A 30-second summary
If you want custom football kits that lasts, start with sublimation. Then use a 3D football kit designer to lock colours, sponsor placement and names before you order. Finally, store the design so reorders are painless when your squad changes.
The 2026 ‘pro look’ checklist
Before you spend a penny, make sure your personalised football kits tick these boxes:
- Sublimated artwork (no peeling logos, no cracked graphics)
- Breathable match fabric suitable for wet UK seasons
- Clear typography for player names and numbers (legible from the touchline)
- Sponsor logo hierarchy (main sponsor, sleeve partner, back-of-shirt – kept clean)
- Saved design library for easy top-ups and reorders
Why clubs are upgrading custom football kits in 2026
Football kit isn’t just equipment anymore – it’s brand. Your shirt appears in highlights, WhatsApp groups, social posts and sponsor decks. That’s why teams are moving away from patchwork printing and toward fully custom football jerseys that look consistent everywhere.
- Better identity: club colours and crest look sharper on modern cameras.
- More trust from sponsors: clean placement and consistent design improves perceived professionalism.
- Better value over time: durable kit reduces replacements during the season.
Sublimation, without the jargon
Sublimation uses heat to fuse ink into the fabric fibres. The result is a lightweight shirt with graphics that don’t sit on top of the material. For custom football shirts, that usually means the design stays vivid for longer and feels better to play in.
Where it shines:
- Complex patterns and gradients
- Multiple sponsors without extra bulk
- Long-term durability through washing and weekly fixtures
Step-by-step: create a kit your whole squad will love
- Pick a template that matches your club personality: Stripes and hoops feel traditional; geometric fades feel modern; keep it aligned with your badge.
- Choose a 2-3 colour palette: Too many colours complicate sponsor logos and create clashes. Nail the palette first.
- Upload crest + sponsor logos: Use vector files where possible. Place the main sponsor early so it doesn’t fight the design.
- Set typography rules: One font style for names/numbers, high contrast colour, and a consistent outline if needed.
- Preview in 3D: Spin the kit, check sleeve logos, and make sure everything is readable from a distance.
- Lock the roster: Collect sizes, confirm spellings, and freeze the list before approval.
- Approve once, then save the design: Saved designs make reorders easy when players join or replace items.
Build your first draft in minutes: 3D Kit Designer
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Overcomplicating the design – Limit patterns and keep sponsor areas clean. A ‘busy’ shirt often looks cheaper, not premium.
- Low-resolution logos – Ask sponsors for the original vector logo. If you must use PNG, make sure it’s large and crisp.
- No approval checkpoint – Always review a final mock-up with a second person to catch spelling and placement errors.
- Ordering too late – Kit lead times are real; plan for pre-season and add buffer for approvals and roster collection.
- Not planning for reorders – Store the exact design specs so top-ups match later in the season.
Ordering playbook for managers, coaches and PE staff
Use this mini playbook to keep the project tidy:
- Week 1: create 2-3 design options, shortlist to one.
- Week 1-2: collect sizes + names, confirm sponsor artwork.
- Week 2: approve the final mock-up.
- Production: keep comms simple – one point of contact, one shared roster sheet.
- After delivery: store the design and reorder rules (font, number style, sponsor placement).
Need help or want the team to do the design for you? Contact / Get Started
FAQs
How do I design a custom football kit in 2026?
Use a 3D kit builder to pick a template, adjust colours, upload logos, add names/numbers, then submit the design for production.
What makes custom football shirts look professional?
A clean colour palette, readable names and numbers, high-quality crest reproduction, and tidy sponsor placement. Sublimation helps the design stay sharp.
Is sublimation better for personalised football kits?
Often, yes. Because the artwork is fused into the fabric, it tends to last longer and keeps the shirt lightweight.
Can we create different home and away kits?
Yes. Many clubs create a home kit first, then reuse the same design rules (colours, fonts, sponsor placement) for an away or third kit.
What should we send sponsors to get the best logo?
Ask for the original vector file (SVG/AI/EPS). If they only have PNG, request the largest, cleanest version available.
How do we stop players giving the wrong sizes?
Share a size guide early, set a deadline, and ask players to confirm twice (once when submitting, once before approval).
Can we reorder later if a player joins mid-season?
Yes – if the supplier stores your design, you can reorder matching items later. This is why saving the final version matters.
What details should be on the kit for grassroots football?
Club crest, sponsor (if applicable), player name/number, and sometimes league or competition badges. Keep it readable.
How can schools use personalised football kits?
Schools can design team kits for fixtures and tournaments, and use saved designs for reorders year after year.
Do custom football kits work for 5-a-side teams?
Yes. 5-a-side squads often prefer bold patterns and bright colours, and a 3D preview helps the team agree quickly.
What’s the fastest way to get started?
Create a draft kit in the builder first, then contact the team with your logos and roster to speed up production.
How do we avoid last-minute changes?
Run a quick squad vote, appoint one decision-maker, and set a hard deadline for names/sizes before approval.
Can we match socks and shorts to the shirt design?
Yes. Many suppliers offer matching shorts and socks so the whole kit looks unified on match day.
What’s the best structure for a kit order email?
Include: club name, sport/age group, kit items needed, roster sizes, names/numbers, delivery deadline, and your saved design reference.
Where can we design and submit our kit?
Use the kit creator to design and send your kit, or contact the team to start the process for you.
Helpful links: 3D Kit Builder | Contact / Get Started
