Football Kit Sizing Guide: Size Charts, Player Lists and Youth Kits
Wrong sizes are the most avoidable problem in teamwear. A size M from one supplier can be a size L from another, youth age ranges are interpreted differently, and a single typo in a player list means a striker plays in someone else's name. This guide covers how to read a supplier size chart, how to collect sizes from players, how to build a player list that factories can use, and what is different about youth kits.
Reading a supplier size chart
Never assume sizes match a brand you know. Ask for the supplier's chart for the exact style and fit, with:
Points of measure
- Chest width: measured flat, 2 cm below the armhole (half chest). Doubling it gives the full garment circumference.
- Body length: from the high point of the shoulder to the hem
- Sleeve length: from shoulder seam or centre back neck, depending on the chart
- Shorts: waist relaxed and stretched, hip, inseam, leg opening
- Socks: by shoe size range
Make sure you know whether the chart shows garment measurements (the shirt laid flat) or body measurements (the person). Mixing them is a common error.
Tolerances
Production garments vary slightly. Typical tolerances are around ±1 cm on smaller measurements and ±1.5–2 cm on chest width and body length. Write the tolerances into the order so inspection has a clear pass/fail line.
Fit
Slim, athletic and regular fits use different patterns. Players used to loose replica shirts may find athletic fits tight. Agree the fit before collecting sizes, and send a size set of samples if possible.
Running a player sizing survey
The best size data comes from players trying on real garments.
- Get a size set: ask the supplier for one sample in each key size, or use an existing kit of the same pattern.
- Organise a fitting session at training, with a sign-up sheet per player.
- Record: player name, preferred size for each item, and any notes (long arms, prefers loose fit).
- If fitting is impossible, send players the chart with garment measurements and ask them to compare against a shirt they already own and like, laid flat.
- Set a deadline at least one week before the order confirmation, and nominate one person to chase missing entries.
For adult teams, sizes often cluster around M–XL; still collect every size individually rather than estimating.
Building a player list factories can use
For personalised kits, the player list is a production document. Use one row per garment:
| Player name (as printed) | Number | Jersey size | Shorts size | Socks size | Kit (home/away/GK) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMITH | 9 | L | L | 39–42 | Home |
Rules that prevent errors:
- Write names exactly as they should be printed, including capitals, accents and spacing
- Check for duplicate numbers within the same kit
- Add a separate column for goalkeepers, who often need different colors and long sleeves
- Use a spreadsheet (XLSX or CSV), not a photo of a handwritten list
- Lock the list with a version number; any change after confirmation is a formal change request
- Ask the supplier to send back a proof of the list as it will be printed, and check it line by line
Size breakdown for distributors
Distributors buying unpersonalised stock need a size curve rather than a player list. Start from historic sales data if you have it. If not, a balanced adult curve weighted toward M and L is a common starting point, adjusted for your market. Order a smaller first run and use sell-through data to refine the curve for reorders.
Youth kits
Youth sizing needs extra care:
Size labels
Suppliers label youth sizes by age (for example 6–8 years), by height (for example 128 or 140 cm), or by letters (YS, YM, YL). Ask for the height and chest measurement each size is built for, because ages vary widely between children.
Growth allowance
Many clubs order slightly larger sizes so kits last a season or two. Decide on a club policy so parents are not each guessing differently.
Quality and safety
Children's garments face stricter rules in many markets. Avoid drawstrings in the hood and neck area of children's clothing, which safety standards such as EN 14682 in Europe restrict, and check rules on small parts and chemical content (for example, REACH restrictions in the EU or CPSIA in the US). Ask the supplier for relevant test reports if you sell youth kits to the public.
Decoration size
Logos and numbers must be scaled for small sizes. Confirm smaller number heights and logo widths in the placement drawing so a youth XS does not carry an adult-sized sponsor.
Sizing checklist
- ☐ Supplier size chart for the exact style and fit received
- ☐ Garment vs body measurements clarified
- ☐ Tolerances written into the order
- ☐ Size set sample or fitting session arranged
- ☐ Sizing deadline and responsible person set
- ☐ Player list in spreadsheet, one row per garment, names exactly as printed
- ☐ Duplicate numbers checked
- ☐ Printed-list proof from supplier checked
- ☐ Youth sizes mapped to height and chest
- ☐ Youth safety and labelling rules checked
- ☐ Logo and number sizes scaled for small sizes
Checking sizes at delivery
When the kits arrive, pull one garment from each size and measure chest width and body length against the size chart before distributing. Then check personalised shirts against the player list: name spelling, number and size for each player. Report any mismatch within the claim window agreed with the supplier, with photos showing the label and the measurement. Doing this before handing kits to players is far easier than collecting worn shirts back later.
FAQ
What if a player's size is wrong after delivery?
Agree in advance whether spare unpersonalised pieces or a small reorder will cover size swaps. Personalised garments usually cannot be exchanged.
Should I order extra sizes?
A small buffer of common sizes, often 5–10%, helps cover late joiners and mistakes, especially for youth teams.
Why does the same size fit differently between suppliers?
Each supplier uses its own patterns and grading. Always use the chart for the specific style and confirm with a sample.