Pant sizing

[Logan1275 0]

I am still a bit of a rookie only been playing for a year. When I started playing I was about 40lbs heavier, and 4" thicker at the waist. I bought the Bauer Total One pants cause they were the best fit at the time. However, I am now down to a 36" waist and still losing, making the pants baggy and not as protective. Thus the shopping for new pants begins, I have tried on a few at the LHS but selection was limited but all the mediums do seem to fit.

My question boils down to the Girdles, one thing I have noticed is the current ones I can find online seem to all have straps around the thighs. Does anyone have any experience with these, and do they make a huge difference on comfort?

Primarily I have been looking at the CCM Vector & Bauer Total One Adaptable, if anyone has any advice I would be greatly appreciative.