2026 Mar 25th
How to Choose the Right Custom Apparel for Your Sports Team
So your team needs new gear. Maybe your jerseys have seen better days, maybe you're starting a brand new team, or maybe your coach just really wants everyone to look sharp for once. Whatever the reason - choosing the right custom apparel can feel overwhelming if you don't know where to start.
Don't worry. We've got you covered (literally).
Here's everything you need to know before placing your order.
1. Know Your Sport (and Your Climate)
This sounds obvious, but different sports have very different apparel needs. A hockey team needs durable, breathable jerseys that can handle the rink. A soccer team needs lightweight polyester that moves with the player. A baseball team needs something that can survive a few too many slides into third base.
And here in BC? You also need to think about weather. Fraser Valley teams know that a May tournament can go from sunny to soaking wet in about 20 minutes. Layering options - like custom hoodies and zip-ups - are always a smart addition to your team kit.
Pro tip: Think beyond just jerseys. A complete team kit often includes practice shirts, warm-up jackets, bags, and headwear. Ordering everything together usually gets you a better price and a more cohesive look.
2. Understand Your Decoration Options
Not all custom apparel is made the same way — and the decoration method matters a lot for durability, look, and cost.
Here are the main options:
DTF Printing (Direct to Film) DTF is one of the newest and most versatile printing methods. It produces vibrant, full-colour designs that can go on almost any fabric. Great for complex logos, gradients, and photographic-quality artwork. The prints are soft to the touch and hold up really well through repeated washing.
Screen Printing The classic. Screen printing is ideal for large orders with bold, simple designs. The colours are rich and the prints are incredibly durable. Best for solid colours and straightforward logos - not ideal for highly detailed artwork.
Embroidery If you want that premium, professional look, embroidery is the way to go. It's perfect for polo shirts, hats, jackets, and anything where you want a raised, textured finish. Logos and team names look sharp and last for years.
Sublimation Sublimation printing infuses colour directly into the fabric, making it ideal for performance wear like jerseys and athletic shirts. The design won't crack, peel, or fade - even after hundreds of washes. Best for light-coloured polyester fabrics.
Not sure which method is right for your team? Just ask - we'll help you figure it out based on your design, budget, and fabric.
3. Think About Your Timeline
This is where a lot of teams get caught off guard. Custom apparel takes time - designing, approving, producing, and shipping all add up. As a general rule:
- Rush orders: 1–2 weeks (possible but limited)
- Standard orders: 2–3 weeks
- Large or complex orders: 3–4 weeks
If you have a tournament, a season opener, or a big event coming up - start earlier than you think you need to. Nothing worse than showing up in last year's gear because the new jerseys didn't arrive in time.
4. Get Your Sizing Right
Custom apparel is almost always non-returnable, so getting sizing right upfront is critical. Here are a few tips:
- Collect sizes from every player before ordering - don't guess
- Order a few extras in common sizes (usually medium and large) for new players or replacements
- Check whether the brand runs small, large, or true to size - we can advise on specific brands
- For youth teams, leave a little room for growing room (kids shoot up fast)
5. Think About Your Brand
Your team's gear is a walking billboard - for your team, your school, your organization, or your sponsors. A cohesive, well-designed kit makes your team look professional and builds pride.
A few things to consider:
- Colours: Stick to your official team colours. If you don't have them yet, keep it simple - two or three colours max.
- Logo placement: Chest, back, sleeve - where your logo goes affects the overall look significantly.
- Sponsor logos: If you have sponsors, plan for where their logos will appear before you finalize the design.
- Player names and numbers: Do you want individual names on the back? Numbers? This adds a personal touch and is great for team sports.
6. Work With a Company That Gets It
Not all custom apparel companies are the same. You want a partner who communicates clearly, meets deadlines, and stands behind their work.
At Sport X Canada, we've been outfitting teams, schools, and organizations across BC and beyond. We provide DTF printing, embroidery, screen printing, and sublimation.
And here's the part that makes us a little different: 25–40% of every sale gets donated back to the schools, PACs, and registered charities we work with. So your team gets great gear AND your organization builds up funds for future orders. Win-win.
Ready to Gear Up?
Whether you're outfitting a team of 10 or a whole school, we're here to help. Get in touch for a free quote and let's build something your team will be proud to wear.
Proudly supporting BC communities - one order at a time.
Sport X Canada | Custom Apparel & Promotional Products | Abbotsford, BC