How to Design a Custom Team Jacket Your Squad Will Actually Wear

Custom team jackets are one of the most visible pieces of kit your club will ever invest in. Whether your squad is running out at the start of a cold-weather match, heading to an away game, or just arriving at training with some serious energy, a well-designed custom team jacket in Australia sets the tone before a ball is kicked. Here is what you need to know before you order.

Why Custom Team Jackets Matter for Australian Clubs

Kit unity is underrated. Clubs that equip their players with a matching set of training and match gear, including jackets, build a stronger sense of identity on and off the pitch. A matching set of custom jackets signals that your club takes itself seriously. It also makes life easier for parents on the sideline who need to spot their kid in a crowd.

Beyond the social side, a good team jacket is doing real work. It keeps muscles warm during warm-ups, shields players from wind and light rain during cold-weather sessions, and serves as travel kit for tournaments and carnivals. Choosing the right design means it gets used all winter rather than sitting in a bag.

Read our full guide to winter training jackets if you want to go deeper on fabric choices and warmth ratings before you start the design process.

Step 1: Choose the Right Jacket Style for Your Squad

Not all jackets suit all purposes. Before you think about logos or colours, nail down what the jacket actually needs to do.

• Track jacket or drill top: Lightweight, breathable and easy to pull on and off during training. Great for active warm-ups and sessions where players are moving constantly. The Nike Academy 23 Track Jacket in Navy (from $59) is a solid club-level option that handles the rigours of weekly training.
• Stadium jacket: Heavier, wind and water resistant with a full-length zip. Built for match days, travel and sideline wear when conditions are rough. The Nike Park Stadium Jacket in Black ($175) is purpose-built for this role, with Therma fill for cold-weather sessions.
• Full tracksuit jacket: The premium option, often used for end-of-season presentations, representative squads, or clubs that want a full-kit look. The Adidas Mi 23 Stadium Jacket ($189) delivers full-length warmth with a clean athletic silhouette.

A good rule of thumb: if your club only orders one jacket style, choose the stadium or mid-layer option. It covers more situations than a track jacket alone.

Step 2: Get the Fabric and Fit Right First

It is tempting to jump straight to the logo discussion, but the best custom team jacket starts with fabric and fit. Here is a quick breakdown of what matters most for Australian conditions:

• Moisture management: Even in winter, players sweat. Look for Dri-FIT or similar moisture-wicking technology in the lining. A damp jacket is a cold jacket.
• Wind and water resistance: Australian winters vary widely. A light shower in Melbourne or a cold westerly in Adelaide means wind and water resistance is worth paying for on a stadium jacket.
• Stretch and movement: Especially for active warm-up pieces, the jacket should not restrict arm movement during passing drills or shooting practice.
• Sizing range: Club orders often span youth through adult sizing in a single run. Make sure your supplier can deliver consistent sizing across the full range. Empulse stocks kids and adult sizing across our Jackets and Tops range, so you can kit out the whole club in one order.

Step 3: Plan Your Customisation Before You Order

This is where most first-time club kit managers hit a snag. Customisation on team jackets is a creative process, but it works best when you plan it systematically. Here is what to think through:

Logo placement: The most common placement is left chest, which reads cleanly at distance. Secondary placements include the right chest (for a sponsor name), back yoke (club name in full), and left sleeve (competition logo or season year). Stacking too many elements makes a jacket look cluttered. Pick two or three strong placements and keep it clean.

Customisation technique: Embroidery adds a premium, textured feel and holds up extremely well through repeated washing, making it ideal for club logos on a jacket chest. Screen printing suits larger, flatter designs on the back. Sublimation is used for full-colour, all-over graphics. The right technique depends on the design complexity and the jacket material. Pricing varies depending on logo size, number of colours, finish type and whether you are adding player numbers or sponsor names, so get in touch with the Empulse team for a quote that fits your club's requirements.

Player names and numbers: Many clubs add player names to the back or a squad number to the sleeve. This adds a professional touch and is especially appreciated at end-of-season presentations when the jacket doubles as a keepsake. Plan this early as it adds to production time.

Step 4: Colour, Club Identity and Consistency

Your jacket should read as part of the same kit family as your jerseys and shorts. That does not mean every piece needs to be the same colour, but the palette should be intentional. Most Australian clubs work within a two or three colour system, covering primary, secondary and an accent, that carries through from jersey to training gear to jacket.

If your club is ordering jerseys and jackets at the same time, tell your kit supplier upfront. Ordering together means Empulse can ensure the colour treatment and logo application are consistent across every piece. Read more about building a full custom kit in our guide to custom Nike and Adidas teamwear for Australian clubs.

Step 5: Timing and Lead Times for Club Orders

This is the step clubs most often underestimate. Custom jackets with embroidery, player names and squad numbers take time to produce. As a general guide, allow at least three to four weeks from artwork sign-off to delivery for a standard club order. During peak pre-season periods (December through February for summer sports, March through April for the winter season lead-in), production windows can extend, so order early.

If you are pairing jackets with custom shorts, plan that order at the same time. Read our post on custom soccer and futsal shorts in Australia for sizing and fabric guidance that applies equally well to jacket orders.

For clubs ordering at scale, whether that is a single senior squad or a full club across multiple age groups, Empulse handles bulk customisation orders regularly. Get in touch to discuss your timeline and we will work backwards from your first match day.

What to Look for in a Custom Teamwear Supplier

Not all custom kit suppliers are equal. Here is a short checklist for evaluating your options:

• Do they stock genuine branded product (Nike, Adidas) through accredited vendors, or are they sourcing unbranded alternatives?
• Can they show you samples of previous embroidery or print work on the specific jacket model you are ordering?
• Do they handle both kids and adult sizing in the same order?
• Are they clear about production timelines and what happens if a size runs short mid-order?
• Can they store your design and reorder for your club each season without starting from scratch?

Empulse supplies genuine Nike and Adidas teamwear through accredited vendors and applies customisation as a dedicated service. That means the product your players are wearing is the real thing, with your club's identity on top. Browse the full custom teamwear guide or head straight to our Jackets and Tops collection to see what is in stock right now.

For grassroots clubs and school sports coordinators looking for broader guidance on kit management, Football Australia publishes resources for club administrators that cover registration, equipment and participation standards.

FAQ: Custom Team Jackets Australia

How much does a custom team jacket cost in Australia?

The base jacket price varies depending on style and brand, from around $59 for a lightweight track jacket through to $189 for a full stadium jacket. Customisation pricing depends on logo size, finish type (embroidery, print or sublimation), number of colours and whether you are adding player names or numbers. Contact Empulse for a club quote.

Can I add my club logo to a Nike or Adidas jacket?

Yes. Empulse supplies genuine Nike and Adidas teamwear through accredited vendors and applies club logos, player names, numbers and sponsor details as a separate customisation service. The branded product is genuine and your club identity goes on top.

How long does it take to get custom team jackets made?

Allow three to four weeks from artwork sign-off as a minimum for a standard club order. Orders with player names and squad numbers, or very large quantities, may take longer. During peak pre-season periods, order as early as possible.

What is the minimum order for custom jackets?

Minimum order quantities vary depending on the customisation method and jacket model. Get in touch with Empulse and we can work out the best option for your squad size.

What is the difference between a track jacket and a stadium jacket for a team order?

A track jacket is lightweight and designed for active warm-ups and training. A stadium jacket is heavier, wind and water resistant, and suited to match days, travel and sideline wear in cold conditions. Many clubs order both, using the track jacket for training and the stadium jacket as their official club outer layer.

Empulse has been helping Australian sports clubs, schools and gyms design and order custom teamwear since the brand launched in Melbourne. From single-squad jacket runs to full-club kit orders across multiple age groups, the Empulse team handles the customisation process from artwork to delivery.