Team Uniforms 101

One of our main offerings as a print company is sports uniforms.  We love working with teams from the planning process through the final delivery.  Great looking uniforms can build player confidence and help your team look their best.  

When it comes to sports merchandising (everything from booster clubs, to PTO's and team uniforms) there is a lot of planning.  Generally, time is crucial when working with team sports, so we've put together a 4 part checklist to help you keep your order on the right track and get your custom uniforms, shirts, or other gear as quickly and easily as possible.

1. Have a plan.

When you or your player signs up for a league or other sport, you know it's coming. You'll need a uniform.  More often than not, ordering uniforms gets put later and later on the list of things to do and all the while, the first game is approaching quickly.  With that, a good starting point is to size your players on day one.  Get a basic understanding of how many  items you'll need, and be ready to move quickly!

2. Contact your printer ASAP

Now that you have your players info (size and numbers), It's time to come and talk about some specifics. 

• What colors will your uniform be? 
• What colors will the print be?
• Will you need a home and away jersey?
• What style uniform do you like? 
• Will you need accessories like socks, caps, and belts?
• Will there be names on the back or numbers on the front?
• Do you need fan gear for friends and family? 

These are all simple questions to answer, and any uniform company can help direct you through this process easily.

Remember - this takes time, and when your season starts, every team in the nation generally orders at the same time give or take a week.  The early birds rarely have to deal with headaches like inventory shortages, back-orders, or production time delays that can be expected with the high volume of orders that many print shops must fill before a season opener.

3.  Place your order

So far, we've got your players sizes, numbers, and personalization needs.  We have also established team colors, garment styles, and general layout.  It's go time!  Be sure to talk about deadlines and when product needs to be delivered.  Another benefit to early ordering is that you'll likely avoid any rush fees or expedited shipping costs due to last minute production.

By this time, you should have received a price quote or invoice on your order.  Collect all money, and pay the invoice.  Always confirm the pricing & deadline with your printer.  Many common issues can be resolved with a few seconds of communication!  Never assume your printer knows when your first game is or when you're going to have practice - because they don't.

4. Production & Delivery

Once your printer has all the details, is paid, and has your approval on any designs or mock-ups, your order will make its way though the process.  Once your uniforms are ready be sure you check your order, and check it again.  Let your printer know immediately if there are any issues.  After that, pass your sweet looking new gear out and enjoy the season!

If we can help you with your team apparel, get in contact with us and we can help make sure your team looks their best!