How to Size Impact Padded Shorts (And Why It Matters)

August 4, 2026

Why Sizing Your Padded Shorts Correctly Actually Matters

Impact padded shorts aren't just about comfort — they're about padding. A pair that's too large will shift on impact, meaning the padding won't be where it needs to be when you hit the ground. A pair that's too small will restrict movement and may not cover the right zones at all.

Getting the size right is one of the most important steps in buying protective gear, and it's also one of the most overlooked. This guide walks you through exactly how to do it.

What Impact Padded Shorts Protect

Before sizing, it helps to understand what you're protecting. Quality impact padded shorts are designed to shield the areas most vulnerable in a fall:

Hips and hip flexors — the most common impact zone in snowboard and MTB falls
Tailbone (coccyx) — a notoriously painful and slow-healing injury from sitting falls
Thighs — particularly relevant for rail and jump impacts in freestyle riding

The padding in a well-designed short is positioned precisely over these zones. If the shorts don't fit, the padding drifts — and you lose the padding you paid for.

Step 1: Take Your Measurements

You'll need two measurements to find your size in most padded shorts:

Waist

Measure around your natural waist — the narrowest part of your torso, typically just above your belly button. Keep the tape snug but not tight, and measure in inches or centimeters depending on the size chart you're using.

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and seat, usually about 7–9 inches below your natural waist. This is the most important measurement for padded shorts because the hip and tailbone pads need to sit correctly over this area.

Pro tip: Measure over the base layer you plan to wear under the shorts. If you ride in thick thermals, that affects the fit.

Step 2: Read the Size Chart Correctly

Every brand sizes differently — don't assume your size in one brand translates to another. Always check the specific size chart for the product you're buying.

For the Demon United X V7 D3O® A.I. Men's Impact Padded Shorts and Women's Impact Padded Shorts, use your hip measurement as the primary guide — the shorts are cut to sit over your base layer and move with you, so hip fit takes priority over waist.

If you're between sizes, size up. Padded shorts that are slightly large are easier to manage than ones that are too tight and restrict your movement or riding position.

Step 3: Check the Fit in Position

Once you have your shorts, don't just check the fit standing still. Padded shorts need to work in your riding position:

Snowboarders: Get into your riding stance — knees bent, weight centered. The hip pads should sit squarely over your hip bones, and the tailbone pad should cover your coccyx without riding up.
MTB riders: Sit on your bike in your normal position. The shorts should stay in place without bunching or shifting when you move forward over the bars.

If the shorts ride up, shift sideways, or the padding moves off your hip bones when you crouch, they're too large. If you can't get into a full riding crouch comfortably, they're too small.

Step 4: Consider the Waistband and Retention System

A good padded short stays put because of its waistband design, not just its size. Look for:

Adjustable waistband or drawstring — lets you fine-tune the fit even if you're between sizes
Silicone grippers on the leg openings — keep the shorts from riding up during dynamic movement
Low-profile waistband — sits comfortably under outerwear without creating bulk at the waist

The Demon X V7 D3O® A.I. Shorts use an articulated construction that moves with your body, so the padding stays in position through the full range of motion — not just when you're standing still in a changing room.

Understanding D3O® A.I. Technology

The "A.I." in the Demon X V7 line stands for Air Impact — an airpad sitting under the tailbone providing comfort. Coupled with D3O-during normal movement, the material stays soft and flexible. On impact, the molecules lock together instantly, creating a rigid shield that absorbs and disperses energy.

This matters for sizing because D3O padding doesn't add the stiff, bulky feel of traditional foam armor. The shorts feel like athletic wear until you need them. That means you can size for fit and comfort without compromising on protection.

Layering: What to Wear Under and Over

Padded shorts are typically worn as a base or mid layer — under your outerwear pants, not over them. This keeps the padding close to your body and ensures it moves with you rather than with your outer shell.

For snowboarding, wear them over a moisture-wicking base layer. For MTB, they can be worn under baggies or trail shorts. Either way, make sure your outerwear has enough room to accommodate the shorts without compressing the padding.

Men's vs. Women's Fit

Men's and women's padded shorts are cut differently — not just in waist and hip proportions, but in the placement of the padding zones. Women's shorts account for wider hip-to-waist ratios and position the hip and tailbone pads accordingly.

Always buy the version designed for your body. Wearing men's shorts on a women's frame (or vice versa) often means the padding sits in the wrong place, which defeats the purpose entirely.