A soccer kit is more than a jersey. When clubs and schools shop for soccer kits, they are really buying a system: a jersey, shorts and socks that match, a goalkeeper kit that stands apart, numbers that officials can read, and sizes that fit players from the youngest division to adults. This buying guide covers each piece and the questions worth asking before you commit to an order.
What is included in a soccer kit?
A standard game kit is three pieces: jersey, shorts and socks. Most clubs need at least two kits, home and away, so they never clash with an opponent. On top of that, every team needs a goalkeeper kit in a color that contrasts with both outfield kits and the opponent. Beyond game day, many clubs add training tops and shorts, tracksuits, windbreakers, backpacks and grip socks. When every piece is ordered and designed together it is often called a spirit pack. Our article on soccer spirit packs covers that in detail.
Jerseys: what to look for
- Design that is part of the fabric. Sublimated jerseys have the design dyed into the material, so colors, stripes and crests do not crack or peel the way heat-pressed graphics can.
- Breathable, lightweight feel. Players run for 60 to 90 minutes. Ask for samples or look at a finished kit if you can.
- Readable numbers. Numbers should contrast clearly with the jersey. Back numbers are required in most leagues, and front or shorts numbers are common too.
- Cut options. Youth, men's and women's cuts fit differently. A women's cut is shaped through the chest and waist, so a women's medium is not the same as a men's medium.
- Collar and sleeve details. V-neck, crew neck or a polo-style collar changes the look more than most people expect.
Shorts
Shorts are often an afterthought, but they matter. Look for shorts that match or complement the jersey, sit comfortably at the waist and allow full range of motion. Many teams add a small number on the leg. If you have a home and away kit, decide whether the shorts swap color too or stay the same. Keeping one shorts color across both kits can simplify ordering.
Socks
Matching socks pull a kit together. Mismatched socks are the first thing a parent or referee notices in a team photo. Custom socks can carry a stripe in your secondary color, your club initials or a small crest. Some clubs also add grip socks, which many players like for traction inside their boots.
Goalkeeper kits
Laws of the game require goalkeepers to wear colors that distinguish them from all other players and officials. That means your keeper kit should contrast with your home kit, your away kit and common opponent colors. Many clubs pick a bright color that no one else on the field is likely to wear. We cover this more in our goalkeeper kit guide.
Sizing a whole club
A club might need tiny youth sizes for under-6 players and adult sizes for coaches and older teams, all in the same order. To keep sizing under control:
- Use one size chart for everyone and share it before you collect sizes.
- Separate youth and adult sizes clearly on every roster.
- Encourage families to size up if a player is between sizes, since performance fabric fits close.
- Order a few spare kits for late registrations.
An online team store takes much of this off your plate, because each family picks the size and enters the player number before paying.
Home vs away: choosing colors that work
Your home kit should be the color people picture when they think of your club. Your away kit should be clearly different, often white, grey or a light version of your secondary color. Test both against the colors of the teams you play most often. If your league has many clubs in blue, a blue-and-white home kit with a dark away kit may clash more than you expect. Pick the away color with your schedule in mind, not just your crest.
Numbers and names
Decide early whether jerseys carry numbers only or names as well. Names look great for older and high school teams, but they make reordering for new players a little more involved. Whatever you choose, assign numbers before families order, check for duplicates and confirm spelling on every name.
Questions to ask before you buy soccer kits
- Is the design fully custom, or a stock template with my logo on top?
- Is design free, and how many mockup revisions are included?
- Are youth, men's and women's cuts available?
- How are names and numbers handled, and are they checked before production?
- What is the typical turnaround after I approve the design?
- Can families order directly, or do I have to collect money?
At Shift Sports the answers are straightforward: every kit is fully custom and sublimated, design is free with unlimited mockups, youth, men's and women's sizes are available, and typical turnaround is about 4 weeks from design approval. For pricing on your exact list, ask for a quote.
Budget tips for soccer kits
If budget is tight, focus first on the items that matter on game day: a home kit and a goalkeeper kit. Add the away kit, training gear and outerwear in later orders. Because every item is designed around the same crest and colors, items ordered later still match. For more ideas, see our guide to affordable team kits.
Where to start
Look through real kits for inspiration on our designs page, gather your crest and colors, and decide on your item list. Then compare kits side by side with your coaches. If you want the full overview of options, our page on custom soccer kits covers jerseys, shorts, socks, goalkeeper kits and full player packs for clubs, high schools and colleges.
Ready to build your kit? Request a free design and we will send mockups in your colors and crest, revised until they are exactly right.