Common Mistakes To Avoid When Ordering Custom Team Uniforms

Every sports team should have high-quality uniforms. However, creating, ordering, and caring for these uniforms requires careful planning.

If you’re new to the ordering process, there are several errors that are easy to fall into. Don’t worry; Eagle Custom Apparel is here to teach you about the most common mistakes to avoid when ordering custom team uniforms.

Failing To Create a Budget

The first mistake that nearly everybody makes about ordering uniforms is failing to establish a proper budget. Without a budget, you’re far more likely to overspend on materials or wind up with features that you didn’t need for the uniforms.

Prices can naturally vary depending on factors such as material, customization options, how many uniforms you order, and the garments’ materials. Failing to establish financial boundaries can cause hurdles in the process and lead to uncomfortable conversations when collecting payments from parents or guardians.

To avoid this, start by determining an all-inclusive budget for your uniforms. This includes not just the base cost of the uniforms but also customization fees, extra charges for shipping, and unexpected costs like rush production. Ask vendors for a breakdown of pricing and confirm that all potential fees are accounted for upfront. Don’t forget to consult the team to determine if the price is doable for every player.

Ignoring Player Input

While parents and coaches frequently oversee the ordering process, you should take the time to involve the players. They’re the ones wearing the uniforms, and you should take their preferences into consideration. Overlooking the input of players can lead to discomfort or dissatisfaction with the final product.

It’s important to consider factors such as the uniform’s fit, fabric, and style. Younger athletes may favor uniforms with vibrant colors and detailed logos, while older players may prefer simple designs and additional comfort. Gather feedback from the team before finalizing the uniform’s material or design.

Waiting Until the Last Minute To Order

Another common oversight is placing your uniform order too close to the start of the season. Custom uniforms take time to produce, especially if you need to finalize designs or account for additional custom elements like embroidery or unique logos. Late orders cause complications like rushed production, higher costs, or in a worst-case scenario, missing the deadline entirely.

Even if there’s no immediate demand, there’s no downside to planning things out in advance. Speak with vendors about their lead times and factor in extra time to accommodate delays. Starting the process early gives you far more flexibility, allows you to make changes, reduces costs, and limits stress before the first game of the season.

Overlooking Sizing Charts

One common mistake to avoid when ordering custom team uniforms is neglecting the variations in sizing. Ill-fitting uniforms not only look unprofessional but can also hinder players’ performance on the field. Ordering “default” sizes without double-checking each athlete’s measurements can leave you with uniforms that are too tight, too loose, or generally uncomfortable.

You can avoid this issue by getting accurate measurements for each member of your team and trying to select the best fit for everyone. Many uniform vendors provide sizing charts for reference, or samples for accurate fittings. If you’re still not sure, it’s better to size up slightly to allow for growth, especially for youth athletes. Confirm all the sizes before placing the final order.

Failing To Check Design Proofs Carefully

After finalizing the uniform design, you may think that you’re good to go. However, you need to watch out for mistakes that can occur during the design or printing process. You may notice late in the process that part of the logo’s color is off or that it doesn’t align properly with the uniform.

Always ask for a final design proof before beginning production. Review it in detail, checking for accurate colors, placements, names, and sizes. Speak with an assistant coach or a trustworthy parent and ask them to review the proofs to get a second set of eyes. A few extra minutes of double-checking can prevent costly corrections.

Overcomplicating the Design

While creative designs can make your team stand out, it’s generally a good idea to avoid complicated patterns or excessive customization. Overcomplicated uniforms usually look busy or distracting, and they often carry higher costs due to additional printing or embroidery requirements.

Try to keep the design clean, interesting, and relevant to your sports organization. Incorporate your team’s colors, logo, and any other important details in a visually balanced way. Minimalistic designs carry a more professional look. Plus, it’s easier to replicate the design consistently across multiple uniforms.

Forgetting About Maintenance and Durability

Naturally, sports uniforms go through heavy use, so you want to choose a material that can withstand consistent wearing. Some materials fade, fray, or shrink during washing and drying. If your players’ uniforms degrade quickly, you’ll have to spend more on replacements.

We recommend choosing easy-to-clean fabrics that are simple to maintain. Ask the vendor about options that offer fade-resistant colors and durable stitching. It’s a good idea to provide uniform care instructions to parents so they can do their part to prolong the life of the uniforms.

Failing To Order Extras

It’s always a good idea to order more uniforms than you actually need. Players may lose, damage, or even outgrow their uniforms faster than you expect. However, many teams make the mistake of ordering only the exact number of uniforms that they need, which leaves them little wiggle room to adjust for unforeseen complications.

You can avoid these last-minute problems by ordering a few extra uniforms in common sizes. These extras can serve as backups for new players who join mid-season, accidents that damage garments, or rapid growth spurts. Make sure to budget for these items as part of your overall order plan.

Choosing the Wrong Vendor

Selecting the right vendor is an important part of establishing a successful uniform order. Some vendors lack experience in producing high-quality custom uniforms, while others may not have the customization options you need.

Research potential vendors thoroughly before making your decision. Look for companies with strong reputations, positive reviews, and experience in the sports apparel industry. Don’t hesitate to ask for samples or references from other teams who’ve used their services before. A reliable vendor is your best partner in bringing your uniform vision to life.

Looking for high-quality team uniforms in Houston? Eagle Custom Apparel is here to create high-quality uniforms with a simple, stress-free ordering process. Contact us today to begin your order! We’ll help you design uniforms that your team will wear with pride.