Short answer: start with two colourways (light for home, dark for away), make the numbers clearly contrast with the jersey, keep the front centre clear for the team name and number, and send vector logos. With sublimation, any colours, gradients and patterns cost the same, so the design is limited by readability and league rules, not price.
Home and away colours
FIBA rules ask the home team to wear light shirts (preferably white) and the visitors dark shirts, with shorts in the same dominant colour as the shirt. US high school (NFHS) rules require white at home and a dark colour away. If you only want one set, a reversible jersey gives you both colours in one garment.
Design checklist
- Contrast: numbers must contrast with the jersey; NFHS and NCAA do not allow numbers in the jersey colour.
- Number zone: keep the area behind the front and back numbers simple so they read from the stands.
- Names: usually across the upper back, above the number.
- Sponsor logos: chest, back below the number, or shorts leg. Sponsor logos are included in the price on sublimated uniforms.
- Side panels and trims: a good place for patterns and secondary colours.
- League limits: NFHS restricts side inserts to 4 in total width and a single manufacturer logo to 2¼ sq in; check your league.
Reversible or two separate sets?
| Reversible jersey | Two separate sets | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Practice, camps, recreational leagues, budgets | Competitive leagues, school teams |
| Cost | About twice the price of a single-layer jersey | Two sets |
| Weight | Heavier (two layers) | Lighter |
| Numbers | Printed on both sides | One set each |
Files to send
- Logo as vector (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG), or a high-resolution PNG
- Pantone colour references, if you have them
- Reference photos of designs you like
- Roster with names, numbers and sizes
Not sure where to start? Send a photo or a sketch and we make a free mockup in about 24 hours. See also the artwork and roster guide and number rules.
Numbers and names that read from the stands
- Font: bold block or athletic fonts with thick strokes; avoid script, thin or condensed fonts for numbers.
- Outline: a one-colour outline helps when the number sits on a patterned area; NFHS allows no more than three colours on a number.
- Size: our standard is 20–25 cm on the back and 8–10 cm on the front; we enlarge the front number for NFHS teams.
- Names: keep surnames on one line; very long names are condensed to fit the shoulder width.
- Shorts: a small number on the leg is a style choice, not a rule requirement.
Colour combinations that work
| Jersey colour | Number colours that contrast | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| White | Navy, black, royal, red | Yellow, light grey |
| Navy or black | White, gold, sky blue | Dark red, dark green |
| Royal blue | White, yellow, black | Navy, purple |
| Red | White, black | Orange, pink |
| Yellow or gold | Black, navy, purple | White |
Five design mistakes we see most often
- Numbers on a busy pattern that disappear from a distance; keep the number zone simple.
- Home and away sets that look too similar; referees need an obvious light and dark.
- Low-resolution logos pulled from a website; send vector files or a large PNG.
- Sponsor logos added after sample approval, which means a second sample.
- Forgetting league rules on number digits, contrast and logo size; send your league’s rules with the design.
How the design process works with us
| Step | Time | What you send or approve |
|---|---|---|
| Brief | Same day | Logo, colours, reference photos, league rules |
| Free digital mockup | About 24 hours | Approve or ask for changes |
| Physical sample | 5–7 days | Check colours, fabric, numbers and fit |
| Bulk production | 15–20 days after sample approval | Final roster with names, numbers and sizes |
Basketball buying guides
- How much do custom basketball uniforms cost?
- Basketball jersey number rules (FIBA, NFHS, NCAA)
- Youth basketball uniforms: sizing and ordering
- Basketball uniform design guide
- Basketball jersey size chart
- Basketball uniforms for teams: prices from 10 sets
Fabric guides: team jerseys (soccer, volleyball, football) · basketball uniforms
Frequently asked questions
What colours should a basketball team choose for home and away?
A light home jersey, preferably white, and a dark away jersey. FIBA asks the home team to wear light shirts, and NFHS requires white at home.
Does a complex design cost more?
Not with sublimation: any number of colours, gradients and patterns costs the same. Embroidery and tackle twill are priced by size and number of elements.
Can I add sponsor logos to basketball jerseys?
Yes. Sponsor logos, names and numbers are included in the price on sublimated uniforms.
Is a reversible jersey worth it?
For practice, camps and recreational leagues, yes: one jersey covers both colours. Competitive teams usually prefer two lighter single-layer sets.
What file format should my logo be?
Vector files (AI, EPS, PDF or SVG) work best. A high-resolution PNG also works, and we can redraw simple logos.
What font should I use for basketball numbers?
A bold block or athletic font with thick strokes reads best from the stands. Avoid thin script or condensed fonts for numbers, and keep names and numbers in the same style.
When should I make design changes?
On the free digital mockup, before the sample. Changes after sample approval may need a new sample.