Short answer: a training jacket is the knitted full-zip jacket players train and warm up in, usually 100% polyester double-knit at 200–260 g/m². A presentation jacket (also called a walkout or anthem jacket) is what the team wears walking out, on the bench, travelling and at events: knitted at 200–280 g/m² to match a tracksuit, or woven in polyester or nylon at 70–180 g/m² for a lighter or sharper look. A pre-match top is the sublimated top worn for warm-ups and line-ups, and a quarter-zip is a long-sleeve knitted training top with a short neck zip. We make all four from 10 pieces per design.
The four team top layers, compared
| Training jacket | Presentation jacket | Pre-match top | Quarter-zip training top | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Also called | Warm-up jacket, track jacket | Walkout jacket, anthem jacket | Pre-game top, warm-up shirt | 1/4-zip, drill top |
| When it is worn | Training, warm-ups | Walk-out, bench, travel, events | Warm-ups and line-ups before the match | Training and cool weather |
| Construction | Knitted, full zip | Knitted full zip, or woven with mesh lining | Knitted pullover | Knitted pullover with short zip |
| Typical fabric | 100% polyester double-knit, 200–260 g/m² | Knit: polyester double-knit or warp-knit, 200–280 g/m². Woven: polyester or nylon, 70–180 g/m² shell | Sublimation-ready polyester knit | Polyester or polyester-spandex knit |
| Full sublimation | Yes, on polyester knit | Knit: yes. Woven: embroidery, heat transfer or print | Yes | Yes, on polyester knit |
Clubs often order more than one. A common set is a training jacket and track pants for every player, plus a presentation jacket for players and staff on match days.
Fabrics and weights
| Style | Common fabric | Typical weight | What it is good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard training jacket | 100% polyester double-knit | 200–260 g/m² | Some body and substance; warm-ups and everyday training |
| Stretch training jacket | Polyester-spandex knit | 180–250 g/m² | Good stretch; slim and fitted cuts |
| Autumn / winter training jacket | Brushed or fleece-back polyester knit | 250–320 g/m² | Warm inner face for colder weather |
| Knitted presentation jacket | Polyester double-knit or warp-knit sports fabric | 200–280 g/m² | Neat, sharp look; matches a full tracksuit |
| Lightweight woven presentation jacket | Polyester or nylon plain weave or ripstop | 70–130 g/m² | Light; usually paired with a mesh lining |
| Structured woven presentation jacket | Polyester or nylon twill, or stretch woven | 130–180 g/m² | More shape; for presentations and everyday wear |
Heavier is not automatically better. A 260 g/m² double-knit feels substantial for winter warm-ups but is warm for summer training; a 70–130 g/m² woven shell is light enough to pack, but needs a mesh lining to feel comfortable against the skin.
Three safe choices for a first sample
- Training jacket: 100% polyester double-knit, 220–240 g/m².
- Slim stretch training jacket: polyester-spandex knit, 200–230 g/m².
- Lightweight presentation jacket: polyester woven shell, 90–120 g/m², with a mesh lining.
Can a training jacket be fully sublimated?
Yes, if it is a polyester knit. The usual method is to print the design onto white fabric, then cut and sew the jacket. That is what makes all-over club patterns, gradients and panel graphics possible on a training jacket at no extra cost per colour.
| Fabric | Full sublimation? | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| 100% polyester double-knit | Yes — first choice | Confirm the fabric is sublimation-grade and approve a colour strike-off first |
| Polyester-spandex knit | Yes | Check stretch recovery, size and hand feel after the high-temperature press |
| Poly-cotton blend knit | Not for bright, even sublimation | The cotton does not take the same dye, so colours look pale or heathered |
| Dark ready-dyed fabric | Not for any all-over design | Sublimation has no white ink, so the base colour shows through the artwork |
Two things buyers often assume and should not. First, an all-over print does not run perfectly across every seam on its own: pattern matching at the shoulders, armholes and side seams has to be designed into the artwork from the start. Second, zippers, rib collars and rib cuffs are separate components and are not printed with the main fabric, so confirm their colours separately on the mockup.
Woven presentation jackets are not sublimated. Logos go on by embroidery, heat transfer or screen print, the same as on our outdoor jackets.
Price, minimum and lead time
Training and presentation jackets start at 10 pieces per design, sizes mixed. Our published band for training and warm-up jackets is USD 13–18, and presentation jackets price close to it; the exact figure depends on fabric, lining and decoration and is confirmed on your quote. Samples take 7–10 days and bulk production 20–25 days after sample approval. See team tracksuits, training and presentation jackets for price examples.
What to put in your quote request
- Which style: training jacket, presentation jacket (knit or woven), pre-match top or quarter-zip.
- Fabric and weight, or the use and season so we can recommend one.
- Fit: regular or slim.
- Decoration: full sublimation (polyester knit only), embroidery, heat transfer or print, and logo positions.
- Zipper, collar and cuff colours.
- Quantity and size split by wearer height — see the jacket size chart.
- Destination country.
Fabric guides: how to choose a training jacket manufacturer · waterproof and outdoor jackets · team jerseys · basketball uniforms
Frequently asked questions
What is a presentation jacket?
A presentation jacket, also called a walkout or anthem jacket, is the jacket a team wears walking out, on the bench, while travelling and at events. It is made either in a knitted fabric to match a tracksuit (200–280 g/m²) or in a woven polyester or nylon shell (70–180 g/m²) for a lighter or more structured look.
What is the best fabric for a training jacket?
100% polyester double-knit at 200–260 g/m²; 220–240 g/m² is a good first sample. For a slim fit, polyester-spandex knit at 180–250 g/m². For cold weather, brushed or fleece-back polyester knit at 250–320 g/m².
Can a training jacket be fully sublimated?
Yes, on polyester knit. We print the design on white fabric, then cut and sew. Poly-cotton blends and dark ready-dyed fabrics do not give bright, even all-over prints, and zippers and rib trims are coloured separately.
Do woven presentation jackets include the lining in the fabric weight?
No. The 70–180 g/m² range for woven presentation jackets is the shell fabric only. Lightweight woven shells are usually paired with a mesh lining.
What is the minimum order for training or presentation jackets?
10 pieces per design, with sizes mixed. Training jackets are USD 13–18 at factory price and presentation jackets price close to that, confirmed per fabric, lining and decoration.
Is a quarter-zip the same as a training jacket?
No. A quarter-zip, or drill top, is a long-sleeve pullover with a short zip at the neck, worn for training. A training jacket has a full-length zip and is worn over other layers.