How to Fit Shoulder Pads

Shoulder pads can be used for fashion or for protection. Men and women both use shoulder pads under jackets and shirts to give them upper body bulk or to add height. However, athletes use shoulder pads to ease the pain of heavy equipment. Wider shoulders also make a waistline look slimmer. But in order for shoulder pads to serve their purpose, they must be fitted correctly.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Use weight to determine which shoulder pads are best for football players or hockey players to wear. The pads are sized according to weight. Other measurements should be taken once the pads are in place. They should not create any pain during motion and they should completely cover the upper shoulder area.

2. Lace the shoulder pads tightly. With the athlete's arms at his sides, the pads should extend about two and a half to three inches out from the end of the shoulders.

3. Find shoulder pads that are more tapered to wear under street clothes. Unlike athletes, you don't want it to look as if you are wearing shoulder pads. You just want to effect of a buff athlete.

4. Purchase pads made of foam that can be cut to size. Many shoulder pads are made with Velcro to attach to the material of the jacket or shirt.

5. Do not let the pad stand out further than your shoulder by more than a quarter-inch to look more natural. The pad should be long enough so that the material lies flat over the pad. You don't want pouches where you should have smooth muscular bulk.