This means the shorts or sleeve part of your hip protector goes in the washing machine, but you take out the protective foam pads first. It's the most common setup for modular impact shorts and offers a great balance of convenience and durability.
The big advantage is that the garment gets fully clean after sweaty days on the slopes, while the impact-absorbing pads aren't damaged by machine agitation. Removable pads also let you replace worn ones without buying a whole new protector.
The only catch is reinserting the pads correctly after washing. Most designs have clearly marked pockets, so it's straightforward—just double-check the fit before heading out. For multi-day ski trips, this style is ideal because the garment washes and dries easily overnight while the pads just need a quick wipe-down.