Measure the waist at belt height, then match that number to the exact model’s youth size chart — never age alone.
Waist measurement decides the size. Inseam, pad placement, and belt position only confirm you chose the right model for that athlete’s body. A wrong size slides knee pads off the knee and leaves the tailbone exposed on a tackle.
How Do You Measure for Youth Football Pants?
Run a soft tape around the waist above the top of the hip bone, where a belt sits, and read inches. Rawlings’ guidance uses this spot; a waist measured across the navel can read an inch or two small.
Compare that number against the specific model’s chart — not a generic one. Rawlings publishes different inseams per pant family. Measure in the base layer the athlete will play in; compression shorts, a girdle, or bare skin each shift the number, and that shift separates snug from riding up all game.
| Youth Size | Waist | Standard Inseam |
|---|---|---|
| XS | 21–22 in | 23 in |
| S | 23–24 in | 24 in |
| M | 25–26 in | 25 in |
| L | 27–28 in | 26 in |
| XL | 29–30 in | 27 in |
| XXL | 31–32 in | 28 in |
Figures come from Rawlings’ official pant sizing chart and apply to standard-cut pants. Verify model-specific inseam before committing.
What Should You Check Once the Pants Are On?
Fasten the waistband and test real movement — walking, squatting, sprinting, cutting sideways. Pants should stay centered, with nothing rolling at the waist or slipping down the hips.
Check each pad: hip pads on the hip bones, spine pad centered on the tailbone, thigh pads on the front of the thigh, knee pads squarely over the kneecap. An inseam too long drops the knee pad below the knee; too short puts it above. Reject either pair. A hem that grabs the knee or bunches behind it restricts stride.
Between two sizes? Try both. Rawlings states fit is personal preference that varies substantially between athletes and recommends an actual fitting over a weight chart.
Which Integrated-Pad Model Fits Which Athlete?
Integrated pants differ in pad count and fabric, so model choice affects fit as much as the chart.
The FPPI/YFPPI: 100% polyester, built-in belt and built-in hip, spine, thigh, and knee pads, youth XS–2XL, machine washable.
The F1500P: 100% polyester body, elastic waistband, fully washable built-in hip, spine, thigh, and knee pads.
Retailer prices move with markdowns and vary by size; treat sale figures as temporary. For current options, this roundup of tested youth football pants with pads compares what’s available now. These pants include only the integrated pads listed; no helmet, shoulder pads, or mouthguard.
What Sizing Mistakes Cost You on the Field?
The costliest error is buying by age or height. Two ten-year-olds can differ by four inches of waist; the chart measures the body, not the birthday.
- Using a generic chart when the model has its own inseam spec.
- Sizing up for growth, so pads drift off protective zones.
- Assuming every “integrated” pant has the same pad count.
- Skipping the try-on because the weight chart looked close.
Wash per the care label and inspect pads, stitching, waistband, and belt each season — a pad shifted inside its pocket protects nothing. Measure the waist at belt height, match the model’s chart, move the athlete through real football motion, and confirm every pad stays put. Fit decides protection.
Common Questions
Can you wear regular football pants without pads underneath integrated pants?
No. Integrated pants already have hip, spine, thigh, and knee pads sewn or inserted in. Separate pads underneath would bulk the fit, push built-in pads out of position, and make the waistband dig in. Wear integrated pants over a base layer only.
How much growing room should you leave in youth football pants?
Very little. A size with obvious room for growth lets knee and spine pads slide off target once the athlete moves. Buy what fits now, confirm pads stay aligned through a squat and sprint, and replace next season if needed.
Do you need a girdle under pants with a built-in belt?
Not always, but many players wear a compression girdle or shorts for comfort and to hold the pant leg. If you do, measure the waist while wearing it — that layer adds bulk and can push a borderline measurement into the next size.
Sources
- Rawlings. “Pant Sizing Chart” Source of the waist measurement location and youth XS–XXL waist and inseam figures.