Fabric decides how a football kit feels after the first twenty minutes. Here is how to think about it.
Start with the climate and the level of play
Hot, humid places need a light, breathable fabric. Cooler places can use something a little heavier. Training kit is washed more often than match kit, so it needs to hold its shape and colour.
The two fabrics you will hear about most
- Polyester mesh: very light, with tiny holes that let air through. Common for match shirts.
- Polyester interlock: smoother and a little heavier. Good for training kit and shorts.
Both take sublimation printing well. That means the whole shirt can be printed in full colour, and the design does not crack or peel.
Things to ask for
- A fabric swatch you can feel and stretch
- A printed sample before the full order
- A look at the printed sample in daylight, because colours that look bright on screen can look different on fabric
- How the sample looks after a wash
Do not forget the details
Collar style, sleeve shape, crest placement and sponsor logos all change how the kit looks. Send them with your first message so the sample is right the first time.
If you are not sure which fabric to pick, tell us the sport, the weather and your budget. We will suggest options and send swatches.
