Choosing the right team uniforms is more than just picking a color and slapping on a logo. It’s about building team spirit, ensuring player comfort, and staying within budget. As a coach or program administrator, you’re the leader in this process, and your decisions will impact the entire team. Here are five crucial things to consider before placing that uniform order:
- Comfort and Performance: It’s Not Just About Looks
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- Fabric Matters: Think about the sport and the climate. Breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics are essential. Consider materials like polyester blends, which offer a balance of comfort and durability.
- Fit and Movement: Uniforms should allow for a full range of motion. Avoid overly tight or loose fits that can hinder performance. Consider the specific movements involved in your sport and ensure the uniform accommodates them.
- Durability: Think about the wear and tear your uniforms will endure. Frequent washing and general athletic activity demand robust materials and stitching. Invest in quality to avoid premature fading or tearing.
- Budget and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
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- Set a Realistic Budget: Before you start browsing, determine how much you can spend per player. Factor in the cost of jerseys, shorts and any additional items like practice jerseys or travel gear.
- Consider Bulk Discounts: Ordering in bulk often leads to significant savings. Ask vendors about discounts for larger orders.
- Don’t Sacrifice Quality for Price: While staying within budget is important, avoid choosing the cheapest option if it means sacrificing quality. Inferior uniforms may need to be replaced sooner, costing you more in the long run.
- Vendor Reliability and Turnaround Time: Avoiding Last-Minute Stress
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- Research Vendor Reputation: How long has the vendor been in business? Where are their uniforms made? Do they specialize in a particular sport? Ask for recommendations from other coaches and read online reviews to ensure the vendor is reliable and delivers quality products.
- Check Turnaround Time: Inquire about the vendor’s turnaround time and ensure it aligns with your team’s schedule. Always build in a small pad for potential delays.
- Confirm Order Details: Double-check all order details, including sizes, colors, and customization options, before placing the order.
- Communication is Key: Do you have a dedicated (human being) account manager? Ask the vendor this information and ensure you have contact information for this vendor representative to stay in touch about your order details!
- Customization and Branding: Building Team Identity
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- Team Colors and Logo: Choose colors that represent your team and create a unique logo that stands out. Consider how these choices reflect your program’s personality.
- Player Names and Numbers: Ensure clear and legible names and numbers. Consider the size and placement to maximize visibility.
- Custom Design Elements: Explore options for adding custom design elements, such as sublimated patterns or embroidered patches, to create a truly unique look.
- Team Stores and Spiritwear: Does the vendor offer a team store where parents, players and fans can buy spiritwear to support your program? Do they offer a revenue share on sales? This is a great way to drive enthusiasm around your program and cover some team expenses?
- Sizing and Fit: Ensuring Everyone Feels Comfortable
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- Provide Accurate Sizing Information: Work with your vendor to provide accurate sizing charts and consider offering sizing samples to players.
- Consider Different Body Types: Be mindful of the diverse body types on your team and choose uniforms that offer a comfortable fit for everyone.
- Allow for Growth: If you’re purchasing uniforms for youth teams, consider ordering slightly larger sizes to accommodate growth spurts. When in doubt, size up – always better for uniforms to be a bit large than too snug!
By considering these five factors, you can make informed decisions and choose team uniforms that not only look great but also enhance performance and build your program’s brand!