Reversible Basketball Jerseys: A Coach's Buying Guide

One reversible jersey covers light and dark games, saves money and simplifies laundry. Here is what coaches need to know before ordering.

Reversible Basketball Jerseys: A Guide for Rec and Travel Teams

A reversible basketball jersey has two colored sides, usually one light and one dark, with numbers printed on both, so one jersey covers home and away games. For rec leagues, AAU teams and practices, a reversible set can replace two full uniform sets.

They are popular for a simple reason: in a gym full of teams, nobody wants to carry two jerseys per player.

How do reversible basketball jerseys work?

The jersey is made from two layers of fabric sewn together, each a different color. Players wear the light side for home games and flip it inside out for away games. Numbers, and usually the team name, appear on both sides.

Are reversible jerseys allowed in league play?

Most rec leagues, AAU events and club tournaments allow reversibles. Many high school associations have rules about number size, colors and placement, so check your state association's rules before ordering for school play.

What are the pros and cons?

Reversible setTwo separate sets
Jerseys per player12
Bag spaceSmallDouble
LaundryOne itemTwo items
WeightSlightly heavier (two layers)Lighter per jersey
Design freedomBoth sides must work togetherEach set fully independent
Best forRec, AAU, camps, practiceHigh school and varsity

What fabric should reversibles use?

Because there are two layers, choose a light, breathable knit for each side so the jersey does not get hot. Mesh or micromesh fabric keeps air moving. Read our jersey fabric weight guide for the differences.

Heat press machine pressing sublimated basketball jersey panels

Sublimated panels on the heat press at our Sialkot workshop. On a reversible, each colored side carries its own full set of numbers.

How should numbers be placed on a reversible?

Numbers go on both sides, front and back, in the same position, so a player wearing #23 is #23 whichever side faces out. Use large numbers with strong contrast on both colors.

How do you size reversible jerseys?

Size by chest, the same as a standard tank. The double layer adds a little thickness, so players between sizes should go up one. Youth and adult sizes can be mixed in one order.

What about shorts?

Most teams pair reversibles with shorts in the dark color, or with reversible shorts. Shorts length is a personal and team choice; ask your players before ordering.

How do you care for reversible jerseys?

Wash reversibles cold, inside out on the side you wore last, with similar colors. Skip fabric softener and bleach, and hang them to dry or tumble on low. Because there are two layers, they take a little longer to dry, so hang them right after a tournament instead of leaving them in a bag.

Can reversibles double as practice jerseys?

Yes, and that is one of their best uses. In practice, the coach splits the team by color in seconds: half flip to the dark side, half stay light. Many programs buy one reversible set for practice and camps, and a separate set of game uniforms for school play.

When should you order basketball uniforms?

  • Winter school and rec seasons: order August to October
  • AAU spring and summer: order January to March, after tryouts
  • Camps: order 6 weeks before the first day

How do you order reversibles from Stitchfields?

  1. Request a free mockup through the quote form and mention reversible.
  2. Approve both sides of the design.
  3. Send sizes, names and numbers.
  4. Production takes 10–12 working days after approval, then duty-paid delivery.

There is no minimum. See custom basketball uniforms for styles.

FAQ

Do reversible basketball jerseys have numbers on both sides?

Yes, front and back on both sides, in the same position.

Can high school teams use reversible jerseys?

Some can. Check your state association's uniform rules before ordering.

Are reversible jerseys hot?

They have two layers, so choose a light, breathable mesh fabric for each side.

Is there a minimum order?

No.

Written by the Stitchfields production team in Sialkot, Pakistan. We design, print and stitch custom team uniforms for US clubs and schools, and write these guides from what we see on the factory floor every week.

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