How to design and order custom sublimated basketball jerseys

Creating custom basketball jerseys from scratch requires a significant amount of effort. Let’s take a look at the different things you’ll have to consider when customizing basketball jerseys.

What goes into designing a basketball jersey?

Your league will set the standards for uniform design. If you’re new to the league, be sure to consult the guidelines before getting too far along in the design process - and certainly before placing an order- even if you’ve already designed uniforms for basketball teams in other leagues.

The jersey is the most important part of the uniform, and comes with the most standards and regulations. We’ll cover some of the more common rules here.

1. Number

Place the player’s number on the front and back of the jersey. The style and color must be the same on the front and the back, but the size will differ. The number on the back should be 6 inches high and at least 3-4 inches wide, and the number on the front should be 4 inches high and at least 3-4 inches wide.

Numbers have to be in plain Arabic numerals, have no more than three colors and must be easily visible by contrasting against the jersey’s base color.

Finally, some numbers might not be available due to numbers being retired or reserved, so make sure there are no restrictions before you have the players choose their numbers.

2. Team name

Your team’s name will be on the front and back of the jersey, and the player’s name may be on the back. Either name can go above or below the number, as long as it is the same for everyone on the team. Keep 1 inch separation between the name and the number.

The names can be written straight across or arched. If arched, the first and last letter must be on the same horizontal line.

3. Basketball jersey color patterns are unusually complicated

Basketball jerseys can have several colors. Your league may require you to have a white jersey for home games and a colored jersey for away games.

One base color front and back

Both the front and back should have one color from just below the neckline to the bottom of the shirt, covering the entire area between the side seams. You can place a locker tag at the bottom of the jersey’s front, as basketball federations do not consider this a visible element.

Freedom above the neckline

You have more freedom in how you design your basketball jerseys above the neckline. This area starts from 1 inch below the base of the neckline and extends up to the shoulder seam, both front and back. You can use different colors and designs in this area.

Armholes

The armholes can have trim, piping and accents up to 1 inch in thickness. You have the ability to use the same trim, piping or accents with no width guidelines above the neckline, as that area is usually free of restrictions.

Side panels

The side panels are centered on the armpits, and are no more than 4 inches wide (including trim, piping and accents), extending to the bottom of the jersey. The panels must be the same size on both sides.

There are no color restrictions in this area, and you can place a variety of logos or designs on the side panels.

How much does a custom basketball jersey cost?

The cost of a jersey depends on several factors: the type of fabric, the details on the jersey, and whether you get a mesh underneath the shoulders are a few of the more important ones. For adults, jerseys will cost at least $10 for a basic single color, before any decoration or customization. Children’s jerseys will cost a little less, but the price will go up as you add colors or features.