Ever thought about designing your own jersey? Whether you're creating a team kit, preparing for a big event, or just looking to rock a unique look, custom jersey making is an exciting way to bring your vision to life. From choosing the right fabric to perfecting the design, every detail matters in crafting a jersey that looks great and performs even better. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, helping you pick the best materials, customise your style, and ensure a professional-quality finish that stands out on and off the field.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Custom Jersey
The foundation of a great custom jersey starts with the right fabric. The material you choose determines how comfortable, breathable, and durable your jersey will be, so it's essential to get it right. Whether you're designing jerseys for football, rugby, basketball, or a casual team event, selecting the best fabric will impact performance and longevity.
At Team Spirit Sports, we offer a range of high-performance fabrics designed specifically for sportswear. Here’s a breakdown of the best options:
High-Performance, Flexible & Breathable Fabrics
These fabrics are ideal for sports that require freedom of movement, moisture control, and long-lasting wear.
1. TS Lycra – The Ultimate Flex Fabric
- Best for: High-performance sports like cycling, running, and netball.
- Why choose it? Features 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement, breathability, and quick-drying properties, making it perfect for intense gameplay.
2. TS Cool Max – Keep Cool Under Pressure
- Best for: Rugby, AFL, Knock-outs and contact sports.
- Why choose it? Designed for moisture-wicking and quick-drying, this fabric ensures players stay cool and dry, even during the toughest matches.
3. TS Eyelet Mesh – Lightweight and Breathable
- Best for: Training wear like polo shirts.
- Why choose it? Made with moisture-wicking technology and anti-pilling properties, it provides superior airflow, keeping athletes dry and fresh.
Lightweight, Quick-Drying & Versatile Fabrics
For teams that play in warmer climates or need jerseys that dry quickly, these materials are top choices.
1. TS Triple Mesh – High Airflow for Maximum Comfort
- Best for: Cricket, soccer, and outdoor sports.
- Why choose it? Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying, ensuring maximum comfort while preventing overheating.
2. TS Light Vapo – Designed for Speed
- Best for: Soccer, training wear, and athletic uniforms.
- Why choose it? This ultra-light fabric enhances movement and agility, making it a great option for fast-paced sports.
3. TS Holes Mesh – Ultra-Breathable & Durable
- Best for: Gym wear, training tops, and jerseys for extreme heat conditions.
- Why choose it? Provides maximum ventilation, quick drying, and easy-care maintenance.
Durable & Tough Fabrics for Contact Sports
If you need rugged, high-resistance jerseys for contact sports, these fabrics are built to endure intense wear and tear.
1. TS Li-Tech – Built for the Toughest Games
- Best for: Rugby, AFL, and heavy contact sports.
- Why choose it? It’s elastic, durable, and moisture-wicking, ensuring jerseys hold up through intense matches while keeping players comfortable.
2. TS Exo-Tech – Resilience Meets Performance
- Best for: Rugby, AFL, and contact team sports.
- Why choose it? Offers reinforced durability, quick drying, and superior breathability to withstand the game’s toughest conditions.
3. HD Polytwill – Strong & Long-Lasting
- Best for: Rugby shorts.
- Why choose it? Designed for rugged use, this fabric maintains strength and structure over repeated washes and long-term wear.
Weather-Resistant & Insulated Fabrics
For teams that play in cold or wet conditions, these fabrics offer waterproofing, wind resistance, and warmth.
1. TS Softshell – All-Weather Protection
- Best for: Outdoor sports, windbreakers, and training gear.
- Why choose it? Features wind resistance, water resistance, and durability, keeping athletes warm and dry.
2. TS Rain-Tech – Ultimate Waterproof Fabric
- Best for: Jackets for wet conditions, rain jackets, and outerwear.
- Why choose it? Lightweight, waterproof, and breathable, this fabric keeps you dry without sacrificing mobility.
3. TS Spray-Tech – Light & Weather-Resistant
- Best for: Multi-sport outdoor use and light jackets.
- Why choose it? It’s water-resistant and windproof, making it an excellent choice for athletes who train in unpredictable weather.
Warm, Comfortable & Stylish Fabrics
These fabrics offer insulation, comfort, and durability for off-field jerseys, casual wear, and training gear.
1. TS Hoodie-Tech – Warm & Stylish
- Best for: Spectator wear, warm-up gear, and casual team hoodies.
- Why choose it? Soft, warm-insulating fabric with sublimation technology for vibrant designs that don’t fade.
2. TS Fleece – Ultimate Winter Comfort
- Best for: Hoodies, jackets, and winter wear.
- Why choose it? Super-soft, moisture-wicking, and warm, perfect for cold-weather conditions.
3. TS Interknit – Classic & Cozy
- Best for: School leaver jerseys and casual teamwear.
- Why choose it? Offers durability, breathability, and warmth, great for everyday comfort.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Jersey Style
Once you've selected the perfect fabric, it's time to decide on the jersey style. The right cut and fit will enhance comfort, mobility, and performance, whether you're on the field, in the gym, or cheering from the sidelines.
Different sports demand different jersey styles, each designed to cater to specific needs like breathability, durability, flexibility, and warmth. Below are some of the most common jersey styles and the ideal fabrics to match.
1. Soccer Jerseys: Lightweight & Breathable
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Light Vapo, TS Triple Mesh, TS Holes Mesh
- Why? Soccer jerseys need to be lightweight and highly breathable to support constant movement and intense gameplay.
- Key Features:
- Moisture-wicking to keep players cool and dry.
- Quick-drying properties to prevent sweat buildup.
- Durable, stretchable fabric that allows freedom of movement.
For training kits, TS Triple Mesh is a great choice due to its excellent breathability and moisture control.
2. Rugby Jerseys: Tough & Durable
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Li-Tech, TS Cool Max, TS Exo-Tech
- Why? Rugby is a high-contact sport that requires jerseys with maximum durability, flexibility, and moisture-wicking abilities.
- Key Features:
- Reinforced fabric to withstand tackles and scrums.
- Stretchable material that moves with the player.
- Moisture-wicking and breathable to regulate body temperature.
For professional-grade jerseys, TS Exo-Tech is engineered to handle the toughest conditions on the field.
3. Basketball Jerseys: Perfect-Fitting & Breathable
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Holes Mesh, TS Eyelet Mesh, TS Triple Mesh
- Why? Basketball jerseys are sleeveless and require maximum airflow and flexibility for fast-paced movement.
- Key Features:
- Lightweight and breathable to enhance ventilation.
- Loose fit to allow unrestricted movement.
- Sweat-resistant and quick-drying for high-performance play.
For street-style or casual basketball jerseys, TS Triple Mesh adds a stylish and functional touch.
4. Cricket Shirts: Breathable & Durable
Cricket matches can last hours, so jerseys need to be comfortable, sweat-resistant, and sun-protective.
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Triple Mesh, TS Eyelet Mesh, TS Light Vapo
- Why?
- Moisture-wicking & quick-drying to handle long hours in the sun.
- Durable yet breathable for a crisp, polished look.
- UPF 50+ protection to shield against sun exposure.
TS Triple Mesh offers a professional appearance while keeping players cool on the field.
5. Hockey Jerseys: Breathable & Flexible
Hockey requires a balance of durability, flexibility, and sweat control to keep up with fast-paced action.
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Light Vapo, TS Triple Mesh, TS Stretch Taslon
- Why?
- Stretchable & breathable for ease of movement.
- Moisture-wicking fabric to handle intense gameplay.
- Durable construction to withstand falls and impact.
TS Stretch Taslon is a great choice for hockey training gear thanks to its flexibility and sweat resistance.
6. Swimwear: Quick-Drying & Chlorine-Resistant
Swimmers need fabrics that are lightweight, quick-drying, and resistant to chlorine damage.
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Swim-Tech, TS Lycra
- Why?
- UPF 50+ sun protection for outdoor swimming.
- Anti-chlorine technology for long-lasting wear.
- 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement in water.
TS Lycra offers a sleek, second-skin fit for swimmers looking for high-performance gear.
7. Netball Dresses: Lightweight & Breathable for Quick Movements
Netball is a fast-paced game that requires quick changes in direction, endurance, and agility. Players need lightweight, breathable jerseys that keep them cool and dry throughout the match.
- Best Fabric Choices: TS Eyelet Mesh, TS Triple Mesh, TS Light Vapo
- Why?
- Breathable & moisture-wicking to prevent overheating.
- Lightweight for agility & speed on the court.
- Quick-drying fabric to keep players comfortable throughout the game.
TS Light Vapo is a fantastic option for netball dresses and uniforms, offering a sleek fit with excellent moisture control.
Step 3: Design Your Custom Jersey – Where Creativity Meets Performance
Now comes the exciting part, designing your custom jersey! Whether you’re aiming for a bold and modern look, a classic aesthetic, or a tribute to your favourite team, this step allows you to bring your vision to life. A well-designed jersey is more than just a uniform; it’s a statement of identity, team spirit, and performance.
Key Design Elements to Consider:
1. Colours That Represent Your Team
Colour choice is more than just aesthetics, it affects visibility, brand identity, and psychological impact. Consider your team’s signature colours, contrast for readability, and even psychological effects (red for aggression, blue for trust, black for power).
2. Logos, Emblems & Team Branding
Your jersey should reflect who you are. Whether it's your club logo, sponsor branding, or a custom crest, placement matters.
- Chest area: Common for team logos.
- Sleeves & back: Ideal for sponsor branding.
- Side panels: Great for accents and additional flair.
3. Names & Numbers – Make Every Player Stand Out
For sports teams, clear, bold numbers are essential for identification on the field. Choose a readable, high-contrast font that remains legible from a distance.
- Block fonts for high-impact sports like rugby and football.
- Sleek, rounded fonts for fast-paced games like basketball or soccer.
4. Panels & Accents for a Dynamic Look
Jersey designs don’t have to be plain. Enhance visual appeal with:
- Contrasting side panels for a streamlined silhouette.
- Geometric patterns or stripes to create movement.
- Gradient or sublimation prints for a modern touch.
Need Help? Use a Custom Jersey Maker!
Not sure how it’ll look? Try our free online custom jersey maker for a real-time preview before finalising your design. This ensures you get exactly what you envision before production.
Once your design is locked in, it's time to bring your creation to life with high-quality fabrics and professional craftsmanship. Ready to make a jersey that stands out?
Step 4: Printing & Customisation – Bringing Your Design to Life
Once your jersey design is locked in, the next crucial step is choosing the right printing and customisation method. This determines not just how your jersey looks but also its durability, feel, and performance on the field. Different printing techniques offer various benefits depending on your sport, design complexity, and fabric choice.
Popular Jersey Printing Methods:
1. Sublimation Printing – The Gold Standard for Sportswear
Sublimation is the best option for vibrant, long-lasting designs. Unlike other methods that sit on top of the fabric, sublimation infuses the ink directly into the fibres, making it part of the material. This ensures:
- No cracking, peeling, or fading – perfect for high-performance sports.
- Ultra-lightweight feel – the design doesn't add weight or restrict movement.
- Unlimited colours and intricate patterns – ideal for gradient effects, unique textures, and detailed logos.
Best for: Rugby, soccer, basketball, netball, cricket, and hockey jerseys.
2. Screen Printing – Bold, Classic & Cost-Effective
Screen printing applies thick layers of ink onto the jersey using stencils and screens. It works well for solid colours, bold text, and simple graphics. However, it is less flexible for designs with multiple colours or intricate details.
- Durable and high-contrast finish
- Cost-effective for bulk orders
- Best for cotton and blended fabrics
Best for: Promotional jerseys, supporter shirts, or casual teamwear.
3. Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) – Perfect for Personalisation
HTV is a great way to add individual names, numbers, and small graphics onto jerseys. It involves cutting the design from a vinyl sheet and heat-pressing it onto the fabric.
- Gives a clean, professional finish
- Best for adding names & numbers on the back of jerseys
- Ideal for smaller orders and quick customisation
Best for: Soccer, rugby, basketball, or any jerseys needing personalised details.
4. Embroidery – Premium & Professional
Embroidery adds a stitched logo or emblem to your jersey, offering a high-quality, textured finish. While it’s a luxury choice, embroidery is best suited for smaller details rather than large, complex designs.
- Durable and long-lasting
- Adds a premium look and feel
- Works best on thicker fabrics like polo jerseys and jackets
Best for: Club logos, sponsor badges, and off-field apparel.
If your jersey will be washed frequently and needs long-term durability, sublimation printing is the best choice. It’s sweat-resistant, lightweight, and maintains its vibrancy even after multiple washes.
Step 5: Choosing the Right Fit – Comfort Meets Performance
A great jersey isn't just about the design, it has to fit perfectly for optimal movement and comfort during play. Before placing an order, consider the following:
Fitted vs Loose Fit
- Rugby & Soccer jerseys tend to be more fitted for better aerodynamics and minimal drag.
- Basketball jerseys are looser for full upper-body movement.
- Netball and hockey jerseys should balance breathability and flexibility.
Sleeve Length & Style
- Short sleeves are common for most sports (soccer, rugby, netball, basketball).
- Long sleeves work well for cooler climates or sports like cricket and hockey.
- Singlets or sleeveless jerseys are preferred for basketball or training wear.
Stretch & Mobility
Some fabrics like TS Lycra offer natural stretch, while others (like TS Softshell) are structured and may require a looser fit. Choose a material that allows free movement without being too tight or restrictive.
Pro Tip: Always check the size guide before ordering, each brand may have slight differences in sizing!
Step 6: Place Your Order & Represent with Pride!
Now that your design, printing method, and fit are finalised, it’s time to place your order and get your hands on your custom-made jersey! If you're ordering for a team, double-check:
- Each player's correct size
- Spelling of names & numbers
- Logo placement and colours
For top-quality sportswear, Team Spirit Sports ensures precision, durability, and comfort in every jersey. Whether you're designing for a local club, school team, or professional league, our custom jersey makers will bring your vision to life!
Need Assistance?
Not sure about fabrics or printing options? Contact our team for expert advice, sample orders, and a hassle-free customisation process.
Final Thoughts
Custom jersey making is more than just designing a piece of clothing, it’s about creating something that represents your team, passion, and identity. Whether you’re crafting a pro-level soccer jersey, a casual supporter’s hoodie, or a school leaver’s jersey, the key lies in choosing the right fabric, style, and design.
Now that you know how to custom make your own jersey, why not start designing yours today? Check out Team Spirit Sports for top-quality custom sportswear!