The best thing about team spirit for high school students is the sense of pride when donning their sports gear during a game.
From football to tennis to hockey, kids feel like they belong to something bigger than them for those few hours on the field while the crowd cheers and chants. The natural high inhibits whatever hesitancy remains, and the only thing that matters is clinching a win.
Just imagine how much more they’ll be motivated to give their best when dressed in custom uniforms when representing their school during sporting events.
Whether you’re a coach or head of department, now’s the time to boost team spirit by creating custom gear for your high school sports team.
Define the Purpose
Before getting to the design work, you must discuss how players want to identify as a team.
Do they want to appear competitive, friendly or formidable? How will they be using and wearing the gear? Will it be during games, on the bench or during team meets?
Answering these vital questions influences the final product. Involve all team members in the decision-making process. It gives them a sense of ownership and encourages everyone to take part.
Finding the Right Manufacturer
Prep Sportswear advises partnering with a high school sports store that creates fully customizable apparel, offering multiple products, shades and design choices.
Enlisting the services of a highly recommended manufacturer doesn’t come with the costly headache of having to do it yourself. It’s cheaper and faster.
However, you don’t want to regret going with the first name that pops up on an online search. When researching custom gear, take heed of the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Positive online reviews
- Quick turnaround time
- Excellent customer service
- Quality products
Choosing Your Gear
A manufacturer with a fully operational design team can be a huge advantage. Custom gear can include uniforms, apparel and bags.
Practicality should drive the overall design, fabric choice and colors. There’s a saying in sports culture that goes “Look good, play good.” Athletes who feel confident in what they’re wearing automatically perform better on the field.
Vintage team sports apparel is making a huge comeback in school or college apparel trends. The same goes for pro sports fan apparel. Customized shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jerseys, hats and T-shirts are the preferred choice for many diehard fans.
No matter what you decide on, remember custom gear must be comfortable, stylish and designed for their intended use.
What About Material?
According to the International Journal of Polymer Science, the global sports textile market is expected to grow to $64.39 billion by 2030. This is partly due to the increasing demand for sportswear.
Not all fabrics are suited for sports participation. Breathable and moisture-wicking materials are highly recommended. Polyester or specialized blends help athletes stay dry and comfortable during intense activities.
Compared to cotton, polyester has several benefits. The fabric is durable and has quicker drying times. It resists shrinking and retains its shape longer.
Personalized Clothing
Personalizing team jerseys is a great way of displaying team players’ achievements. Add names and jersey numbers to the back of jerseys.
Commemorate special milestones by including phrases like “State Champions 2024” or “Touchdown King” on the front or back of the gear. Or, how about printing the team slogan onto baseball caps or sweatshirts to inspire fans?
Team sponsors play an integral role in helping offset costs. Show your appreciation by adding sponsor logos but be careful not to take away from the overall design.
Promoting Inclusivity
Gender-neutral sports attire is nothing new. Big brands now offer unisex clothing in a push for diversity and unity.
More U.K. schools are promoting gender inclusivity in their sports uniforms following a study published in Sport, Education and Society. The research showed that gendered school sports uniforms were a major factor in high dropout rates of teenage girls in sports.
About 70% of the reported incidents were due to clothing concerns and related body image.
Take Care
Caring for gear ensures it lasts longer. Depending on the type of material and whether a printing or embroidery method was used, determines the product’s longevity.
Screen printing and embroidery last longer and can withstand multiple washes. Use cold instead of warm water to extend the design’s lifespan and avoid shrinkage.
School kids are more inclined to take pride in their sports gear when they’ve been included in the entire design process. They display confidence and resilience on the playing field, making their hunger to win more insatiable.
Custom gear encourages everyone to be team players and work towards a common goal.
There’s no doubt the finished product will be exactly what you envisioned. And who knows, maybe the success of the upgraded sports uniform will inspire you to develop merch for loyal fans.