Buy blank jerseys, put the team logo and every player's name and number on one DTF gang sheet, and heat-press them. It's usually the cheapest way to do a small team, because names and numbers don't add screen fees.
"Custom team jerseys" usually means one of three things: fully sublimated uniforms from a team supplier, screen-printed jerseys from a local shop, or blank jerseys you decorate yourself. For rec leagues, schools, club teams and coaches on a budget, the last one is often the fastest and cheapest.
Your three options
| Option | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|
| Sublimated uniforms | All-over designs, full kits | Long lead times, minimums, light polyester only |
| Screen printing | Big teams, one logo, simple numbers | Each unique name and number adds cost |
| Blanks + DTF transfers | Small teams, names on every jersey, fast turnaround | You (or a shop) press each jersey |
Pick jersey blanks
- Soccer, basketball and football: moisture-wicking polyester jerseys.
- Baseball and softball: button-front or two-button jerseys, or performance tees for younger leagues.
- Hockey: practice jerseys or heavier mesh.
- Volleyball, bowling, cycling: sport-specific cuts, but check the fabric can take heat.
Order one extra jersey for a test press, and avoid fabrics labeled as heat-sensitive.
Name and number sizes by sport
These are common starting points. Leagues set their own rules, so always check yours.
| Sport | Back number | Front number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | 10 in+ | 8 in+ | High school (NFHS) minimums |
| Basketball | About 6–8 in | About 4 in | Many leagues set exact sizes |
| Soccer | About 8–10 in | About 4 in | Front number often optional |
| Baseball | About 8 in | About 4 in, chest left | Name about 2.5 in |
| Youth (any) | About 6 in | About 3 in | Name about 2 in |
The football minimums come from the 2026 NFHS jersey rules: at least 8 in on the front and 10 in on the back, in a solid color that contrasts with the jersey.
Rosters, names and numbers
Every jersey is different, which is what makes team orders slow. Our free team names and numbers generator turns a pasted roster into every name and number file at once, sized for adult or youth, as transparent PNGs at 300 DPI. Pick a font from our jersey fonts guide.
- Collect names, numbers and sizes in one sheet. Double-check spelling with each family.
- Generate the files.
- Put the team logo, every name and every number on one gang sheet.
- Order, press, and hand out.
Spell-check the roster with each family before you order. Misspelled names are the most common jersey reprint.
Pressing on polyester jerseys
Most jerseys are polyester, which takes DTF well. A few tips:
- Pre-press the jersey for a few seconds to remove moisture and wrinkles.
- Use a cover sheet and even pressure.
- Test one jersey first. Some red, black and brightly dyed polyester can bleed dye into the print at high heat.
- Keep numbers centered: use a T-square or fold the jersey to find the middle.
Our settings are 300°F for 10 seconds, hot peel, then a 5-second post-press. Full steps are in the pressing instructions, with more on performance fabric in DTF on polyester.
What it costs
Your total is blank jerseys plus one gang sheet sized to fit the team, plus your time pressing (or a local shop's fee). Because every name and number shares the sheet, adding a player adds a few square inches, not a new setup fee. That's why DTF is so popular for rec leagues and youth teams.
The whole team on one sheet: logo, names and numbers.
Build a gang sheetTeam jersey questions
How do I make custom jerseys for my team?
Pick blank jerseys, design a front logo, make each player's name and number, order them as DTF transfers on one gang sheet, and heat-press them. A local print shop can press them if you don't have a press.
What's the cheapest way to get custom team jerseys?
For small teams, blank jerseys plus DTF transfers are often cheapest, since there are no screen fees for each name and number.
Do DTF transfers work on polyester jerseys?
Yes. Test one jersey first, especially red or dark ones, since some polyester dyes can bleed into the print at high heat.
What size should jersey numbers be?
A common adult starting point is 8 in on the back and 4 in on the front. Many leagues and high school sports set their own minimums, so check yours.