Abstract: A protective body suit is described which includes a body suit formed of a stretchable material which defines a pair of leg openings, a pair of arm openings, and a neck opening. The body suit is sized and shaped to conform snugly to the chest and hips of a user, and the material can be either a closely woven or knit material or an open mesh material. A pair of resilient side pads are secured to the body suit between the arm openings and the aligned leg openings to protect the sides of the user. A pair of resilient shoulder pads are secured to the body suit between the neck opening and respective ones of the arm openings to protect the shoulders of the user. At least one resilient back pad is secured to the body suit between the side pads to protect the back of the user. The body suit is effective to hold the pads securely in place against the body of the user during athletic activity.