Choosing the right soccer jersey for your team isn't just about color. The right shirt affects player comfort, durability, print quality, and your team's professional image. Here's everything you need to know before placing your order.
1Start with the fabric
The fabric is the most important decision. For soccer and active sports, 100% polyester performance fabric is the standard — and for good reason:
- ✓Lightweight and breathable
- ✓Moisture-wicking — pulls sweat away from skin
- ✓Holds color well for sublimation printing
- ✓Durable through repeated washing
Avoid cotton jerseys for active play — they absorb sweat, get heavy, and don't hold vibrant prints as well. A common shirt we use is the A4 Apparel NB3016 Youth Legend Soccer Jersey — it checks all these boxes for youth teams.
Custom sublimated soccer jersey — full front and back print with sponsor logo and player number
2Understand the printing methods
Not all printing methods are the same. Here's a quick breakdown:
Sublimation
Best for: Full-color, all-over designs
✅ Vibrant colors, no cracking, lightweight
⚠️ Only works on white/light polyester
Screen Print
Best for: Simple 1–3 color logos
✅ Cost-effective for large batches
⚠️ Less detail than sublimation
Heat Transfer / DTF
Best for: Complex logos on dark or light shirts
✅ Works on any color fabric
⚠️ Can crack/peel over time if low quality
Embroidery
Best for: Polo shirts, hats, jackets
✅ Premium, professional look
⚠️ Not ideal for jerseys — adds weight
For youth soccer jerseys, sublimation is usually the best choice — it gives you unlimited colors, player names, and numbers all in one process, with no added weight or cracking.
3Get the sizing right
This is where most teams run into trouble. Here are our top tips:
- Order a size chart upfront. Performance shirts tend to run slim — especially for youth sizes. Ask your printer for a size chart before finalizing quantities.
- Collect measurements from parents, not kids. Kids grow fast and rarely know their measurements. A simple form sent via email or WhatsApp works great.
- Order 5–10% extra. Especially for youth teams — someone will always need a replacement or lose their shirt by game 3.
- Don't rely on age-based sizing. Two 10-year-olds can be completely different sizes. Always go by measurements.
Sarasota Soccer Club youth team wearing custom jerseys at Lakewood Ranch Complex
4Plan your design before contacting a printer
You don't need a finished design — but the more you have ready, the faster the process goes. Here's what to gather:
- →Team name and logo (vector file preferred — AI, EPS, SVG, or high-res PNG)
- →Sponsor logos if applicable
- →Team colors (Pantone or hex codes if possible)
- →Roster with names and numbers
- →Size breakdown per player
No logo? No problem — logo creation is available as a separate service at RBTechon.
5Understand what your printer does and doesn't offer
Not every print shop offers the same services. Before you order, confirm:
- ?Do they print names and numbers individually per player?
- ?Can they supply the blank shirts, or do you need to bring them?
- ?Do they provide a digital mockup before production?
- ?What is their actual turnaround time?
- ?Do they offer bulk pricing?
At RBTechon, we answer all of these upfront — no surprises, no hidden fees.
6Plan your timeline — don't leave it to the last minute
The biggest mistake teams make: waiting too long. Here's a realistic timeline to work backwards from your first game:
Contact your printer, collect sizes, finalize design
Approve digital mockup, confirm order and payment
Production begins
Order shipped or ready for pickup
Team is ready 🏆
Quick recap
✅ Choose 100% polyester for performance
✅ Sublimation for full-color jerseys
✅ Collect sizes early — don't guess
✅ Have your logo ready before contacting the printer
✅ Confirm what the printer includes and excludes
✅ Start the process 4–5 weeks before your first game
