Why Do Lacrosse Goalies Wear Sweatpants? (& Gear List)

When you look at a lacrosse game, you might notice that the goalkeeper is wearing sweat pants. That’s pretty odd if you don’t know what’s going on because it looks like the uniform isn’t complete.

In this article, you will learn why lacrosse goalies wear sweat pants, what other equipment they should wear, and what they wear beneath the pants. Before going ahead of myself, why do lacrosse goalies wear sweat pants?

Lacrosse goalies wear sweat pants because the excess fabric on the sweatpants can help prevent the ball from entering the net, saving points. The early lacrosse season can be cold as well, so sweat pants provide warmth. Also, some players like how they look and feel, which is why they are used.

There are many reasons why a lacrosse goalie might wear sweat pants, so next time you see one, try to guess which reason he is wearing them for,

Next, I want to explain further what aid sweat pants do for the goalies, so let’s take a more in-depth look at lacrosse goalies and sweat pants.

Related: Why Don’t Lacrosse Goalies Wear Pads?

Why Do Lacrosse Goalies Wear Sweat Pants?

Generally, there are three reasons why lacrosse goalies wear sweat pants: Goalkeeping aid, warmth, and personal preference. There hasn’t been any research about which reason is the most common that I know of. Therefore, I can’t reveal it to you, but I can explain further.

1. Saving

One of the most common reasons lacrosse goalies wear sweat pants is to help save shots. It’s not like they save ten shots per game, but more or like one shot per one/couple of games.

The amount might seem low when you think about it, but each saves counts to the end of the season and can even award a victory in the match.

Sweat pants aid in saving and goalkeeping because the excess fabric on the sides and crotch can help slow the ball down so it won’t go to the net. That’s why many lacrosse goalies that have chosen to wear sweat pants wear them extra large.

2. Warmth

A lacrosse season typically starts in February, meaning that the teams have started training as early as December, such as the National Lacrosse League.

Those are some chilly times, depending on the area, of course. However, some extra warmth is appreciated in most areas during that time.

Enter, sweat pants. They are often thick and made from warm materials such as cotton fleece or similar ones. They provide warmth by being super soft, cozy, and, well, warm.

When the goalkeeper is warm, he can move faster focus better, and the incoming shots won’t hurt nearly as much as if they were to make contact with cold skin & muscles.

3. Personal Prefrence

Last but not least, the lacrosse goalkeepers might like wearing sweat pants for no particular practical or warming reason.

I love wearing sweat pants as I like how they look and feel. However, I’m yet to take them on a lacrosse field. Still, many people have, and they continue to wear them because that’s the way they like, and that’s all right!

If you’re looking for benefits, wearing what you like and looking good will boost your confidence, which has been proven to improve performance!

What Should a Lacrosse Goalie Wear?

In addition to sweat pants that aren’t part of the necessary lacrosse goalie equipment, what else do they wear and why? Let’s examine further.

1. The helmet is one of the most important pieces of defensive equipment. A helmet will prevent concussions and other injuries the fast lacrosse ball could cause. Lacrosse helmets are quite expensive as well.
2. Mouthguards are required from all lacrosse players, regardless of position. They protect the teeth very well, which is important, as broken teeth are horrible for your pain and wallet.
3. Throat Guards are essential for goalies, as the ball is constantly shot at them. Throat guards keep your throat safe and will prevent serious injuries. The throat is a very sensitive area of your body.
4. Chest Protectors are always used by lacrosse goalies to protect the chest area. In addition, the chest guards must now be SEI certified, meaning that the chest protector has additional heart protection. Chest guards often include shoulder pads as well.
5. Goalie Gloves are worn mainly for protection from the ball. Imagine getting a lacrosse ball shot to your fingers, knuckles, or wrists. That would hurt a lot. Also, gloves improve grip on the stick and provide comfort.
6. Athletic Cup is one of the most important pieces of goalie equipment. They protect the genital area from the lacrosse ball, which could do unimaginable pain and damage if it wasn’t be worn. The goalie sometimes wears a pelvic protector or padded goalie pants in women’s lacrosse.
7. Cleats or Turf Shoes are a must for proper lacrosse. Great pair of lacrosse shoes will improve traction, comfort, and safety. You can also wear other sports cleats for lacrosse, but it’s recommended to get a pair of lacrosse cleats or turf shoes just for lacrosse.
8. Lacrosse Stick is a no-brainer not just for a goalie but all lacrosse players. The great thing about goalie stick is that the long-range goes from 40 to 72 inches, meaning that as a goalie, you will have a lot of room to choose a stick that fits your playstyle. The head is a lot bigger as well to ease catching.

These are the essential items for a lacrosse goalie, and as you can see, there are many things to get. That being said, it’s no wonder that lacrosse is expensive, but once you invest in quality equipment, you can wear them many seasons!

Do Lacrosse Goalies Wear Cups?

Wearing an athletic cup is common in baseball, ice hockey, and even softball. That raises the question, do lacrosse players wear cups?

As of 2022, a protective cup or a pelvic protector is required for all lacrosse players, especially goalies. Officials won’t check that each player wears a cup, so it’s the player’s responsibility.

Not wearing a cup in a sport such as a lacrosse is plain stupid. You can get severe injuries that can make reproduction impossible, cause unimaginable pain, and result in permanent damage or long healing processes.

Luckily, most lacrosse players acknowledge this, and cups are almost always found from all players. Still, if you have neglected it, start using one!