Legibility above all
Referees, commentators and the public must identify each player instantly. Favour numbers that are:
- bold, with a consistent stroke;
- open: a 6, a 8 and a 9 must not be confused;
- without frills: handwritten or highly decorative fonts lose all legibility at a distance.
Contrast, more important than the font
A white number on a navy shirt reads well; a yellow number on an orange shirt much less so. Choose a marking colour that strongly contrasts with the shirt. On a striped or patterned shirt, an outline or a background behind the number greatly improves readability.
Common sizes
| Element | Indicative height |
|---|---|
| Number on the back | 20 to 25 cm |
| Number on the front or on the shorts | 10 to 15 cm |
| Name on the back | 5 to 7,5 cm |
Your federation or league may require sizes, placements or colours: always check the rules of your competition before confirming.
Typography styles
- Classic block : timeless, very readable, suitable for all sports.
- College / varsity : square‑serif numbers, American look, perfect for basketball or baseball.
- Condensed : useful for long names, but not too tight.
- Bespoke : some clubs create their own numbers. Keep them simple and test them from a distance.
Names: some practical rules
- Choose a single rule for everyone: surname only, or initial + surname.
- For very long names, reduce the size slightly rather than squashing the font.
- Check spelling and accents on the list before production.
The marking technique
Flex is the standard for names and numbers: each item can be different, and there are flex options suitable for polyester jerseys. Club and sponsor logos in colour can be printed in DTF. Everything about club kit in custom sports jerseys and kitting your club on a budget.
