How to Order Custom Soccer Uniforms: A Buyer’s Guide for Clubs
Ordering custom soccer uniforms for the first time can feel complicated. There are fabrics to choose, printing methods to compare, sizes to collect, and a season start date that will not move. This guide breaks the process into steps so you can order with confidence.
1. Start with your numbers
Before anything else, work out how many kits you need. Count players, then add a few extra for new signings and replacements during the season. Most clubs order home and away sets, plus goalkeeper kits in a different color.
Get the size breakdown early. Ask every player for their size now, not the week before the season. A simple spreadsheet with names and sizes saves painful reorders later.
2. Choose the right fabric
Almost all modern soccer uniforms are made from polyester. What matters is the knit and the weight:
- Interlock is smooth, durable, and the most common choice for match kits.
- Mesh panels add breathability in high-sweat areas like the sides and back.
- Moisture-wicking finishes pull sweat away from the skin. Worth asking your manufacturer about.
If your club plays in hot weather, prioritize breathability. For colder climates, a slightly heavier fabric holds up better.
3. Pick your decoration method
This is where most of the cost and quality difference lives:
- Sublimation prints the design directly into the fabric. It never cracks or peels, allows unlimited colors and complex designs, and is the standard for full-custom kits.
- Screen printing works well for simple logos and numbers on stock garments, but thick prints can crack over time.
- Embroidery gives a premium look for crests, but it adds weight and is usually reserved for small areas.
For a full custom club kit, sublimation is almost always the right call.
4. Prepare your design assets
Your manufacturer will need your club crest and any sponsor logos. Vector files (AI, EPS, or high-resolution PDF) give the cleanest result. If you only have a PNG from your website, say so upfront so the designer can redraw it.
Be specific about colors. “Blue” is not enough. Pantone codes or hex values keep everyone on the same page.
5. Approve the mockup carefully
A good manufacturer sends a digital mockup before production. Check everything: spelling of player names, number fonts, logo placement, and colors. Changes on screen are free. Changes after printing are not.
6. Plan your timeline honestly
Custom uniforms take time. A realistic timeline is:
- Design and mockup approval: 3 to 7 days
- Production: 2 to 4 weeks depending on quantity
- Shipping: 1 to 3 weeks depending on method and destination
Order at least 6 to 8 weeks before you need the kits. Rush orders are sometimes possible, but they cost more and leave no room for fixes.
7. Ask your manufacturer these questions
- What is the minimum order quantity?
- Can I see a sample before the full run?
- How many design revisions are included?
- What are the shipping terms and who handles customs?
- What is your policy on sizing exchanges or misprints?
The answers tell you a lot about who you are dealing with.
Ready to order?
If you are planning kits for the upcoming season, get in touch early. At Marqo Sports we manufacture custom soccer uniforms in Sialkot, Pakistan for clubs across the US and Europe, and we will walk you through every step above. Contact us for a quote.