Basketball Uniform Buying Guide
What would the sport of basketball be without a great uniform to play it in? After all, the first thing we notice when a team walks onto the court are their uniforms. Team basketball uniforms do more than provide a comfortable means for moving around the court; an attractive uniform says a lot about a team. Shopping for the right team uniform for your club or organization requires a little forethought and planning. The information here will hopefully provide answers to your most commonly asked questions about team basketball uniforms. Any rules given here regarding basketball uniforms are those of the National Basketball Association (NBA). As regulations vary from league to league, be sure and know the rules that govern your team.
What is the best way to shop for my team's basketball uniforms?
Before you browse around for the right look and price, prepare a few questions. What are the levels and ages of your team players? What look and style reflects your team? Do you want to customize? What are the rules for decorating your team uniforms? What is your budget? Affordable Uniforms Online has a host of affordable team basketball shorts, jerseys, and accessories to meet your needs. Our user-friendly customization software allows you to design just the right look for your basketball team. If you're feeling overwhelmed or confused about anything, ask one of our helpful service representatives - they're here to assist you!
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Can Affordable Uniforms Online customize my team basketball jersey?
Adult and youth basketball uniforms are completely customizable. Select from one of our four convenient printing package options, or customize it yourself for a one-of-a-kind basketball team uniform using our user-friendly uniform customization software that walks you through the process.
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Does it cost much to have my basketball uniforms customized?
Our prices are very competitive. Cost will depend on your package choice and how detailed you want your basketball jersey to be.
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What are my basketball jersey printing options, and are they in compliance with regulations?
We offer four convenient printing packages to suit your needs and budget. Choose from our Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Elite; or fully customize by selecting from among six fonts, and a variety of sizes, styles, and colors. Our printing fully complies with basketball uniform decorating regulations. View our custom jersey options at the basketball menu for more information!
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What printing process does Affordable Uniforms use to customize basketball jerseys?
Affordable Uniforms offers several printing options. We offer flat vinyl material using a professional heat transfer process and direct garment screen printing.
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Why should I choose Affordable Uniforms to customize my basketball uniforms?
We offer convenient and affordable print packages, from the basics for just a few bucks per jersey, to custom design options to suit your specific needs. The do-it-yourself jersey customization software makes it easy to create your own team look right at your desktop! We use the most up-to-date, professional printing processes resulting in great-looking, durable uniforms that are shipped to you fast, and get consistently great customer reviews. For our every day low prices on quality basketball uniforms and workmanship, we're confident you won't find a better value online. And our friendly service professionals are here to help! Any questions at all, give us a call at 602.730.7252..
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What are the rules for team basketball uniforms?
NBA rules:
- Team members must be in full uniform when entering the court
- Players must be uniformly dressed
- Game jerseys must be tucked inside the shorts
- No t-shirts may be worn during a game
- Shorts may not be longer than one inch below the knee
- Jerseys must be clearly numbered on the front and back
- Player/team name and number must contrast shirt color
- Home team colors must contrast visiting team colors
- Generally, home team wears light colors, visiting team wears dark
- Only the shoes may bear a commercial logo
- Up to four-inch-wide wrist bands, and two-inch-wide headbands are permitted
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What are the rules for decorating my team basketball uniform?
NBA rules:
- Player jerseys must be numbered on the front and back
- Number color must contrast shirt color
- Numbers must be at least three-quarter of an inch wide, and six inches high
- Player's name must appear on back of jersey with letters at least two inches high
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How many commercial logos can I have on my team basketball uniform?
NBA rules state that only the basketball shoes may bear a manufacturer's logo.
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How long can my basketball shorts be?
Generally, not more than one inch below the knee.
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What kind of socks am I allowed to wear during a game?
According to NBA rules, basketball socks may be any length; tights, stockings, and long compression socks are not allowed. Remember to check the rules governing your league or organization.
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Where am I allowed to have my name and team number on my jersey?
Rules indicate that team and player names and numbers have to appear in the "neutral zone" of a basketball jersey, which is the area on the front and back extending from four inches below the shoulder seam down to the bottom of the jersey.
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What numbers are allowed on my basketball jersey?
- NBA - No restrictions on numbers
- WNBA - 00, 0-55
- NCAA - 00, 0, 1-5, 10-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45, 50-55
- NFHS - 00, 0, 1-5, 10-15, 20-25, 30-35, 40-45, 50-55
- FIBA - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15
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What does a standard basketball uniform consist of?
A team basketball uniform generally includes a pair of basketball shorts, team jersey, approved basketball socks, and basketball shoes. Some accessories are allowed, such as hairbands, headbands, and wristbands, but they aren't considered part of the uniform.
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How are home team and visiting team basketball uniforms different?
When both teams have the same colors, it can be difficult to tell the home team apart from the visiting team. The rule is that the hosting team, or home team, is to wear a white or light-colored uniform, and the guest team is to be clad in dark colors.
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What fabrics are team basketball uniforms made of?
Most basketball uniforms are made from lightweight synthetic fabrics such as nylon mesh, polyester, polyester dazzle, rayon, or a combination of fabrics.
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What is dazzle, and why are so many basketball uniforms made of it?
Dazzle is a shiny polyester fabric used for making many team sports uniforms, such as basketball, football, rugby, soccer, and others. It isn't only popular because of it's sleek appearance; it's also very durable, lightweight, airy, and absorbs sweat.
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What are the different styles of basketball jerseys?
Game basketball jerseys can be cap-sleeved, sleeveless, or tank, and usually feature either rounded necks or v-necks. Many jerseys are reversible.
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Are there any differences between women's and men's basketball uniforms?
Slightly, but not like there used to be. Back when the sport was first invented by Dr. Frank Naismith, women used to play basketball in long skirts and long-sleeved blouses. Men wore long wool pants and short-sleeved shirts. Time and evolving trends changed the uniform, and eventually men and women began to wear sleeveless shirts and shorts. Today, the only minor design difference is that a woman's sleeveless jersey has smaller arm openings and wider straps.
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When and how did knee-length basketball shorts become popular?
Blame it on legendary basketball player Michael Jordan! He revolutionized the look of basketball shorts in the mid-to-late 1980s. Prior to the new trend, basketball shorts were fairly short and form-fitting. As the story goes, the star player got tired of tugging on his not-so-roomy traditional basketball shorts during games. He asked to have a wider, longer pair specially made for him, and team members liked them. Eventually the redesigned shorts were made for the whole team, and before long college basketball players across the country, and even the fashion industry, caught on to a lasting new trend.
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How have basketball uniforms changed over the years?
The basketball uniform evolved with the changing trends. When basketball was invented, everyday street clothes were worn - there were no uniforms yet. Men wore baggy wool trousers and short-sleeved shirts, socks and street shoes. Women wore long skirts with blouses and scarves, socks and shoes. When basketball became recognized as a sport in the 1920s, men's basketball uniforms consisted of a pair of medium-length trunks and a sleeveless jersey. Eventually, jerseys made from stretchy breathable wool were designed to identify teams and reflect team spirit. Ladies' jerseys fastened at the crotch to keep them tucked in, and women had to wear knee pads. The invention of synthetic fabrics revolutionized basketball uniforms in the 1930s, and by the 1940s, polyester-nylon shorts and tanks became the norm. The uniform continued to transform in keeping with the changing fashion trends. Shorts became shorter and snugger in the 1970s and 1980s, returning to the longer, baggier shorts that remain the norm today.
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