How to Design Your Own Soccer Jersey

Choose a style for your soccer jersey. Is it primarily for athletic competition or casual wear? Do you like the more formal collared shirts or athletic, collarless V-neck designs? To get a better sense of different styles, take a look at some professional jerseys (http://www.worldsoccershop.com/).

Sketch the front and back of the jersey on a piece of paper. You should photocopy your jersey outline to use as a template for design experiments. If you are designing the shirt for a specific team, research the team's colors and logo (always be aware of copyright laws).

Try different color and design concepts. Most soccer jerseys use bold, contrasting colors to create a dramatic visual effect. Try large stripes or just two solid colors dividing the shirt in half. Often the collar and sleeve ends are a distinctly different color from the ones next to it. A retro look is created with stripes running from the collar, down the shoulder, and to the edge of the sleeve. Many recent shirts also have bands of color running under the arms and extending down to the base of the shirt. If desired, include a favorite number and your name on the back of the jersey.

Experiment with different fabrics. Most athletic jerseys are made from a thin nylon material, but your jersey could also be made from cotton and polyester. Choose a fabric that feels comfortable to you and that breathes. Purchase a generic soccer shirt of the appropriate design type.

Either have your custom soccer shirt made online or use fabric markers to color your own. Local T-shirt shops can also print most designs and colors onto a shirt of your choice. If you make the shirt yourself, prepare stencils for any difficult lettering or details. Team logos can be bought in patch form and sewn onto the shirt.