Protective wear clashes (5)
I believe the answer is:
spats
I believe this is a double definition.
'protective wear' is the first definition.
(type of protective item of clothing)
'clashes' is the second definition.
(both can mean disagreements)
(Other definitions for spats that I've seen before include "Petty quarrels and coverings for the ankles" , "garb for members" , "Shoe protectors; tiffs" .)