Soccer shirts are typically undershirts worn by soccer players under their jerseys, although they can also be athletic shirts worn by people playing soccer for fun. There are many different types of soccer shirts, including long sleeve shirts, sleeveless shirts, and t-shirts. Undershirts are usually some form of compression wear, which is tight enough to wear with a jersey over top. Athletic shirts tend to be a bit looser, and essentially act as jerseys.
Why They Help Performance
Soccer shirts are usually made from material with moisture-wicking properties, which helps to keep you cool and dry. This is especially important during a sport like soccer because it involves a lot of running in warm weather. Soccer shirts can also be used as an extra layer of insulation, which is ideal when playing in the rain or if the temperature is a bit cool. In this scenario, you want an undershirt with thermal properties to help trap heat close to the skin. Soccer shirts also give you an additional layer to absorb sweat, which prevents you from sweating into your soccer jersey, and potentially ruining it.
What are They Made of?
Soccer shirts are usually made from either polyester or cotton, while the compression shirts are generally made from a spandex-type material, which fits much tighter to the body. Almost all shirts have thermal and moisture-wicking technology that helps remove sweat from the body while providing comfort and flexibility.
Washing and Care Instructions
Soccer involves a significant amount of running and it is very likely that your soccer clothes will get dirty and stinky very quickly. This is especially true of your soccer shirt, because it is the layer that absorbs the most sweat. Thus, it is extremely important to know how to wash your soccer shirt properly to not only remove any lingering odor, but also to keep it clean and fresh for the next time you need to use it. Always check the tag on the back of your shirt before you start, as it may include specific washing instructions. Otherwise, begin by soaking your shirt in a bucket of warm water with some baking soda added to it. Before you place your shirt in the washing machine, turn it inside out. This will help protect the fabric. Washing your soccer shirt alone or with your other soccer gear will also help protect the fabric. If you are worried about your soccer shirt shrinking, avoid putting it in the dryer. Instead, hang it outside to dry.
Who Makes Them?
Most people who wear soccer shirts wear them as undershirts. The majority of undershirts designed for soccer are tight-fitting compression shirts. One of the most popular brands is Nike. Nike’s Dri-Fit line of undershirts, which act as thermal wear in cold weather but also have moisture-wicking properties for use in hot weather, are ideal for all conditions. Under Armor is another popular brand of compression athletic apparel.
Price Range
A soccer shirt varies in price depending on the brand and type of shirt you wish to purchase. If you are looking for a simple athletic shirt, you can typically find one for as little as $15. Compression shirts, however, can run as high as $150, particularly if you go for some of the high-end apparel. Many soccer players purchase multiple styles of shirt, such as a sleeveless shirt and long sleeve shirt, so that they are covered in all weather conditions.