Make it easy to design your soccer team’s new uniforms

Soccer players all know what rules will result in a whistle, a yellow card or a red card. However, most will never have to think about the rules that govern the kits they wear on the pitch. Everyone knows about the socks, but what are the actual requirements and standards for soccer uniforms?

What are the necessary items in a soccer uniform?

At the broadest level, uniforms need to make it clear which players are on which team. The teams cannot wear similar colors (e.g., royal blue vs. navy blue, brick red vs. scarlet) that could lead to confusion by the players, officials or fans. The entire uniform - jersey, shorts and socks - cannot have more than four total colors.

The goalkeepers’ uniform must be obviously distinct from the rest of the team’s. This lends itself to a lot of creativity and room for your team’s culture and personality to go in unexpected directions.

The jersey can be either short-sleeved or long-sleeved, and most leagues allow players to choose which they prefer to wear in the game. If the player wears an undershirt, the undershirt should match the color of the jersey.

The number on the back should be 8 inches tall, and if you decide to put the number on the front, as well, it should be 4 inches tall. The players’ names or the name of a sponsor can go above or below the number on the back.

Depending on your league’s rules, you may be allowed to have a sponsor logo on the front of the jersey or on the sleeve. Be sure to check the rules to see what is permitted, and to ensure that your proposed shirt sponsor doesn’t conflict with any of the league’s sponsors.

The shorts will normally match the shirt, although they may also be a solid neutral color like black or white. This is particularly common when the shirt has stripes. Soccer uniform designers have the option of putting the number on the shorts.

Here are some of our favorite sublimated custom uniforms that give the team an extra amount of character and identity.

• BALKAN CUSTOM SUBLIMATED SOCCER UNIFORM: The bright orange color with black letters makes an excellent contrast for men and women.
• LEGEND SOCCER JERSEY: The plain jersey with a stripe on the left-hand side with a contrasting color makes it an excellent regular uniform that can double as a training ground uniform.
• CUSTOM SUBLIMATED SOCCER SHORT DESIGN 1214: The shorts with two contrasting colors will not work as a fashion statement, but will make the uniform fun.

Finally, there are the distinctive socks that cover and secure the shin pads in place. Usually, if the shirt and shorts are one color, the socks will be a different color. If the jersey and shorts are differently colored, then the socks may match one of those items or be a different color. Depending on the colors in your team’s logo or the team’s history, you can design a full kit - jersey, shorts and socks - that captures your identity and legacy.

Notes on sizing soccer uniforms

With CustomJersey.com, you can choose from a [range of sizes for all genders and age groups. In youth sizes, we offer XS, S, M, and L; for women, we have XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL, 4XL; and for men, we have sizes ranging from S to 6XL.

Standard sizing does not always mean the same thing from one apparel provider to the next. Plus, some players may “measure” at one size but prefer another.

If you are designing and ordering the jerseys for your team, be careful about the measurements and what the players want. Make sure they know what they are saying when they tell you M, XL or whatever else. Then, before you order, have everyone confirm their choice so they have one last chance to make sure they give you the right information and you wrote it down correctly. We recommend taking care of all of this in-person, face-to-face to avoid any mistakes or miscommunication.

Cost and ordering information

For custom soccer jerseys, any size over 2XL will cost $4 extra per piece. The minimum order is for 12 custom uniform sets, which shouldn’t be an issue in a sport with 11 players on the pitch!

We will provide you with a mock-up of your design before we start a full production run. This ensures that what arrives for your team is exactly what you want, and is one way we ensure your satisfaction. Once you give us the go ahead, it will take us 4-5 weeks to complete the production process. Be sure to account for shipping time before placing the order.

Designing and buying soccer uniforms can be a daunting task, but it can be fun to know that everyone who sees your team will admire your work. Our team will work with you to cut down on the time, money and frustration you may have encountered before so you can get back to what matters: the game!