How to Make Basketball Shirts

Being part of a basketball team is made even more enjoyable when the team members collaborate on picking out a uniform. The jerseys you wear can add an extra bit of individuality and style to your team. Your jersey choices are not limited to one of two extremes: buying finished jerseys off the rack or getting by with something akin to T-shirts with cheap iron-on numbers. Follow these steps and you can make your own custom set of basketball jerseys in the same manner as professionals in uniform sales.

Instructions

1. Obtain a copy of the league rules regarding uniforms so that you create a set of jerseys that are legal. Pay special attention to the rules concerning uniform numbers. For officiating purposes, leagues often do not allow the following digits on jerseys; 6,7,8, and 9.

2. Compile a list of team members' names (check for correct spelling), jersey sizes and requested uniform numbers.

3. Decide upon a team logo and lettering style for the uniforms. The following websites have hundreds of ideas and choices: www.transferexpress.com and www.rivalart.com.

   Keep in mind these factors that usually increase cost: more colors, the addition of player names on the back, the addition of a sponsor name, 2 color numbers, and numbers on both sides of the jersey.

4. Choose a blank basketball jersey with an appropriate style and colors to complement your logo. The following websites have dozens of options to choose from: www.augustasportswear.com and www.teamworkathletic.com.

5. Use your list of jersey sizes and order the blank jerseys to be decorated. Be sure to check on the availability of the jersey you want in the sizes and colors you need. It is not uncommon in the uniform industry for there to be certain styles, sizes, or colors to be on backorder. Consider other style options if a backorder will not meet your timetable.

6. Call and meet with a few companies that produce completed uniforms. Do this by looking up companies that specialize in one or more of the three options that work well for logos and lettering on basketball jerseys; screen printing, digital garment printing and heat press. Come to the meetings with all the research that you've done in the steps above. These shops should be able to describe to you the advantages and disadvantages of their application processes, their prices and payment terms, and production time. Weigh your options, select a company and pick up your new jerseys when they are finished.

Tips & Warnings

• Screenprinting was designed to print quality garments in bulk quantities, so it may be the most economical choice for large orders.

References

• Screen Printing Process Explained

Resources

• Basketball Jerseys for Decoration