating.

Now, premium athletic brands use advanced foam laminates, perforated padding, and technical fabrics to engineer lacrosse padded shirts that are cool, dry, and comfortable even during intense competition. Ventilation, moisture-wicking, and a tailored fit are key features to look for.

Lightweight foam padding made of materials like EVA (Ethylene-vinyl acetate) or polyurethane is bulk-free and flexible to move with your body. Strategic mesh paneling in moisture prone areas enhances airflow. Brands like Maverik use Laser Perforated Venting in liners to circulate air.

Moisture-wicking technical fabrics like polyester or nylon draw sweat off your skin to keep you dry. Lacrosse shirts featuring double knit construction and mesh lining provide active cooling and evaporation. Quick-dry fabrics prevent soaked padding after intense games.

A compression fit is crucial for keeping padding tight to the body and stabilizing it during motion. Integrated stretch fabrics, elastic cuffs, and anatomical design contours the shirt to your shape. Removing air gaps ensures no padding shift.

Ventilated padding is another cooling innovation, with designs like STX’s AirPort padding that allows air circulation right through the padding itself. Ergonomic padding curves and flexes while protecting. D3O foam absorbs impact then returns to ventilated form.

When trying on lacrosse shirts, mimic motions like winding up to shoot or cutting side-to-side to test the padding flexibility. Lightweight yet sturdy lacrosse shirts increase comfort and confidence to charge all over the field.

Choosing the Right Chest Pad Thickness and Protection Level

When selecting a lacrosse padded shirt, one of the most important considerations is the thickness and protective quality of the chest padding. Taking a rubber lacrosse ball to the chest can cause deep bruising and knock the wind out of you.

Lacrosse padded shirts feature extra thick padding panels over the heart, sternum, and ribcage area to protect this vital strike zone. Advanced padding technology allows for lightweight, low-profile designs that maintain robust protection levels.

High density foam laminates absorb and disperse impact forces through multiple integrated layers. Ventilated arch padding over the sternum provides cushioning while enhancing breathability. Some brands offer removable chest pads for customizable protection.

In terms of thickness, adult lacrosse chest pads usually range from 15mm up to 20mm thick and youth sizes from 10mm to 15mm. More thickness increases shock dissipation, but too bulky can hinder mobility.

Test different chest pad thicknesses by pressing your fingers into the padding and assessing the rebound quality and density. Bend your torso while wearing the shirt to ensure flexibility isn’t restricted.

Hard plastic chest plates with ventilation offer the highest protection levels but can be less comfortable. Foam-only chest pads provide better airflow and moisture control for hot climates.

For field players, a medium thickness foam pad around 15mm offers a balance of protection and breathability. But thicker is better for stoppers – goalie chest pads range from 20mm up to 30mm due to constant close-range shot stopping.

Shirt fabric is also a factor, with moisture-wicking technical fabrics improving comfort. Ultimately the ideal chest pad density comes down to playing style, position, and personal preference.

Lacrosse Shirt Padding Placement for Maximum Protection

The location of protective padding on lacrosse shirts is engineered to shield the body’s most vulnerable areas from checks, passes, and shots. Strategic design maximizes coverage where players need it most.

On lacrosse padded shirts, the thickest padding is concentrated on the ribcage, sternum, chest, and back shoulder blades. These zones receive the bulk of frontal checks and the force from shots to the torso.

Wrap-around rib pads shield from all angles, with additional panels covering the lower back kidney area as well. Reinforced padding across the heart, lungs, and spine provide essential protection.

Lacrosse shirts extend padding up over the point of the shoulder for protection when reaching and cradling. Along with shielding the collarbone, higher neck padding prevents whiplash and concussions from cross-checks.

Stretch shoulder caps allow mobility while covering this vulnerable rotator cuff zone. Low profile bicep and forearm padding is sometimes added on long sleeve shirts for extra coverage.

Ventilated arch padding over the chest and ribs maintains flexibility to turn and pivot. Extra wide wrist cuffs on long sleeves protect against slashes and poke checks.

By integrating padding into the shirt itself, coverage gaps are avoided compared to wearing separate pads. Compression shirts with non-slip linings keep padding tight to the body through intense game action.

When trying on lacrosse shirts, make sure the padding aligns properly with your anatomy for full coverage. Premium athletic brands test gear on real players to optimize padding zones and shirt ergonomics.

High Quality Lacrosse Padded Shirt Brands to Trust

When shopping for lacrosse protective gear, purchasing from established athletic brands known for innovative technology provides peace of mind you’re getting a high-quality and durable product.

For lacrosse padded shirts, leading equipment companies like STX, Maverik, Warrior, and Brine specialize in designing cutting edge padding systems tested and endorsed by top players and coaches.

STX Cell padding features multi-layer foam laminates for lightweight protection along with ventilation channels and airflow zones. The Shock Doctor brand offers a range of compression padded shirts and rib protectors.

Warrior lacrosse gear incorporates advanced materials like Poron XRD and D3O into shirt padding for extreme impact absorption. Maverik Protégé padding delivers flexible arch style protection.

Major brands also produce gender and age specific lacrosse shirts tailored for women, youth, and teens. Market leaders continue to evolve designs with innovative new materials that raise the bar each season.

Buying lacrosse gear from sports specialty brands also ensures a precise, anatomical fit for the pads and proper coverage zones. Advanced fabrics like lightweight polyester and moisture-wicking nylon mesh maximize comfort and breathability.

Before purchasing, research online reviews and feedback from lacrosse communities to identify top rated shirt options. Many brands offer budget-friendly entry level padded shirts as well.

While protection is the priority, leading brands fuse that technology into stylish shirt designs pro players are proud to wear. Investing in a premium padded shirt brings peace of mind season after season.

Getting the Proper Fit for Your Lacrosse Padded Shirt

Achieving an ideal fit is crucial for lacrosse padded shirts to provide their protective benefits. A shirt that’s too loose won’t stabilize padding, while an overly tight compression fit can hinder mobility.

When trying on lacrosse shirts, the ideal fit should feel snug with padding that contours your body shape without limiting your range of motion. There should be no gaps between padding and skin.

Many lacrosse shirts include adjustable belt straps on the sides that customize the tightness and keep padding secured as you move. Integrated stretch fabrics and anatomical design allow freedom while preventing pad shift.

For sizing, brands offer lacrosse shirts in measurements like small, medium, large based on chest circumference rather than generic numerical sizes. Measure around the fullest part of your chest to determine best fit.

Consider if you’ll be layering the shirt under other gear like lacrosse shoulder pads. In that case, size up for a looser compression fit. For direct skin contact, match your exact chest size.

The shirt length should fully cover the rib cage with 2-3 inches of overlap with your shorts or pants. Arm sleeve length comes down to personal preference for mobility.

Try performing lacrosse moves like scooping, cradling, and shooting to test the shirt for unrestricted movement. The padding should be stable and supportive through all motions.

Achieving the right lacrosse padded shirt fit ensures the padding stays properly aligned, the shirt fabric wicks sweat, and you experience zero restriction when cutting and dodging on the field.

How to Care for and Wash Your Lacrosse Padded Shirt

Investing in a high quality lacrosse padded shirt requires proper care and washing to ensure it remains in prime condition all season long. Following gear cleaning best practices preserves padding freshness and shirt performance.

After each use playing lacrosse, remove any dirt or mud by gently scrubbing stains with a towel or soft brush. Spot clean heavy soil with a gentle detergent and rinse away. Air dry the shirt instead of throwing it directly in the laundry.

For a thorough cleaning, wash lacrosse padded shirts separately from other garments to avoid picking up lint and residue. Turn the shirt inside out prior to washing on a gentle, cold water cycle.

Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach that can damage padding materials and technical fabrics over time. Detergents with brightening agents are also too harsh for athletic gear.

It’s best to wash padded lacrosse shirts by themselves but if adding other laundry, use like colors and wash with similar performance fabrics like workout clothing.

After washing, air dry your lacrosse shirt rather than machine drying to extend the life of the padding.Lay it flat or hang to dry completely before storing.

Between games and practices, keep lacrosse shirts in a ventilated area rather than sealing them in a cramped, damp bag. This prevents unwanted odors from setting in.

Inspect padding before each use for any damage or tears. Replace detached fasteners and get small holes or loose stitching repaired promptly. Follow these steps and your lacrosse shirt will deliver seasons of performance.

Stylish Lacrosse Padded Shirt Designs and Colors

While protection is the top priority in lacrosse gear, players also want to look good and express their style on the field. Major athletic brands design padded shirts in an array of cool color combinations, prints, and design accents.

Lacrosse shirts feature color blocks, contrasting raglan sleeves, team camo prints, and metallic chrome logos. Leading companies release new collections each season with on-trend colors and graphics.

Along with school and club team uniforms, players can show their personality through choices like a bright orange and black Maverik shirt or an earthy green and blue Brine design. There are options for every taste from conservative to flashy.

Most lacrosse shirts come in 5-6 staple colorways like black, white, navy, red, grey for mixing and matching with practice or game shorts and socks. Limited edition shirts in unique color fades keep the gear fresh.

High school kids can choose padded shirts that match their school colors and mascots. Youth sizes allow young players to emulate the pro styles they see in elite lacrosse leagues like the PLL and MLL.

Matching lacrosse padded shirts and shorts into a protective two-piece set is a popular look. Girls lacrosse gear features bright patterns and bold colors tailored for female athletes.

Along with expressing personal flair, lacrosse players can represent their favorite college programs through officially licensed shirts from schools like Syracuse, Virginia, and Johns Hopkins.

With so many colors and designs available, lacrosse players can switch up their look game to game. Protective padding technology combines seamlessly with stylish athletic apparel.

When to Replace Your Old or Worn Out Padded Lacrosse Shirt

Lacrosse padded shirts take a beating each season from high speed shots, checks, and dives. Know when it’s time to swap your worn out old shirt for new protective gear so you don’t risk injury.

Inspect lacrosse shirts before each season and look for signs of wear like damaged or detached padding. Padding that is misshapen, curled up, or ripped compromises protection.

Chest and rib pads that are visibly compressed and flattened indicate the padding layers are breaking down internally after repeated impacts. Replace any rib pads with cracks or creases.

Padding with yellowed discoloration or foul odors means the materials are degrading. Exposure to moisture accelerates pad deterioration over time.

Shirt fabric that is pilling, has small holes, or lacks compression indicates loss of performance. Stretched out shirts allow padding to shift and leave gaps.

Advances in padding technology make older lacrosse shirts obsolete after 3-4 years of heavy use. Replace dated bulky styles with new lightweight, flexible options.

Check sizing each year as youth and teen players grow. An undersized shirt leaves them exposed. Update to the proper size for full coverage.

Don’t take chances with worn padding that won’t adequately protect against bruising or fractures. Swap out old lacrosse shirts for new protective gear that boosts confidence.

Padded Shirts for Safe and Injury-Free Lacrosse Games

In the fast-paced, high-impact sport of lacrosse, wearing proper protective gear is crucial for avoiding injuries and staying healthy on the field. Padded lacrosse shirts provide essential protection for an athlete’s ribcage, chest, shoulders and back.

Advanced padding materials absorb the shock from checks, errant sticks, and 50+ mph shots that can cause bruises or fractures. Integrated padding avoids gaps compared to separate pads and armor.

Well-designed lacrosse shirts are lightweight, breathable, and flexible to allow agility during competition. Moisture-wicking technical fabrics keep players cool and dry in any climate.

Leading athletic brands offer robust padding engineered specifically for the needs of male and female lacrosse athletes. Youth sizes ensure beginners can suit up safely as they learn the sport.

Before selecting any protective gear, be sure to consult the official rules for required equipment at your lacrosse level. For both girls and boys play, padded shirts are strongly recommended for intermediate and advanced divisions.

While an investment, premium lacrosse padded shirts deliver peace of mind and confidence to give 100% effort without worrying about painful blows. Protective gear designed for lacrosse lets all players compete and enjoy the sport to its fullest.