Short answer: custom ringette pants are full-length outer pants pulled on over a padded girdle and shin pads, so a team can show one set of colours, stripes and logos without buying new protective gear. Specify what sits underneath, how the waist and legs close, any reinforcement from the knee down, and how the design should match the jersey.
This guide is for clubs, associations and team dealers — especially in Canada, and in other ringette markets — briefing a China OEM/ODM factory. Pair it with our fabric guide and tech pack guide. Glory Ground Apparel can make custom ringette pants on request; see a current style in hockey jerseys, starting with Custom Ringette Pants – Black with White & Red Stripes. If you also buy hockey shells, use our custom hockey shell pants buyers guide for that garment, which is cut differently.
What are ringette pants, and how do they differ from hockey pants or shells?
Short answer: ringette pants are a full-length cover worn over a girdle and shin pads. They are not the same as padded hockey pants, and they are not the same as hockey pant shells.
In the usual ringette setup, a girdle protects the hips, thighs and tailbone, shin pads cover the lower legs, and the pant pulls on over both. The pant takes scuffs from the ice and shows the team look. Association equipment pages commonly allow hockey pants, hockey socks and a jock or jill as a substitute for a girdle and ringette pants.
A hockey pant shell is a shorter cover that typically sits over a girdle and is worn with socks, so the shin pads stay outside the shell. That is why a hockey shell is not a drop-in replacement for a ringette pant. If a roster mixes the two systems, say so in the brief.
How should custom ringette pants fit over a girdle and shin pads?
Short answer: size the pant over the protective gear, not against a bare-waist body chart.
A pant that fits the waist but binds at the thigh or knee will pull when the player strides. One that is too short will leave the shin pad or skate boot uncovered, or ride up during play. Measure waist, hip and length over the girdle and shin pads the player will actually wear. The hem should cover the shin pads and sit cleanly at the skate boot. If the roster uses mixed or bulky girdles, include that in the brief.
Which waistband and leg openings work best?
Short answer: choose a waist that stays up through a full shift, and a leg opening that covers the shin pad and stays at the skate boot.
Buyers often specify a belted waist, or an elastic waist with an internal drawcord. The sample style on our site uses an elastic waist; a belt or drawcord can be specified if that is how the team dresses. Belt loops, if used, should be bartacked so they do not tear out.
At the hem, some briefs call for a closer or elastic finish so the pant stays over the shin pad and boot. Others want a little ease. If players put the pants on after the skates are already on, say so, so the opening can be cut wide enough.
What fabric and construction details matter?
Short answer: the pant is the layer that takes abrasion, especially from the knee down, so fabric, reinforcement and seam strength matter as much as colour.
Durable polyester is a common starting point. Stretch inserts at the crotch or inner thigh can be added when stride range matters. If the design is fully sublimated, a high-polyester, light-coloured base lets the dye bond clearly; solid-coloured panels with cut-and-sewn stripes are the other common route. See our fabric guide and dye sublimation explained.
Buyers often ask for reinforcement or a double layer from the knee down, because that area contacts the ice. Ask for bartacks at belt loops, pocket bags or other stress points, and double-needle stitching at stress seams. If your market needs fabric documentation, the fabric supplier we use holds an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificate, number 23.HCN.91580, valid to August 2027.
How should stripes, colours and logos match the jersey?
Short answer: treat the pant as part of the same kit as the jersey, and decide early whether stripes are cut-and-sewn or sublimated.
Side stripes should be specified with a colour reference (a code, a physical colour reference or the approved jersey artwork), plus width and placement so they sit in the same place on every size. Sublimation can print stripes, names and logos as one surface, which helps when the art is curved or complex. Cut-and-sewn stripes give a traditional, slightly raised look. For method choices, see our decoration methods guide.
A thigh logo is a common mark on custom ringette pants. If you want one, say the size, placement and whether it should match the jersey crest. Keep both legs consistent so a row of players reads as one uniform.
Should we order pants as part of a full ringette kit?
Short answer: often yes, because colour, stripe width and size grading are easier to lock when the jersey and pants are briefed together.
A kit order is not required. Associations and dealers also order pants on their own to refresh a roster that already has jerseys, or as a new colourway for an existing program. If the pants must match an existing jersey, send a colour reference and the artwork if you have it. Matching team jerseys can be included in the same inquiry.
What should I put in a brief for custom ringette pants?
Short answer: what the pant goes over, sizes, waist and hem, fabric preference, colour and stripe method, marks, and any reinforcement from the knee down.
A useful inquiry includes:
- Use: pants as part of a kit, or pants only
- What sits underneath: girdle and shin pads, or a mixed roster that also uses hockey pants and socks
- Size run: youth to adult, and any longer or shorter hem needs
- Waist: belt, elastic, drawcord, or a combination
- Hem: closer or elastic finish, or more ease over the skate boot
- Fabric: polyester shell, any stretch inserts, solid colour or full sublimation
- Reinforcement: extra layer or wear panels from the knee down, if required
- Colour and striping: references, stripe width and placement, thigh logo or other marks
- A reference garment or photo if you have one
If you are unsure on fabric or closure, describe how the team dresses and plays. For the document itself, use the tech pack guide.
Quick answers
Are ringette pants the same as hockey pant shells?
No. Custom ringette pants are full-length and go over a girdle and shin pads. Hockey pant shells typically cover the girdle and are worn with socks, so they are a different garment.
Do ringette pants include padding?
No. Protection sits in the girdle and the shin pads. The pant is the colour and abrasion layer.
Can custom ringette pants be fully sublimated?
Yes. Sublimation works well for curved stripes, names and logos on a polyester pant. Cut-and-sewn stripes remain a good choice for a traditional look.
Can the pants be made to match our jerseys?
Yes. Colours, stripe layout and logos can follow your artwork, including Pantone matches. It is easier to lock the kit if the jersey and pants are briefed together.
Are ringette pants the same as hockey pant shells?
No. Custom ringette pants are full-length and go over a girdle and shin pads. Hockey pant shells typically cover the girdle and are worn with socks, so they are a different garment.
Do ringette pants include padding?
No. Protection sits in the girdle and the shin pads. The pant is the colour and abrasion layer.
Can custom ringette pants be fully sublimated?
Yes. Sublimation works well for curved stripes, names and logos on a polyester pant. Cut-and-sewn stripes remain a good choice for a traditional look.
Can the pants be made to match our jerseys?
Yes. Colours, stripe layout and logos can follow your artwork, including Pantone matches. It is easier to lock the kit if the jersey and pants are briefed together.
