Short answer: order youth basketball uniforms by height, not age, mix youth and adult sizes in one order, and allow four to six weeks. At Eliian, youth sets cost about 10–15% less than adult sets (adult sets are USD 9–12.5), the minimum is 10 sets per design with sizes mixed, and names and numbers are included.
Youth sizes by height
| Eliian size | Typical age | Height (cm) | Height (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| YS | 6–7 | 115–127 | 45–50 |
| YM | 8–9 | 128–140 | 51–55 |
| YL | 10–11 | 141–150 | 56–59 |
| YXL | 12–13 | 151–160 | 60–63 |
| YXXL | 14–15 | 161–168 | 64–66 |
Tips for leagues and club programs
- Collect heights, not ages. Children of the same age can be two sizes apart.
- Size up for growth if the uniform must last more than one season.
- Order 5–10% spares for new players who join mid-season. Reorders are charged at the same price and skip sampling and setup.
- One design, many teams: each colourway counts as its own design with a 10-set minimum, but teams in the same colourway can share one design with different names and numbers.
- Reversible jerseys suit practice and pick-up games, since one jersey covers both colours.
Numbers for youth teams
Our standard youth back number is 15–20 cm. Youth leagues that follow FIBA rules need at least 16 cm on the back and 8 cm on the front; US school leagues under NFHS rules need 6 in (15.2 cm) on the back and 4 in (10.2 cm) on the front, using only the digits 0–5. See basketball jersey number rules.
Ordering timeline for a new season
- 8–10 weeks before the first game: collect the roster with heights and numbers.
- Send the logo and colours; we return a free mockup in about 24 hours.
- Approve a sample (5–7 days).
- Bulk production takes 15–20 days, then shipping.
Our factory is closed for Chinese New Year from 3 to 12 February 2027, so for spring leagues order by early January.
Budgeting a youth season
Youth sets cost about 10–15% less than adult sets, which are USD 9–12.5 per jersey-and-shorts set (USD 11–12.5 at 10–50 sets). For a typical youth team of 10–12 players, 10–12 youth sets come to about USD 95–135 at factory price, before sample, shipping and import duty.
| League size | Designs | Sets |
|---|---|---|
| One team | 1 | 10–12 |
| Club with 4 teams in one colourway | 1 (names and numbers differ) | 40–60 |
| League with 8 teams in 8 colours | 8 | 80 or more (10 per colour minimum) |
Fit for growing players
- Jersey length: youth jerseys should cover the waistband of the shorts when the arms are raised.
- Shorts: basketball shorts sit at or just above the knee; for younger players a drawstring waist helps between sizes.
- Between two sizes: choose the larger if the kit must last more than one season.
- Fabric: 140–160 g/m² polyester mesh or interlock is light and dries quickly for long tournament days.
Caring for youth uniforms
Ask parents to wash jerseys inside out in cold water and hang them to dry. Sublimated colours are part of the fabric, so they do not crack or peel, but heat from a tumble dryer can still shrink or distort the fabric. Full instructions: how to wash sublimated jerseys.
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
How do I size youth basketball uniforms?
By height. In Eliian sizing, YS fits about 115–127 cm, YM 128–140 cm, YL 141–150 cm, YXL 151–160 cm and YXXL 161–168 cm. Taller players move into adult sizes.
Can we mix youth and adult sizes in one order?
Yes. The 10-set minimum is per design, and youth and adult sizes can be mixed within it.
How much do youth basketball uniforms cost?
About 10–15% less than adult sets, which cost USD 9–12.5 per jersey-and-shorts set at factory price.
How early should a youth league order uniforms?
About 8–10 weeks before the first game, to allow for the roster, mockup, sample, production and shipping.
Can we add players later in the season?
Yes. Reorders of the same design are charged at the same price and skip sampling and setup.
Can you rush a basketball uniform order?
Yes, depending on quantity. For orders under 200 sets, the fastest we can ship is about 10 days.
Should youth jerseys be bought a size up?
If the uniform must last two seasons, yes: size up for players near the top of a height range. For one season, order the size that matches current height.
Can a youth league order different colours for each team?
Yes. Each colourway is its own design with a 10-set minimum, so a league with eight teams in eight colours orders eight designs of at least 10 sets each.