Why Custom Team Gear Matters

Custom team gear is more than just matching shirts for your squad. It boosts team spirit, helps you stand out on the field, and gives everyone a sense of identity. According to a recent survey, 65% of people say that quality custom gear directly impacts team morale. That means when your weekend rec team shows up with high-quality, well-designed uniforms, it can lead to better performance and a stronger sense of togetherness.

There’s also a growing market for these items. The global custom t-shirt printing market was valued at USD 3.64 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a rate of 9.7% through 2028. This growth means more online platforms, better printing technology, and a wider variety of styles available for your team. From youth soccer squads to adult softball leagues, it’s easier today than ever before to find high-quality custom team gear that reflects your team pride.

7 Best Websites to Order Custom Team Gear

If you’re looking to give your group a polished look without stressing over designs or complicated order sheets, here are seven of the best websites where you can order custom team gear.

1. Podiumwear
   Podiumwear focuses on creating eye-catching designs and uses high-grade materials. They offer jerseys, shorts, training jackets, and more. Their design services take you step-by-step through the creative process, meaning even if you’re new to logos or color schemes, they’ll make it easy to get a pro look.

• Great for: Cycling teams, running clubs, and multisport groups
• Bonus Feature: Personalized design consultations

2. GameDay Gear
   GameDay Gear helps you bring your ideas to life with a user-friendly process. You can choose from pre-made templates or upload your own design. With a range of options for t-shirts, hoodies, and accessories, this site makes it simple to outfit everyone on your rec league team.

• Great for: Teams wanting a variety of product types in one order
• Bonus Feature: All-in-one platform to design and order gear

3. Encore Custom
   Encore Custom delivers high-quality uniforms and has experience working with national-level organizations like USA Lacrosse. This background means they’re used to meeting strict standards for both design and performance. They offer a wide range of items, from jerseys to outerwear.

• Great for: Teams seeking professional-grade quality
• Bonus Feature: Deep experience in high-performance sports gear

4. Garb Athletics
   Garb Athletics does everything from baseball and softball to basketball. They focus on all-inclusive jersey packages, so you won’t be hit with hidden fees for extra logos or lettering. They also have a uniform builder tool that’s perfect for testing out different color patterns before you commit.

• Great for: Teams that want a straightforward pricing model
• Bonus Feature: Easy-to-use uniform builder tool

5. All Pro Team Sports
   All Pro Team Sports focuses on precision and consistency. Whether you’re ordering 10 shirts or 100, they aim to deliver the exact same look across all items. They also provide a wide selection of gear for different sports, making it a helpful one-stop shop if you manage multiple teams.

• Great for: Coordinating multiple sports within the same organization
• Bonus Feature: Emphasis on quality and order consistency

6. Home Team Apparel
   Home Team Apparel offers screen printing, digital printing, and embroidery. If you want your custom team gear to have a classic stitched look, or if you prefer budget-friendly digital prints, they’ve got you covered. Their support team can also guide you through choosing the right print method.

• Great for: Teams looking for versatile printing and embroidery options
• Bonus Feature: Multiple printing methods under one roof

7. Ares Sportswear
   Ares Sportswear stands out for its online team store platform. This feature lets you design your gear and sell it directly to your teammates or fans through a custom shop link. Instead of juggling hand-written orders, you can direct everyone to your unique store page, making it a breeze to organize uniform purchases for a large group.

• Great for: Larger rec leagues or teams with big followings
• Bonus Feature: Streamlined team store option for easy ordering

These seven companies all specialize in custom apparel, and they each bring their own style to the table. By exploring their websites, you’re likely to find a solution that fits your budget, design preferences, and quality needs.

Top Tips for Choosing Quality Custom Team Gear

When it’s time to decide among these seven fantastic websites, you might feel overwhelmed. Below are some tips to help you pick the best custom team gear for your rec league.

Look for Durable Materials

Whether you’re playing weekend soccer or basketball, you’ll want uniforms that can withstand repeated washes and rough play. Terms like “moisture-wicking fabric” are important to know. This material helps pull sweat away from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable on the field.

Check Printing Methods

Sublimation printing, screen printing, or digital printing each have their strengths. Sublimation printing can handle bright, all-over designs that won’t crack or peel. Screen printing is good for simple, bold logos, while digital printing is versatile for smaller orders. Be sure to read up on a company’s printing processes to match your design needs.

Compare Pricing and Packages

The average cost for a custom jersey can range from USD 25 to USD 70. Check for minimum order requirements, shipping costs, and hidden fees. Often, sites that offer “all-inclusive” deals can save you some money, especially if you want front and back printing plus names and numbers.

Explore Design Tools and Support

Some platforms, like Garb Athletics, have uniform builder tools so you can experiment with different colors and layouts. If you prefer a hands-on approach, look for companies that allow for complete customization. Alternatively, if design work isn’t your strong suit, pick a website like Podiumwear that offers design consultations.

How to Work with Suppliers on Custom Team Gear

Ordering custom team gear isn’t just about clicking “buy.” To ensure a smooth experience, consider these practical steps for collaborating with online platforms:

1. Have a Clear Design Plan
   Before contacting a supplier, outline your ideas or gather references of jerseys you like. Using tools like Canva or Adobe Illustrator can help you create a draft. This gives you something concrete to show your supplier, making communication easier.
2. Set a Realistic Timeline
   The global team sports apparel market in North America is expected to grow by USD 1.6 billion between 2020 and 2024. With so many orders flying in, you’ll want to get yours in early. Contact your chosen site and find out about their standard turnaround time. Always add a few days of padding to account for shipping or design revisions.
3. Ask for Samples
   Many providers can send you sample garments. If you’re ordering for a bigger group, checking fabric quality, sizing, and print clarity is a good idea. Since about 70% of sports teams and organizations place orders for custom gear every year, you want to be confident you’re investing in gear that will last.
4. Use Project Management Tools
   Organizing a large team order can get messy fast. Using a simple tool like Trello can help you track who ordered what and when. TeamSnap, another popular software, integrates well with sports teams and keeps schedules, uniform orders, and communication in one place. This makes it easy to ensure everyone gets the correct sizes and styles.
5. Coordinate Payments
   Miscommunication about payments is common when multiple teammates are splitting the cost. Decide early whether the team will pay a lump sum for the entire order or if each teammate will individually cover the cost. Some websites, like Ares Sportswear, let you set up a team store link so each person can pay directly, making it simpler for everyone involved.
6. Stay Updated on Trends
   Recent trends in custom team gear include sustainable materials and athleisure influences. It’s a good idea to check if your supplier offers any eco-friendly fabric options or modern fits. Not only can this help your team look fresh, but it also supports responsible production practices.
7. Consider On-Demand Printing
   If you don’t want to hold extra inventory, look for on-demand printing services like Printful. You can design once and let individuals order at their own pace. This is especially useful for community events, fundraisers, or if you expect your roster to grow throughout the season.

Conclusion

Bringing your rec league together with custom team gear can improve both your look and team spirit. By choosing from one of the seven websites listed here—Podiumwear, GameDay Gear, Encore Custom, Garb Athletics, All Pro Team Sports, Home Team Apparel, and Ares Sportswear—you’ll find the right balance of quality, style, and budget. Each platform has specialized features, ranging from easy design tools to organized team stores, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs.

Above all, remember that custom team gear doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with basic design ideas, explore site options, and communicate with suppliers to fit your timeline and budget. With the global sports apparel market on the rise, you’ll see many more advanced printing methods, sustainable materials, and affordable options in the coming years.

Whether you’re competing in a youth soccer league or gearing up for a softball season with friends, investing in solid custom team gear can make game days more exciting—and more memorable—for everyone.