Ordering custom basketball uniforms might sound straightforward, but there’s more to it than simply choosing colours and adding a logo. If you’re representing a school, local club, or community team, there are a few important things to know before placing an order. From fabric choices and sizing to delivery timelines and local supplier benefits, getting your basketball kit right from the start can save you time, stress, and unnecessary costs later on.
This guide will break down what you need to consider before ordering custom basketball uniforms in Australia.
Understand Your Team’s Needs First
Every team is different, and understanding who you’re ordering for is one of the most important steps before diving into the design phase.
Here are a few questions to ask yourself before moving on to the next steps:
- Who’s wearing the uniforms? Juniors, teens, adults?
- How often will they be used? Weekly comps, one-off events, full seasons?
- What’s the weather like? Indoor courts are one thing, but if you’re playing under the Aussie sun, breathability is key.
- What’s your budget per player or team? Knowing your cost ceiling helps narrow down fabric and style options.
If you’re organising uniforms for junior school students, you’ll likely prioritise comfort, easy fit, and lightweight materials. Older students or adult teams may lean towards more performance-focused gear with a tailored look and features like stretch panels or moisture-wicking fabric.
Think about how often the uniforms will be worn as well. A once-off tournament kit doesn’t need to be as durable as a set worn weekly during a full competition season. If you’re playing outdoor matches under the Aussie sun, breathability becomes essential, especially in warmer states. For indoor games, lightweight mesh might still be the best option for movement and airflow.
Budget also plays a key role. Setting a clear per-player or team limit upfront will help guide your choices on style, material, and how much customisation you can include without overspending.
Choose the Right Fabric and Style
The material and construction of a uniform can make a big difference in how players perform, and how long the kit lasts. For Australian teams, it’s important to choose something that can handle both the physical demands of the sport and the climate.
Sublimated polyester is a popular choice for its durability and flexibility in design. It allows you to print vibrant colours and intricate artwork directly into the fabric, which won’t peel or fade over time. This is especially handy for schools using house colours, mascots, or Indigenous-themed designs. Polyester mesh is another lightweight and breathable fabric option, ideal for junior teams or fast-paced play in warmer conditions.
Then there’s the style of the jersey. Reversible jerseys are great for teams that need to switch between home and away colours or manage rotating players. They’re cost-effective and practical, especially for schools or weekend competitions. On the other hand, cut-and-sew kits offer a more traditional, stitched-panel look and may suit clubs after a clean, classic aesthetic.
Every team has its own identity and requirements, so the best approach is to match the style and fabric with how and where the team plays. A good custom sportswear supplier will talk you through these options, and help you decide based on your goals, budget, and timeline.
Sizing Can Make or Break Your Order
There’s nothing more frustrating than a brand-new jersey that doesn’t fit. One of the most common pitfalls teams face is ordering the wrong sizes, especially when players range in age and build.
Even with a detailed size chart, it’s worth taking the extra time to get it right. Measuring an existing jersey that already fits well is often the easiest method. Encourage players or parents to double-check against the chart provided by your supplier, and when in doubt, size up, particularly for growing teens.
For larger teams or mixed age groups, suppliers like Team Spirit Sports often provide sample sizing kits so you can try before committing to a full order. This can be a real game-changer for schools with multiple house teams or clubs managing several age divisions. Getting sizing sorted from the outset helps avoid returns, delays, and disappointed players.
Plan for Production Time (and Be Realistic)
Custom uniforms aren’t made overnight, and a smooth ordering process depends on good timing. Most Australian uniform suppliers will need between four to six weeks to produce and deliver your order, depending on the time of year and the complexity of your design.
Ordering during term breaks or the start of school seasons often means longer lead times, as suppliers deal with high volumes. If your team needs their uniforms ready for an upcoming event, it’s always a good idea to get started early and leave some buffer time.
Design complexity also affects turnaround. A full sublimated design with detailed artwork, names, and numbers will naturally take longer than a basic two-colour jersey. Make sure you’ve confirmed your artwork and submitted all necessary files, such as logos or fonts, at the beginning, to avoid delays.
Team Spirit Sports works closely with schools and clubs across the country, so they understand the local school calendar and can advise you on the best timing based on your needs.
Know What You're Paying For (and What You’re Not)
Custom basketball uniforms come with a range of pricing structures, and it’s important to understand what’s included, and what might be extra. A seemingly cheap quote might not account for artwork setup, name and number printing, or delivery costs.
Things that typically affect pricing include fabric selection (sublimated mesh tends to cost more but lasts longer), the number of colours or logos used, and whether extras like shorts, socks, or warm-up tops are included in the package. The more personalised your kit, think player names, bold prints, or multiple logos, the higher the final price.
Team Spirit Sports offers transparent pricing and no-surprise quoting, so you know exactly what you’re getting. Many teams also request a free mockup before placing their order to see how everything will come together. It’s a small step that can help avoid major disappointments later.
Ask About Reorders and Minimum Quantities
Your player list might change mid-season. A few extra kits might be needed down the line, whether it’s for new players, replacements, or leavers’ gifts. That’s why it helps to work with a supplier that doesn’t lock you into large minimum order quantities.
Team Spirit Sports allows for single-piece orders and small top-ups, making it easier to fill in gaps or place repeat orders without starting from scratch. This flexibility is especially useful for schools with multiple year levels or clubs that need to manage different team sizes.
It also means your design stays on file and can be reused or updated as needed, so you’re not reinventing the wheel every season.
Don’t Forget the Extras: Shorts, Socks, and Branding Details
While jerseys are the main event, matching shorts, socks, and accessories can make a big difference in how polished and united your team looks on game day. A full kit creates a sense of pride and professionalism.
Shorts can be customised to match jersey designs or colour themes. Many teams also include warm-up shirts or hoodies for training sessions or sideline support. If you’ve got sponsors, it’s a great opportunity to include logos and give local businesses some visibility in return for their support.
Some schools even add a motto, mascot, or student names to commemorate special events like a leavers’ tournament. It’s these small custom touches that turn a uniform into something memorable.
Ready to Design Your Team’s Uniform?
Ordering custom basketball uniforms doesn’t have to be complicated, but getting it right starts with asking the right questions. By thinking through your team’s needs, planning early, and working with a trusted Aussie supplier, you’ll get uniforms that look sharp, feel great, and stand up to the season ahead.
At Team Spirit Sports, we’re proud to help Australian schools and clubs create quality basketball kits, with no minimums, fast turnaround, and real local support.
Start your design online or get in touch for a free mockup and quote today at teamspiritsports.com.au