Do Soccer Players Wear Underwear Under Their Shorts?
Do soccer players wear underwear under their shorts? Most do, and the usual choice is compression shorts. Many players wear a snug base layer under their match shorts, and that layer can be a pair of compression shorts, athletic briefs or a jockstrap.
Some players wear nothing extra. There is no rule that requires underwear under soccer shorts, so the choice is personal. Comfort, fit and position on the field all play a part.
The rest of this article covers what each garment does and which rules apply on match day. We look at the base layer, the groin protection, the layers female players wear and the extra gear some pros use. Each section ends with a tip you can use before kickoff.
What Soccer Players Usually Wear Under Their Shorts
Most players start with compression shorts, which fit snugly against the skin. Players wear them as a base layer under the match shorts, and they are the most common choice at every level of play. Many players also pick athletic briefs, a jockstrap with a cup or, for female players, a sports bra.
Compression shorts usually reach mid-thigh. Many players wear them this way so the fabric covers the top of the leg without riding up. Compression shorts are the most common base layer, and most players wear them under their match shorts.
Most players wear a base layer under their shorts, and the compression shorts are the usual pick.
Many players choose more than one item. A goalkeeper might wear compression shorts plus a cup, while a midfielder might pick briefs for comfort. Players wear these garments over ordinary underwear, not in place of it. The base layer is the only layer that touches the skin, so the fit matters.
Check that the base layer fits without bunching at the waistband before kickoff.
Does the Color of Your Underwear Have to Match Your Shorts?
A referee or official can stop a player for undershorts that do not match. Under the international football laws, undershorts or tights must be the same color as the main color of the shorts, or the lowest part of the shorts. Every player on the same team must wear the same color, so the whole squad looks alike. We call this the color-matching rule.
The rule is strict, and players have paid for breaking it. At Euro 2012, Denmark’s Nicklas Bendtner was fined for wearing green undershorts. In 2011, five Bath City players were sent off from an FA Youth Cup match for non-matching undershorts. A player who breaks the color-matching rule can be fined or sent off.
U.S. high school soccer uses a similar idea. Visible tights and sleeves must be a solid color and similar in length, and they must match across the team. An official may ask a player to change before entering the field if the gear does not match.
Buy base layers in the team color before the season so the whole squad matches.
Why Players Choose Compression Shorts
Compression shorts hold muscles in place and keep sweat off the skin. They are snug, stretch garments worn under match shorts. Their main goal is to help the body handle the strain of running, turning and kicking for 90 minutes. Fit is what makes them work, because loose shorts do little for muscles.
Players wear compression shorts for three main reasons. The fabric supports the thigh, it manages sweat, and some versions add padding. Compression shorts usually fit snugly and sit over the thigh. Here is how the most common lengths compare.
| Length | Coverage | Fit | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short | Upper thigh only | Light and snug | Warm weather and quick play |
| Mid-thigh | Half of the thigh | Firm and secure | Most matches and training |
| Long | Thigh to knee | Full support | Cold weather and players who slide |
How Compression Shorts Support Muscles During Play
Compression shorts aim to reduce muscle vibration and fatigue. When a player sprints or changes direction, the muscles shake with each step. The snug fabric holds the muscle closer to the bone, which many players say makes the legs feel steadier late in a match. Scientists are still debating how much this helps, so think of it as support, not a cure for tired legs.
Some players also wear compression shorts in cold weather to hold warmth. The tight fabric keeps heat close to the thigh before and after play. That warmth can help players feel ready on a chilly morning kickoff.
Moisture, Warmth and Padding in Compression Shorts
Compression shorts wick sweat away from the skin, so the fabric stays drier. Wet fabric rubs and can cause chafing, so moving sweat away is a real comfort benefit. Many players prefer a synthetic blend that dries fast over cotton.
Padded versions protect the hips and thighs. The padding absorbs some impact from tackles and falls, which helps when a player slides or lands hard on the turf. Choose a length that covers the thigh if you slide often.
How Jockstraps and Athletic Cups Protect the Groin
A jockstrap holds a hard cup over the groin during tackles. The cup is a plastic shell that sits in a pouch, and the jockstrap keeps it firmly in place. Many players use this setup when the risk of a hit is high, because a fall or a kick can cause serious pain.
The athletic cup goes over regular underwear and under the match shorts. The cup is the part that does the protecting, so a loose or cracked cup gives little safety. Some cups can be removed for washing, which makes them easier to clean after training.
Players who usually wear a cup include:
- Defenders who go into tackles and challenges
- Goalkeepers who dive and collide with players
- Midfielders in high-contact roles
- Strikers who battle for balls in the box
Replace a cup that has cracks, since a cracked shell gives less protection.
What Female Players Wear Beneath Their Kit
Most female players wear a sports bra over regular underwear, then the match kit. The bra gives support during running and jumping. Many players also add compression shorts or briefs under the match shorts for a smooth, secure fit.
Sports Bras and Layering for Female Players
A sports bra should feel firm but not tight. Some players wear two sports bras for extra support, especially during hard training or heavy contact. Each layer should lie flat so nothing shows under the jersey.
Layering options often include:
- A sports bra over regular underwear
- A second sports bra for extra support
- Compression shorts under the match shorts
- Briefs for comfort on warm days
Compression Shorts and Briefs for Female Players
Many female players wear compression shorts or briefs under their match shorts. The fit should stay in place during sprints and slides. A loose pair can ride up or bunch at the waist.
The color-matching rule applies to visible tights as well. If tights show below the shorts, they must match the team color and every teammate’s color.
Test the fit by running and jumping in the full layers before the match.
Do Players Wear Extra Gear Under the Jersey?
Some professional players wear a vest under the jersey to hold a tracking unit. Clubs use these vests to collect movement data during training and matches. Compression sleeves are another common item, and many players wear them for circulation and sun protection.
The tracking technology sits in the unit, not the vest. The vest only holds the unit against the upper back. Youth leagues use some of this gear too, usually in simpler forms.
| Gear | Purpose | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| GPS tracking vest | Holds a tracking unit close to the upper back | Professional training and matches |
| Compression sleeves | Support circulation and protect from sun | Arms and legs in warm or cold weather |
| Wristbands | Absorb sweat and keep hands dry | Hands and wrists during play |
GPS Tracking Vests in Professional Soccer
The New England Revolution use Catapult vests to hold pods close to the body. The vest keeps the pod steady so the data stays accurate during sprints. The club uses the vest to secure the pods only.
Players wear the vest under the jersey, so it stays hidden during play. The vest must fit snugly without digging into the skin.
Arm and Leg Sleeves and Wristbands
Arm and leg sleeves are often worn for circulation and sun protection. They can also keep muscles warm in cold weather. Wristbands absorb sweat and keep hands dry during play.
Check that a tracking vest sits flat, since it moves with the body during sprints.
Conclusion
Most soccer players wear something under their shorts, and the color must match. The usual choice is compression shorts, but briefs, jockstraps and sports bras also have a place. The right choice depends on your position, comfort and the rules of your league.
FAQ
Do football players wear underwear?
Do World Cup players wear bras?
What do female football players wear under their shorts?
What kind of underwear is best for soccer?
Do undershorts have to match the shorts?
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