Choose a baseball elbow guard by measuring your arm circumference just above the elbow while your arm hangs at your side, then matching that number to the exact size chart for that brand and model.
EvoShield’s sizing instructions: with your arm hanging by your side, measure arm circumference slightly above the elbow. That single number decides your size — checked against the chart for the specific guard you’re buying, because two brands can label the same fit differently.
How Do You Measure Your Arm for an Elbow Guard?
Measure the circumference of your arm slightly above the elbow, with the arm relaxed and hanging at your side. EvoShield’s elbow guard sizing page states this method directly, and the “arm at your side” part matters: a bent or flexed bicep reads larger than your arm sits during a swing, so guards bought off a flexed measurement feel loose in the box. Wrap a soft tape snug — not tight — around the arm just above the elbow joint, and note the number in inches.
The two mistakes that cause most bad fits:
- Measuring too low, down on the forearm, or too high, up near the bicep, instead of just above the elbow.
- Trusting an age, height, or “youth/adult” label instead of the brand’s actual chart — those labels are marketing shorthand, not measurements.
Don’t assume every brand measures the same spot. EvoShield sizes on arm circumference above the elbow. G-Form asks for bicep and forearm circumference; All-Star’s adult elbow guard sizes list forearm and bicep opening ranges; Troy Lee Designs sizes by mid-forearm, mid-bicep, and rider weight. The measurement point is brand-specific, so read the chart before you pick up the tape.
What Size Elbow Guard Do You Need? EvoShield’s Chart
On EvoShield’s chart, the dividing line is 10 inches of arm circumference: under 10 inches is Small, over 10 inches is Large. There’s no medium, which catches some buyers off guard. The standard guard and the double-strap guard share the same circumference cutoff but differ in coverage length — the double-strap guard is substantially longer and fuller-coverage at each size.
| EvoShield Guard | Size | Arm Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Elbow Guard | Small (5.5 in) | Under 10 in |
| Standard Elbow Guard | Large (6.5 in) | Over 10 in |
| Double Strap Elbow Guard | Small (7 in) | Under 10 in |
| Double Strap Elbow Guard | Large (9 in) | Over 10 in |
EvoShield publishes this chart on its US site in inches, so the numbers translate directly to a tape measure at home.
Does Every Brand Use the Same Sizing?
No — a size label is not portable between brands, and two guards both marked “Large” can fit completely different arms. Fit is decided by each maker’s own chart, not the word on the tag.
G-Form’s elbow chart runs from XS at a 10–11.5 inch bicep to XL at a 14.5–16 inch bicep, paired with forearm ranges. Its Elite Batter’s Elbow Guard chart collapses to three tiers — Youth, S/M, and L/XL — spanning a 9.5–16 inch bicep. All-Star’s adult BEG4000 uses numbered sizes: AM covers an 8–11 inch forearm opening and 10.5–14 inch bicep opening, while AL and AXL scale up from there. Troy Lee Designs adds weight, sizing by mid-forearm, mid-bicep, and pounds — XS starts at 70–90 lb, and L runs 180–220 lb.
The takeaway: know your measurements in the format each brand asks for. Once you’ve compared a few models side by side against your own numbers, you can commit. Our tested baseball elbow guard picks list the measurements each model is built around, and for an EvoShield guard, size against EvoShield’s fitting method rather than guessing.
How Tight Should a Baseball Elbow Guard Be?
A guard should be snug enough to stay put through a full swing without sliding, but never so tight that it pinches or restricts circulation. If it slips down your arm mid-swing, it’s too big — or the straps aren’t adjusted evenly. Straps are adjustable on most guards, so dial them in on dry land first: put the guard on, swing a bat a few times, and check that it holds position without cutting in.
FAQs
Where exactly do I measure my arm?
Measure slightly above the elbow joint with your arm relaxed and hanging at your side, per EvoShield’s fitting instructions. Keep the tape snug but not pinching. Some brands instead ask for bicep and forearm circumference, so check the chart for the specific guard you’re considering before you measure.
What if I’m exactly 10 inches?
Ten inches is the cutoff on EvoShield’s chart, which lists Small for under 10 inches and Large for over 10 inches. With no medium offered, sizing up to Large is the safer call at the line, since a slightly roomy guard can be strapped tighter, while one that’s too small cannot.
Can I wear a guard sized for someone else?
Only if their measurements match the chart for that brand and model. Sizes aren’t interchangeable between brands — a Large in one maker’s line can match an XS or XL in another’s. Always compare your own circumference to the specific manufacturer’s chart rather than borrowing a label.
References & Sources
- EvoShield. “Elbow Guard Sizing” Source of the measure-above-the-elbow method and the 10-inch size cutoff.
- EvoShield. “Sizing Charts” Confirms US-market, inch-based sizing guidance for EvoShield guards.
- Perfect Game. “Baseball & Softball Equipment Sizing Chart” Supports the practice of matching each brand’s own chart rather than assuming universal sizes.