Basketball shirts are athletic shirts worn by people who play basketball. There are two main types. Compression undershirts are worn by professional players or in organized leagues under a player’s uniform. Athletic shirts, on the other hand, are worn by people who play basketball for fun. Undershirts are usually some form of compression wear, which is tight enough to allow a jersey to be worn overtop. Athletic shirts tend to be a bit looser, and essentially act as jerseys.
Why They Help Performance
Basketball shirts are usually made from material with moisture-wicking properties. This helps to keep you cool and dry, which is important in a sport like basketball because it involves a lot of running. Undershirts also give you an additional layer to absorb sweat, which prevents you from sweating into and damaging your basketball jersey.
What are They Made of?
Basketball shirts are essentially athletic shirts and are commonly made from cotton or polyester. Compression undershirts, however, are generally made from a spandex-type material, which fits much tighter to the body. Almost all basketball shirts, whether they are loose fitting or tight fitting, have moisture-wicking properties to help remove sweat from the body.
Washing and Care Instructions
Basketball is a physically demanding sport. While you are unlikely to get dirt or grass stains on your shirt, you will see sweat stains, and your shirt may acquire a strong odor if it isn’t taken care of properly. Thus, knowing how to wash your basketball shirt, whether it is an undershirt or regular athletic shirt, is extremely important. You should always check the tag in the back of your shirt before you place it in the wash. Many companies, particularly ones that manufacture compression wear, will provide washing guidelines on the tag. If your shirt has an odor that washing doesn’t seem to get rid of, you should soak it in a bucket of warm water with baking soda. You should also always wash your shirt with your other basketball gear as opposed to your regular clothes. If you do have stains, from sweat or anything else, avoid using chlorine bleach. Instead, use all-fabric bleach. Once you have washed your shirt, you can either dry it in the machine on a low setting or hang it to dry.
Who Makes Them?
The most common type of basketball shirt among people who are playing for fun are sleeveless shirts, which are made by all athletic apparel companies, including Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and Under Armor. For people who play organized basketball or professional basketball, however, the most common type of shirt is a compression undershirt. Two of the most popular brands of compression wear are Nike and Under Armor.
Price Range
Basketball shirts vary in price depending on the brand and type of shirt you wish to purchase. Basic athletic sleeveless shirts can be purchased for as little as $15. Compression gear, however, from big name brands like Nike and Under Armor, can cost over $100, depending on the type of shirt. Luckily, it is possible to find compression gear for under $50, particularly from online retailers or if you decide to go with a lesser known brand.
