How to Choose the Right Fabric for Your Custom Sports Uniforms in Canada

How to Choose the Right Fabric for Custom Sports Uniforms

When it comes to designing custom sports uniforms, the fabric you choose can make or break performance. Whether it’s a soccer club in Toronto, a basketball league in Vancouver, or a hockey team in Ottawa, athletes need uniforms that combine comfort, durability, and breathability.

But with so many materials — polyester, Dri-Fit, mesh, spandex, Lycra — how do you know which is right for your team?

This guide from Sports Uniforms Canada (SUC) breaks down the best jersey fabrics in Canada, how they perform in different sports, and why choosing the right material ensures your team not only looks great — but plays even better.

The Most Popular Jersey Materials in Canada

Canadian teams compete in all kinds of conditions — indoor courts, outdoor fields, and ice-cold arenas. That means your custom sports uniforms must be designed for both climate and sport-specific movement.

Here are the five most popular and effective fabrics used in team uniforms across Canada today.

1. Polyester — The All-Around Champion

Polyester is the most widely used material in modern sports uniforms — and for good reason. It’s lightweight, durable, and maintains color vibrancy even after heavy use.

Why it works:

• Resists shrinking, wrinkling, and stretching

• Keeps colors bright through sublimation printing

• Easy to wash and quick to dry

• Affordable and long-lasting

Best for: Soccer, basketball, baseball, and volleyball teams

At Sports Uniforms Canada, all sublimated jerseys — including our $35 soccer and basketball kits — are made with premium polyester blends designed for performance and durability.

2. Dri-Fit — Engineered for Sweat Control

Dri-Fit is a high-performance version of polyester that uses advanced moisture-wicking technology. It draws sweat away from the skin to keep players dry, cool, and focused.

Why it works:

• Wicks moisture instantly

• Reduces chafing and discomfort

• Feels soft and smooth on the body

• Ideal for long practices and fast-paced games

Best for: Soccer, basketball, and field hockey

Pro tip: Dri-Fit is a must for clubs that train in warm or humid environments. Many of SUC’s competitive teams choose Dri-Fit polyester for its combination of lightweight feel and breathability.

3. Mesh — Built for Ventilation

Mesh fabrics are known for their open-hole structure, which maximizes airflow. This keeps athletes cool during high-intensity games or summer tournaments.

Why it works:

• Provides superior ventilation

• Lightweight and stretch-friendly

• Often used in training kits or reversible jerseys

• Works well as side panels in custom designs

Best for: Practice uniforms, summer soccer leagues, and reversible basketball kits

Sports Uniforms Canada uses closed-hole mesh for strength and structure, ensuring it doesn’t tear easily while still offering optimal breathability.

4. Spandex — For Flexibility and Fit

Also known as elastane, spandex is famous for its stretch and flexibility. It’s often blended with polyester to improve mobility and maintain a snug fit.

Why it works:

• Allows full range of motion

• Retains shape after stretching

• Feels soft and elastic against the skin

• Enhances comfort during fast movements

Best for: Basketball, track, and training apparel

SUC often integrates spandex panels in jerseys and shorts to enhance fit and allow natural movement — especially for elite-level players who value flexibility without sacrificing durability.

5. Lycra — High-Performance and Contact-Resistant

Lycra is another elastic fabric known for its durability and resilience, making it a favorite in contact sports like rugby and hockey. It’s heavier than spandex but offers exceptional recovery and strength.

Why it works:

• Retains elasticity even under pressure

• Durable for physical sports and heavy use

• Smooth, professional texture

• Resistant to sweat and moisture damage

Best for: Hockey, rugby, and high-contact training gear

For example, Sports Uniforms Canada’s rugby kits use high-GSM Lycra jerseys paired with Speedo fabric shorts for unmatched strength and comfort during collisions and tackles.

Breathability, Durability, and Comfort Explained

Choosing the right material means balancing three key factors: breathability, durability, and comfort. Here’s how each affects performance — and how to find the right balance for your sport.

1. Breathability

Athletes generate heat fast — especially during soccer or basketball games. A breathable fabric keeps airflow steady and prevents overheating.

• Top picks: Dri-Fit polyester, mesh, and polyester blends

• Avoid: Heavy cotton (absorbs moisture and slows performance)

Breathable materials keep uniforms lightweight and odor-free — essential for long tournaments or indoor play.

2. Durability

For school and club programs, uniforms must last season after season. Durability depends on both the fabric quality and the stitching technique.

At Sports Uniforms Canada, all products use double stitching for contact resistance. This ensures jerseys remain intact even after repeated washing and intense gameplay.

• Top picks: Polyester, Lycra, and reinforced blends

• Bonus: Sublimation printing prevents color peeling or fading

3. Comfort

Comfort equals confidence on the field. Players perform best when they’re not distracted by heavy or itchy fabrics.

Look for materials that combine stretch, breathability, and softness, like polyester-spandex blends or lightweight Dri-Fit.

For cold-weather sports like hockey or training in winter, heavier Lycra or double-layer polyester offers added warmth without sacrificing flexibility.

Why Sports Uniforms Canada Uses Premium Fabric Blends

Not all custom sports uniforms in Canada are made the same. At Sports Uniforms Canada, we select and combine fabrics based on your sport, season, and performance needs — ensuring every uniform delivers on quality and comfort.

1. Sport-Specific Design

We tailor fabric blends to each sport:

• Soccer: Dri-Fit polyester with mesh panels for airflow

• Basketball: Spandex-blend polyester for stretch and speed

• Hockey & Rugby: Lycra-heavy blends for strength and resilience

Each uniform is crafted with the right material where it matters most — breathable mesh underarms, elastic side panels, reinforced shoulders — for all-around performance.

2. Made for Canada’s Climate

From winter rinks to summer tournaments, Canadian teams face every weather condition imaginable. SUC’s custom uniforms are tested for temperature adaptability, ensuring players stay cool in the heat and insulated in the cold.

Our fabrics are UV-resistant, color-stable, and quick-dry, built for year-round use.

3. Sustainability and Longevity

Because our materials are durable and fade-proof, teams save money over time by avoiding replacements. Fewer reorders mean reduced waste — making our production more sustainable and budget-friendly.

4. Professional-Grade Look and Feel

Premium fabrics don’t just perform well — they look sharp. The texture, color depth, and clean stitching of SUC uniforms make your players look professional on and off the field.

That’s why our clients — from school teams to city leagues — choose us for both performance and presentation.

Final Whistle: Choose Fabric That Performs Like Your Team

The best custom sports uniforms in Canada start with the right fabric. It affects how players move, feel, and perform — from practice sessions to championship matches.

Whether your team plays soccer, basketball, hockey, or rugby, Sports Uniforms Canada ensures every stitch, fabric, and finish meets the highest standards of comfort and quality.

Made for Champions. Worn by All.