How does a club get its own kits?

Two ways to get a set of shirts

The quickest way is to use branded shirts: a model from the range is customised with the club logo, sponsors, names and numbers. This service is available from as little as a single item — handy for latecomers, new members or goalkeeper kit.

The second option is a completely bespoke design. With sublimation printing, the kit is produced according to your specifications: the cut, colours, patterns and sponsor panels can all be customised, and the colour is infused into the fibre rather than applied to the surface. This option is available for orders of 50 items or more.

If you’re unsure, it’s usually best to go for branded goods the first time round — they’re available more quickly, can be reordered and still allow you to create your own unique look.

How the price is calculated

The biggest saving comes from the club discount: clubs receive 40 per cent off the catalogue prices of the team sports brands Jako, Erima and Craft. This means the cost of the kit is significantly lower than the catalogue price — for a basic jersey, this brings the price down to the low double figures per item.

On top of that, there are the personalisation costs: names cost CHF 10 to 12 per shirt, and numbers CHF 8. Club logos and sponsor prints are charged according to size.

We do not charge any separate set-up costs for screens or embroidery programmes. For the club’s accounts, this means that the amount quoted in the offer is the amount you can count on.

The procedure

Once the enquiry has been made, the consultation begins — brand-name products or our own design, model, material and budget. The design and sponsor layout are then created, and the club approves them for printing.

Only then are the measurements taken. This step is often underestimated: it is the one that most clubs have to wait the longest for, because they are missing feedback from the team. If you start taking measurements early, you’ll save weeks in the end.

This is followed by production and finishing, after which the entire set is delivered.

Sponsors and association guidelines

Sponsor logos can be placed on the front, back, sleeves and trousers. Many associations regulate the size and position of the advertising areas, as well as the mandatory elements on the jersey — we check these specifications before approving the print, to ensure the design is permitted in competition.

Kustom is the official printing partner of the Swiss Handball Federation and has first-hand knowledge of the requirements there. Its client list also includes BSC Young Boys and FC St. Gallen.

A practical tip: sponsorship deals rarely run in sync with the season. If you know that a new sponsor is coming on board in the winter, it’s best to factor this into your planning straight away.

Plan well in advance

Customised stock items are dispatched within 12 to 14 working days. A bespoke sublimation design takes considerably longer, as it involves the design, approval and production stages.

Anyone wishing to play at the start of the season would therefore be better off planning several months in advance rather than just a few weeks — particularly as experience shows that taking measurements at the club takes time.

For clubs that place orders regularly

Youth teams, new members, fan merchandise: if orders are coming in all the time, it’s worth setting up your own club shop. Members can place orders there themselves, so the committee no longer has to coordinate bulk orders.

We also have partnerships offering credit and discount schemes for members. The best way to find out how this could work for your club is to have a chat.