Ordering uniforms gets much easier when you take it one step at a time. This guide shows coaches, team parents and club managers how to order team uniforms without the usual back-and-forth: choosing your pieces, deciding between sublimated and printed jerseys, finalizing the design, building a roster of names and numbers and collecting sizes.
The step that slows most teams down usually isn't the printing. It's gathering names, numbers and sizes from every player, so this guide includes a size collection checklist to make that part painless.
How to order team uniforms in seven steps
- Pick your sport and pieces. Jerseys only, or a full set with practice and fan gear.
- Choose sublimated or printed. An all-over custom design, or a logo, names and numbers on solid jerseys.
- Finalize the design. Team colors, logo file and number style.
- Build the roster. Every player's name and number, checked twice.
- Collect sizes. One form, one deadline, one list.
- Check every detail. Spelling, numbers, sizes and colors before you submit.
- Plan pickup or shipping. Work backward from your first game.
Step 1: Pick your sport and uniform pieces
Start on our custom team uniforms page and choose your sport. We have dedicated pages for:
- Baseball and softball
- Basketball and volleyball
- Soccer and lacrosse
- Football and track
Next, decide what each player gets. A game jersey is the core of every team uniform order, but many teams add practice shirts, warm-up hoodies and caps. Listing every piece up front means one size collection and one order instead of several.
Step 2: Choose sublimated or printed uniforms
Sublimated uniforms are printed with dye that bonds with polyester fabric, so the design becomes part of the jersey. Colors, patterns, gradients, names and numbers can cover the whole garment, and there is nothing on the surface to crack or peel.
Printed uniforms start with stock jerseys or shirts in your team color. The front design can be screen printed across a larger order, and names and numbers are added with DTF transfers, since every piece is different.
| Factor | Sublimated | Printed |
|---|---|---|
| Design | All-over color, patterns and side panels | A logo, names and numbers on a solid jersey |
| Names and numbers | Printed into each jersey | Added with DTF transfers |
| Feel | Nothing on the surface | A print that sits on the fabric |
| Fabric | Polyester performance fabric | Cotton, polyester or blends |
| Best for | Club, travel and school teams that want a one-of-a-kind look | Rec leagues, practice gear and fan shirts |
Want a design no other team has? Go sublimated. Want a clean, classic look on solid jerseys? Go printed.
Step 3: Finalize your design and colors
Lock in the design before you collect sizes, so nobody has to answer twice. Agree on these details as a team:
- Team colors. Pick a main color and one or two accents. Number colors should contrast strongly with the jersey so they read from the stands.
- Logo file. A PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI is preferred. We also accept AI, EPS, PDF and JPG files, in RGB or CMYK.
- Lettering. Bold block names and numbers read best at a distance. Keep small text, like a sponsor line, at 8 pt or larger.
- League rules. Many leagues set rules for number size, placement and color, so check yours before the design is final.
Step 4: Custom jerseys with names and numbers
Names and numbers turn a stack of jerseys into a team. On sublimated uniforms, each jersey is printed individually, so every name and number is simply part of its design. On printed uniforms, each name and number is its own DTF transfer, so personalizing every piece doesn't change the main design.
Build the roster in one spreadsheet, with a row per player, and follow a few simple rules:
- Pick one name format. Last names only, or first initial and last name, but the same for everyone.
- Spell names exactly as they should print. Ask players or parents to type their own names instead of copying them from a sign-up sheet.
- Check for duplicate numbers. Sort the number column before you send the list.
- Mark jerseys without names. Write "no name" instead of leaving a cell empty, so nothing looks like a mistake.
Step 5: Collect sizes with this checklist
Sizing is where most delays start. Work through this checklist and you'll get it right the first time:
- Choose the exact styles first. Sizes vary between brands and cuts, so collect sizes only once styles are final.
- Share the size chart. Ask families to compare it with a jersey or shirt that fits the player now.
- Spell out youth and adult sizes. Write "Youth M" or "Adult M" in full, because a plain "M" is a common mix-up.
- Plan for growth. Younger players can grow a lot in one season, so many families size up.
- Use one form for everything. Player name, number, jersey size, sizes for any other pieces and a parent contact.
- Set a reply-by date. Follow up once, then make your best call for anyone who hasn't answered.
- Add a few extras. One or two spare jerseys without names, in common sizes, cover late sign-ups.
- Save the final list. It makes next season's reorder and any add-ons much easier.
Step 6: Check every detail before you order
Before you submit your team uniform order, put the final design and roster side by side and confirm:
- Every name is spelled correctly and uses the agreed format.
- Every number is correct and appears only once.
- Sizes and quantities match the roster, including extras.
- Colors and logo placement match what the team approved.
Questions about styles, fabrics or artwork? Contact us before you order and we'll help you sort them out.
Step 7: Plan your timing and delivery
Choose the date you need uniforms in hand, such as the first game or picture day, and work backward. Leave time to finalize the design, collect sizes, produce the order and get it to the team. The earlier you start, the calmer game week will be.
Teams in metro Atlanta can choose free local pickup in Alpharetta, and we ship to all 50 states with tracking. For current production times on a uniform order, call us at (678) 845-6864 or email hello@tidalcolors.com.
Round out the look for coaches and fans
Uniforms are only part of the picture. Many teams add matching gear for the people on the sidelines:
- Caps with embroidered logos in up to 15 thread colors. See custom hats.
- Coach polos and jackets with an embroidered chest logo.
- Hoodies for cold sidelines and early practices.
- Fan shirts for parents and siblings, printed with the team logo.
Frequently asked questions
Can every jersey have a different name and number?
Yes. On sublimated uniforms, names and numbers are printed into each jersey. On printed uniforms, each name and number is its own DTF transfer, so every piece can be different.
Sublimated vs printed uniforms: what's the difference?
Sublimation dyes the design into polyester fabric, so it can cover the whole jersey and has no feel. Printed uniforms add a logo, names and numbers to stock jerseys in your team color.
How do we get sizes right for youth players?
Share the size chart for the exact style, ask families to compare it with a jersey that fits now and write youth or adult next to every size. Many families size up for players who are still growing.
What logo file should we send?
A PNG with a transparent background at 300 DPI is preferred. We also accept AI, EPS, PDF and JPG files in RGB or CMYK.
How early should we order team uniforms?
As early as you can. Collecting sizes and confirming names often takes longer than expected, so start well ahead of your first game and contact us for current production times.
Get your team ready for game day
Pick your sport, choose sublimated or printed, and collect names, numbers and sizes in one place. With a clean roster and a clear design, the rest of the order is simple.
