When it comes to sports team shirts, most people think of colours, logos, and design. But the truth is, a team shirt is more than just a uniform, it’s a symbol of unity, comfort, and pride on and off the field. Getting it right matters, and getting it wrong can leave your players uncomfortable, underprepared, or even reluctant to wear their kit.
Unfortunately, many clubs and organisations make the same mistakes when ordering their team shirts. From choosing the wrong material to overlooking sizing needs, these slip-ups can cost both time and money. In this guide, we’ll explore the top mistakes to avoid when ordering sports team shirts and how you can make the process smooth, inclusive, and hassle-free.
Key Takeaways
- Fabric matters: choose breathable, durable materials designed for sports, not just casual wear.
- Sizing is crucial: cater for all players, including juniors, women, and plus-size athletes.
- Design consistency counts: clear colours, sharp logos, and professional printing elevate your team’s image.
- Timing is key: order early to avoid last-minute stress and delays.
- Quality over price: value comes from long-lasting shirts, not the cheapest option.
- Team Spirit Sports helps you avoid mistakes: with premium fabrics, inclusive sizing, on-time delivery, and a 3D design tool to bring your ideas to life.
Mistake #1: Not Considering the Right Fabric
One of the most common oversights is focusing purely on design while ignoring the fabric of the sports shirt. The material you choose has a direct impact on performance, comfort, and durability.
Why fabric matters
- Breathability: Fabrics like polyester blends and mesh panels help players stay cool and dry, even during intense training.
- Durability: Sports shirts are worn and washed repeatedly, so you’ll want a fabric that holds its shape and colour.
- Comfort: A rough or heavy material can make players reluctant to wear the shirt, which defeats the purpose of team pride.
Common fabric mistakes
- Choosing cotton because it feels soft, only to find it absorbs sweat and becomes heavy.
- Opting for cheap synthetic fabrics that cause irritation or chafing.
- Forgetting to check whether the fabric is fade-resistant for bright team colours.
Mistake #2: Ignoring Accurate Sizing for All Players
Another issue teams often face is ordering shirts without properly accounting for inclusive sizing. Every team is made up of players with different body shapes, and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work.
Why sizing is critical
- Comfort and confidence: A shirt that fits well makes players feel more at ease and proud to wear their team colours.
- Performance: Too-tight shirts restrict movement, while oversized shirts can get in the way.
- Inclusivity: When sizing is overlooked, some players may feel excluded or less valued.
Common sizing mistakes
- Guessing sizes instead of collecting accurate measurements.
- Only ordering “average” sizes and forgetting kids, plus-size, and tall players.
- Not accounting for different cuts (men’s, women’s, junior).
Mistake #3: Overlooking Design and Colour Consistency
A sports team shirt is more than fabric and stitching, it’s a statement of team identity. Yet many teams make the mistake of rushing through the design process or not checking colour consistency before placing their order.
Why design and colours matter
- Team spirit: A well-designed shirt helps players feel proud and united.
- Recognition: Clear logos and consistent colours make your team stand out on the field.
- Longevity: High-quality printing ensures your design stays sharp after many washes.
Common design mistakes
- Using colours that don’t match the rest of the kit or clash with team branding.
- Choosing printing methods that fade or crack after only a few wears.
- Overcomplicating designs with too many elements, making shirts look cluttered.
- Forgetting to confirm logo placement and sizing before production.
Mistake #4: Ordering Too Late Before the Season
Another common pitfall is leaving shirt orders to the last minute. While it’s tempting to wait until player numbers are finalised, delaying your order often leads to stress, rush fees, and even missed games without a proper kit.
Why timing is important
- Production lead times: Custom sports team shirts take time to design, print, and deliver. It helps to understand exactly what is turnaround time so you can plan your order with confidence.
- Season deadlines: Most clubs need uniforms ready for the first match, not halfway through the season.
- Avoiding errors: Rushed orders increase the risk of mistakes in design, sizing, or fabric choice.
Common timing mistakes
- Waiting until just weeks before kick-off to place an order.
- Not factoring in shipping delays or busy periods during peak sporting seasons.
- Forgetting to allow time for players to try on sizes before confirming.
Mistake #5: Choosing Price Over Quality
It’s natural for clubs and schools to want to save money when ordering sports team shirts, but going for the cheapest option often costs more in the long run. A bargain price might look good upfront, but poor-quality uniforms can quickly fall apart, fade, or become uncomfortable for players.
Why quality matters
- Durability: Quality fabrics and printing withstand regular training, washing, and wear.
- Comfort: Shirts that fit well and breathe properly help players perform at their best.
- Value for money: Spending slightly more on a well-made uniform usually means it lasts for multiple seasons, saving money on replacements.
Common quality mistakes
- Ordering from suppliers who use low-grade fabrics that lose shape after a few washes.
- Choosing cheap printing methods that crack, peel, or fade.
- Prioritising cost over fit, which results in players feeling uncomfortable or restricted.
How Team Spirit Sports Helps You Avoid These Mistakes
Ordering sports team shirts doesn’t have to be stressful. With years of experience supplying clubs, schools, and organisations across Australia, Team Spirit Sports makes the process simple and reliable. Here’s how we help you avoid the common pitfalls:
- Premium fabrics: We use high-performance materials designed for comfort, breathability, and durability.
- Inclusive sizing: From juniors to plus sizes, every player is catered for.
- 3D design tool: Our interactive online tool lets you see your sports team shirt in full detail before placing an order. You can preview colours, logos, and layouts, making sure the design is perfect and consistent.
- Professional design support: Our team ensures logos, colours, and prints look sharp and consistent.
- On-time delivery: We guide you on ordering timelines so you’re ready before the season begins.
- Quality and value: Our uniforms strike the right balance between affordability and long-lasting quality.
With Team Spirit Sports, you don’t just get a shirt, you get a uniform your players will be proud to wear, backed by a supplier that understands what teams need both on and off the field.
Get Sports Team Shirts Right the First Time
Ordering sports team shirts should be an exciting step for your club or school, not a stressful one. By avoiding common mistakes, from choosing the wrong fabric to leaving orders too late, you can save money, time, and frustration while giving your players shirts they’re proud to wear.
At Team Spirit Sports, we make the process easy with high-quality fabrics, inclusive sizing, professional design support, and our 3D design tool that lets you preview your uniforms before they’re made. With us, your team doesn’t just get a kit, they get a uniform built for comfort, durability, and identity.
Contact Team Spirit Sports today to design sports team shirts that look great, fit every player, and last season after season.
FAQs About Sports Team Shirts
1. How long does it take to order custom sports team shirts?
Production times vary depending on design complexity and order size, but most custom sports team shirts take 4–6 weeks from final approval to delivery. At Team Spirit Sports, we recommend ordering early to make sure your uniforms arrive well before the season starts.
2. What’s the best fabric for sports team shirts?
The best fabrics are breathable, lightweight, and durable, such as polyester blends with moisture-wicking properties. These materials keep players comfortable while standing up to frequent washing and training sessions.
3. Can we see our design before placing the order?
Yes, with Team Spirit Sports’ 3D design tool, you can preview your shirt design in full detail before committing. This ensures your colours, logos, and layout are exactly how you want them.
4. Do you offer plus-size and junior team shirts?
Absolutely. We provide inclusive sizing for all players, from juniors to women’s cuts and plus sizes. Every member of your team deserves a shirt that fits comfortably.
5. What’s the minimum order for sports team shirts?
Minimum order requirements depend on the design and customisation, but Team Spirit Sports works with teams of all sizes, from small community clubs to large schools and associations.
6. How do we keep sports team shirts looking new?
To make your shirts last longer:
- Wash them in cold water.
- Avoid using harsh detergents or bleach.
- Hang to dry instead of tumble drying.
Following these care tips helps your uniforms stay vibrant and durable season after season.