Fall sports teams start ordering custom shirts in July and August. If you wait until September, you are already behind. Here is the complete timeline for getting custom team shirts done right for the fall season, from collecting sizes to delivery day.
The Fall Sports Shirt Timeline
| When | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 6-8 weeks before season | Choose your design and blank shirt brand | Allows time for artwork creation and revisions |
| 5-6 weeks before | Collect sizes from all players | The #1 cause of delays is waiting on sizes |
| 4-5 weeks before | Submit order with final size count | Production needs 2-3 weeks from final approval |
| 3-4 weeks before | Approve mockup and pay invoice | Nothing goes to print until approval and payment |
| 1-2 weeks before | Receive and distribute shirts | Buffer for shipping and any last-minute issues |
The biggest mistake coaches make is starting the process 2 weeks before the first game. That leaves zero room for sizing mistakes, design revisions, or shipping delays. Start 6-8 weeks out and the whole process is stress-free.
Choosing the Right Blank for Fall Sports
The blank shirt matters more than most coaches realize. Different sports need different fabrics:
Football and soccer (outdoor, hot weather early season): Performance poly or poly-blend tees that wick moisture. Heavier cotton shirts will be soaked by halftime in August and September heat. If you need cotton for budget reasons, go with a lighter weight like Bella+Canvas 3001Y (4.2 oz) over Gildan 5000B (5.3 oz).
Cross country and track: Lightweight performance fabric is the only option. Cotton t-shirts are too heavy and hot for runners. Look for moisture-wicking poly blends in the 3.5-4 oz range.
Volleyball and basketball (indoor): Cotton or cotton-poly blends both work well indoors. Gildan and Hanes heavy cotton are popular for practice shirts and spirit wear. For game-day warm-ups, a performance fabric looks more polished.
Spirit wear and fan shirts: This is where Comfort Colors shines. The vintage washed look is popular with parents and fans, and the heavier fabric holds up well for casual wear. Premium feel without the premium hassle.
Size Collection for Youth Fall Teams
Fall sports teams span a wide age range. Here is the typical size distribution by sport and age group:
| Age Group | Primary Sizes | Bridge Sizes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| U6-U8 (ages 5-8) | YXS, YS | YM for large kids | See our 6 year old and 8 year old sizing guides |
| U10-U12 (ages 9-12) | YM, YL | YXL for early growers | See our 10 year old and 12 year old sizing guides |
| U14-U16 (ages 13-16) | YL, YXL, Adult S | Adult M for large teens | This is the youth-to-adult transition zone |
| Varsity (ages 14-18) | Adult S, M, L | Adult XL, 2XL for linemen | Football teams skew larger than other sports |
The U14-U16 age group is the hardest to size because some players are still in youth XL while others have jumped to adult small. Our 14-16 youth in adults conversion guide covers exactly how to handle that transition. For the exact measurements at each size, see our Youth XL Size Chart.
For the full formula on how many shirts to order and what extras to carry, see our complete team ordering guide and our youth sports team sizing guide.
Design Tips for Fall Sports Shirts
Keep it bold and readable. Team names and numbers should be visible from across a field or gym. Thin fonts and detailed illustrations get lost on a shirt. Block fonts with high contrast (white on dark, dark on light) read best at distance.
Think about where the design goes. For practice shirts, a front chest logo and back number is standard. For spirit wear, a larger front graphic or full-front design works. For warm-up shirts, left chest with a back print is the professional look.
Provide vector artwork. The sharper your artwork file, the sharper your print. Vector files (AI, EPS, SVG, PDF) produce the cleanest results. If you only have a JPEG or PNG, your print shop may need to recreate the design as a vector, which is additional time and cost. See our measuring guide for sizing the print area correctly across youth and adult sizes.
Budget Planning for Team Shirts
Custom team shirts typically run $15-25 per shirt for a standard 1-2 color screen print on a mid-range blank, depending on quantity. Here is a rough budget framework:
| Quantity | Per-Shirt Estimate | Total Range |
|---|---|---|
| 12-24 shirts | $18-25 | $216-600 |
| 25-48 shirts | $14-20 | $350-960 |
| 49-72 shirts | $12-18 | $588-1,296 |
| 73-100+ shirts | $10-15 | $730-1,500 |
Price breaks kick in at higher quantities. If your league has multiple teams, combining the order into one production run saves everyone money.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I order custom shirts for fall sports?
Start the process 6-8 weeks before the season begins. This gives time for design, size collection, production (2-3 weeks), and shipping. If your season starts in September, begin in July. If you wait until August, expect rush fees or risk not having shirts for the first game.
What is the best shirt for fall sports teams?
It depends on the sport. Outdoor sports in hot weather need moisture-wicking performance fabric. Indoor sports and spirit wear work well with cotton or cotton-poly blends. Gildan 5000B is the budget standard. Bella+Canvas 3001Y is the premium option. Comfort Colors 9018 is the best choice for fan and spirit wear.
How many extra shirts should I order?
Order 10-15% extra in the most common sizes. A team of 15 needs 17-18 shirts. The extras cover late additions, sizing mistakes, and replacements. Put the extras in the sizes where most of your team falls, not spread evenly. See our complete team ordering guide for the formula.
What sizes do I need for a youth fall sports team?
U6-U8 teams need mostly YXS and YS. U10-U12 teams need YM and YL. U14-U16 teams need a mix of YL, YXL, and Adult S. Football teams at any age skew one size larger than other sports because of the athletic builds. Always collect individual measurements rather than guessing. See our age-specific guides for exact breakdowns.
Related Guides
- How Many Shirts to Order for a Team
- Custom Team Shirt Sizing for Coaches
- How to Size Custom Shirts for Youth Sports Teams
- Custom T-Shirt Sizing for Schools
- Gildan Youth Sizing Guide
- Bella Canvas Youth Sizing Guide
- Comfort Colors Youth Sizing Guide
- Youth Size to Kids Size Conversion Chart
Ready to Order Fall Sports Shirts?
We handle youth and high school team orders from 12 shirts to 500+. Tell us your sport, age range, and timeline, and we will recommend the right blank, the right size split, and get you a quote within one business day. Start your order here.