To determine what size shoulder pads you should get for hockey, you’ll need to know your chest measurement in inches along with your height or weight.

For your chest measurement, wrap a soft tape measure around the widest part of your chest, just under your arms, making sure to wrap the tape measure around your back. Then, use this measurement along with your weight or height to determine your shoulder pad size. Use the sizing charts below for reference.

Keep in mind, this measurement does not account for personal preference. You may have to try on different brands in different fits to find out which shoulder pads feel right to you. We’ll talk more about fit profiles and adjusting your pads below.

If you’re still not sure which shoulder pads are right for you, check out our related Pure Hockey Shoulder Pad Buying Guide for more information, or visit a Pure Hockey store near you for a full assessment from our staff.

Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart

Every brand can have slightly different sizing, which is used as a general guideline to help you choose your hockey shoulder pads. If you know the brand you want, we offer manufacturer sizing charts below for Bauer, CCM, and Warrior.

Bauer Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart

Shop our full selection of Bauer hockey shoulder pads.

CCM Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart

Shop our full selection of CCM hockey shoulder pads.

Warrior Hockey Shoulder Pad Sizing Chart

Shop our full selection of Warrior hockey shoulder pads.

How are Hockey Shoulder Pads Supposed to Fit?

Hockey shoulder pads should have a snug fit, with the tips of the shoulders sitting squarely under the shoulder caps. The shoulder pads should not restrict movement or interfere with the elbow pads. The collarbone area should be covered, and the midsection straps should be snug but not overly tight.

When trying on a pair of shoulder pads, test your range of motion by swinging your arms around or faking a few shots. You’ll want to make sure the pads are comfortable and don’t move around too much.

In general, hockey shoulder pads come in a few fit profiles that can suit different positions or playing styles. A traditional fit tends to be bulkier but more protective for a physical grinder, while a contoured fit is closer to the body and more streamlined for a speedy winger. A tapered fit is the middle ground between the other two profiles, with a higher-volume upper half that slims down into a lower-volume bottom half, suitable for players who equally prize power and agility.

Bauer, CCM, and other major manufacturers have developed their shoulder pads with these different fit profiles and playing styles in mind. For example, the Bauer Vapor and CCM Jetspeed lines feature more anatomical, lighter-weight shoulder pads for players who emphasize speed and mobility. The Bauer Supreme and CCM Tacks lines, on the other hand, feature bigger and more protective shoulder pads for defensemen and other physical players.

Are you in the market for a new pair of shoulder pads? Shop our full selection of hockey shoulder pads online, or visit a Pure Hockey store near you.

If you’re shopping for other gear, too, check out our full library of hockey equipment buying & fitting guides so you can purchase with confidence.