Updated: 13. november 2026
Short answer:
High-quality sports jerseys are made from light, quick-drying synthetics, mostly polyester, printed by dye sublimation, then cut, sewn and finished with names, numbers and logos. Polyester made up 59% of the world's fibre output in 2025, so most team kits rely on it. What separates a good jersey from a cheap one is clean seams, a print that survives many washes, and proof of tested materials such as an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 label. For match kits, the jersey must also follow the governing body's rules, such as the FIFA Equipment Regulations in force since January 2025.
Key takeaways
- Polyester dominates: 59% of global fibre production (82.5 million tonnes) in 2025, but only about 12% of it is recycled (Textile Exchange, 2026).
- Sublimation is the standard print method for team kits because the ink bonds into the fibre instead of sitting on top.
- New OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 test criteria and limit values became binding on 1 June 2026.
- From 2028, EU textile producers will pay for collecting and recycling the textiles they sell, which favours durable, recyclable kits.
- The sporting goods industry is forecast to grow about 6% a year until 2029, so demand for team kits stays strong.
How big is the market for sports jerseys in 2026?
Demand for sports jerseys rides on a large and still growing sporting goods industry. A World Economic Forum report published in January 2026 values the global sports economy at $2.3 trillion, of which sporting goods account for $614 billion (WFSGI, 2026). McKinsey and the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry expect the sector to grow about 6% a year from 2024 to 2029, slightly slower than the 7% a year seen from 2021 to 2024 (McKinsey, 2025).
Big tournaments add short peaks on top of that trend. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, for example, drives orders for replica kits, fan wear and training kits for clubs and schools.
Which materials are used for high-quality sports jerseys?
Most performance jerseys are made from polyester, often blended with elastane for stretch or with polyamide for extra strength. These fibres are light, breathable, quick-drying and tough enough for tackles, slides and frequent washing. Polyester is also the only common fabric that takes sublimation ink well, which is why it dominates team kits.
Polyester is also the world's most produced fibre. It reached 59% of global fibre production in 2025, and 88% of it was still virgin, fossil-based material (Textile Exchange via Resource Recycling, 2026). In 2024, recycled polyester's share of all polyester even slipped from about 12.5% to 12.0%, because virgin output grew faster (Textile Exchange, 2025). Buyers who want lower-impact kits should therefore ask suppliers for recycled polyester and proof of its origin.
Brands add their own fabric technologies on top of the base fibre:
- Moisture-wicking fabrics (such as Nike Dri-FIT): fibres with a strong capillary effect pull sweat to the outer surface, where it spreads out and evaporates faster.
- Ventilated fabrics (such as adidas Climacool): open knit structures and mesh panels let fresh air in and warm, moist air out, helping the body keep a steady temperature.
How are sports jerseys made, step by step?
- Design and digitising: the kit design is created in design software and prepared for print and for each size in the range.
- Sublimation printing: the design is printed on transfer paper with sublimation ink. A heat press then transfers it onto the polyester fabric at high temperature and pressure. The ink turns to gas and bonds with the fibres, so the print does not crack or peel.
- Cutting: CAD patterns guide precise cutting of the printed panels for a consistent fit across sizes.
- Sewing: panels are sewn together, and stress points such as shoulders and side seams are reinforced.
- Finishing: names, numbers, sponsor logos and badges are added, often with heat-applied flex film or embroidery.
- Quality control and packing: each jersey is checked for material faults, sewing faults and correct measurements before it is packed.
Which printing method suits which sports jerseys?
| Method | How it works | Best for | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dye sublimation | Ink turns to gas under heat and bonds into polyester fibres | Full-colour designs, gradients, all-over prints, team kits | Works only on light-coloured polyester; not on cotton |
| Screen printing | Ink is pushed through a mesh stencil onto the fabric surface | Simple logos in few colours, large runs | Each colour needs its own screen; print sits on top and can crack |
| Heat-transfer flex film | A cut vinyl film is pressed onto the fabric | Player names and numbers, small runs | Can peel after many washes; less breathable over large areas |
| Embroidery | Thread is stitched into the fabric | Club crests, premium details | Adds weight and stiffness; not suited to large areas |
Which certifications and rules apply to sports jerseys?
The rules depend on the sport, the level of play and where the jersey is sold.
- FIFA Equipment Regulations (football): the current edition took effect on 1 January 2025 and applies at all FIFA competitions, including the 2026 World Cup (Footy Headlines, 2025). It covers colours, numbers, logos and the contrast between the two teams' kits.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 (all textiles): this label shows that every part of a garment has been tested for harmful substances. Its 2026 test criteria and limit values became binding for all certifications on 1 June 2026 (OEKO-TEX, 2026).
- World Aquatics approval (competition swimwear): only approved swimwear may be worn at World Aquatics events and the Olympic Games, and the approved list is published every 1 September (World Aquatics). World Aquatics replaced the name FINA in 2022.
- EU textile rules: the revised Waste Framework Directive entered into force on 16 October 2025. Every EU country must set up an extended producer responsibility scheme, so producers will pay for collecting and recycling the textiles they sell (EU Textiles Ecosystem Platform, 2025).
Certifications matter for three reasons. They protect players' skin from harmful substances, they let buyers compare suppliers on facts, and in some markets they are needed to sell the product at all.
How can you recognise high-quality sports jerseys?
- Fabric: a performance polyester or polyester blend that feels light and dries quickly, with the fibre content on the label.
- Seams: straight, even stitching with no loose threads, and flat seams that do not rub.
- Print: sharp, bright colours that feel soft and do not crack when you stretch the fabric.
- Fit: close to the body without restricting movement, with consistent sizing across the range.
- Durability: the colour and shape stay the same after many washes.
- Proof: a valid OEKO-TEX certificate number you can check, and recycled-content claims backed by documents.
Which European manufacturers make sports jerseys?
These European manufacturers produce custom team jerseys and kits for clubs, schools and brands.
| Company | Location | Founded | Employees | Sports jerseys offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARONICK SPORT | Lisbon, Portugal | 1977 | 20–49 | Custom sublimated kits for football, futsal, volleyball, handball, rugby, cycling and e-sports |
| KUBDESIGNS | Pinsaguel, France | 2010 | 5–9 | Private-label football jerseys, shorts and tracksuits, produced in Europe |
| SPORTSWEAR OF TOMORROW | Romania | 2002 | 20-49 | Sublimated teamwear for football, basketball, cycling and running, made in its own factories |
| REAL SPORT LTD | Gabrovo, Bulgaria | 2018 | 1–4 | Custom football and basketball kits with in-house sublimation printing |
What else do buyers ask about sports jerseys? (FAQ)
What fabric are sports jerseys made of?
Most sports jerseys are made of polyester or a polyester blend with elastane or polyamide. Polyester is light, dries quickly and is the only common fabric that takes sublimation prints well.
Are sublimated sports jerseys more durable than printed ones?
Yes, in most cases. Sublimation ink bonds into the polyester fibres, so the design does not crack or peel. Screen prints and flex films sit on top of the fabric and can wear off after many washes.
Do sports jerseys need an OEKO-TEX certificate?
It is not a legal requirement everywhere, but many clubs and retailers ask for it. OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 shows that the materials were tested for harmful substances against the limit values that became binding on 1 June 2026.
Can sports jerseys be made from recycled polyester?
Yes. Recycled polyester performs much like virgin polyester and can be sublimated in the same way. Ask the supplier for documents that prove the recycled content.
Where can you find sports jersey manufacturers?
Ready to order your next team kit? Search for sports jersey manufacturers on europages, compare verified European suppliers and send your request directly to the companies that fit your project.
