Catchers Chest Protector Size Chart

Size a catcher’s chest protector by measuring from the collarbone to the waist, not by age alone.

Every brand sizes catcher’s chest protectors a little differently, which makes a size chart essential—but only if you measure the right way. The length you need depends on your torso, not just your age or league level. One consistent rule anchors every manufacturer’s chart: measure vertically from the top of your sternum or collarbone down to your waistline or navel, then match that number to the brand’s own chart.

How To Measure For A Catcher’s Chest Protector

Stand upright with your gear off, then measure from the center of your collarbone down to your belt line. That vertical length is your chest protector size. Each major brand uses a slightly different start and end point, so check the specific guide for the gear you’re buying.

Here’s how the top brands define the measurement:

• Rawlings: measure from the top of the breast plate to the waist to determine length.
• Wilson: measure from the bottom of the neck to the navel.
• EvoShield: measure from the bottom of the neck roll to the bottom of the binding, vertically in the center of the protector.

The key takeaway: pick a brand first, then measure using that brand’s exact reference points. If you’re between sizes, All-Star recommends sizing up, and Field General advises selecting the longer length so the throat guard sits at the base of the neck.

Baseball vs. Softball Chest Protector Sizes

Baseball and softball chest protectors use different length ranges even within the same age band—so never mix the two charts. Baseball protectors run longer overall, while softball fastpitch gear tends to run shorter and more compact.

Typical baseball chest protector lengths by age band:

• T-Ball: 9–10 inches
• Junior Youth: 11–12 inches
• Youth: 13–14 inches
• Intermediate: 15–16 inches
• Adult: 16–18 inches

Typical softball chest protector lengths:

• T-Ball: 9–10 inches
• Junior Youth: 11–12 inches
• Youth: 12–13 inches
• Intermediate: 13–14.5 inches
• Adult: 14.5–16 inches

Notice the difference: an intermediate softball protector (13–14.5 in) is a full inch shorter than its baseball counterpart. Choosing by sport keeps the plate coverage correct for your game.

Brand-Specific Chest Protector Size Charts

Since each manufacturer measures differently, the same torso length maps to different sizes across brands. Rawlings, Wilson, All-Star, and EvoShield all publish their own charts, and the inch values differ materially.

Rawlings lists its protective gear in these chest protector lengths: T-Ball 10 in, Junior 13 in, Youth 14 in, Intermediate 15.5 in, and Adult 17 in. Wilson’s C1K line only offers two sizes—13.5 in and 15 in—while its EZ Gear 2.0 line runs smaller at 11 in and 13 in. EvoShield’s G2S fastpitch gear comes in Intermediate at 13.5 in and Adult at 15 in.

All-Star’s fastpitch chart is model-specific, so the same age band maps to different lengths across products:

The chart above shows why model numbers matter: one catcher could wear a 13 in in one line and a 14.5 in in another. Always verify the exact model’s chart before ordering.

Common Chest Protector Sizing Mistakes

Don’t rely on age alone. Brands explicitly note that sizes vary by manufacturer and product line, so a 10-year-old could fit a Junior Youth in one brand and a Youth in another. Measure the torso every time.

Don’t mix baseball and softball charts. The ranges differ by an inch or more in several age bands, and using the wrong one leaves you with a protector that doesn’t match your plate coverage needs.

Don’t assume one brand’s inch equals another’s. Rawlings, Wilson, All-Star, and EvoShield use different increments and different measurement points, so a 15 in Wilson is not the same fit as a 15 in All-Star. Check the brand’s own guide for the exact gear you’re buying, then size up if you land between lengths. For a look at top-rated options in each size range, see our roundup of the best baseball catchers chest protectors.