Girdles

Girdles have traditionally been made of a flexible elasticized material that is generally worn over the waist and hips and even down to the mid thigh to provide the body with a sleek and slender look. Originally made with hook and eye closures, conventional women's girdles have also included clips to hold up stockings. Girdles have evolved over the years and are now used for other purposes, such as providing greater back support for those with lower back pain. In addition, new models have been created to provide protection for those who engage in contact sports such as football. In this regard, girdles are made in men's sizes to be worn under football pants. These sport girdles come with pockets that contain hip, thigh, crotch and tailbone protection pads to protect these areas against injury during play.

What to Look for

Girdles come in varying styles depending on the need. Most girdles focus on compressing specific areas of the body and come in light, medium, firm and extra firm weights. Some fashion girdles come with inner contour bands for creating a slimmer silhouette. Football girdles are made with either pockets for the insertion of the protective pads or permanently bonded pads that are placed between two layers of moisture-proof stretch fabric that provides compression to the area. These type of girdles create a kind of "armor," that is strong enough to protect the wearer against undue injury and pain caused by blows to the sensitive areas of the body. Look for girdles made of Lycra, nylon or polyester or a combination of these materials. Girdles come in both youth and adult sizes for both women and men. When applied to sports, girdles come with either three or five pockets as needed.

Common Pitfalls

When shopping for girdles, make sure you find your proper fit. A girdle that is too tight will cut off circulation and create inordinate discomfort. A girdle that is too loose will not do its job properly and additionally can chafe the skin, causing irritation. Make sure you launder your girdle frequently as the accumulation of sweat and body oils can cause odors as well as break down the fibers in the fabric over time. Wash girdles by hand and let them dry naturally to avoid disfiguring their contour. For those involved in sports, buy several girdles so that you always have a fresh one on hand.