When it comes to getting organised for a new season, it’s never too early to think about your football teamwear requirements.

Whether you want to create a new design, re-design all of your existing football teamwear, or just pre-order your new shirts and shorts so you have them in good time, the key is to start early!

As any busy club manager will tell you, planning, designing and ordering/re-ordering your team strip can be time-consuming, so it’s important that you don’t leave the big decisions until the last minute.

Manufacturing high-quality, bespoke football teamwear takes time

Whilst any reputable sportswear provider will do their best to complete an order in the shortest time possible, the sports industry, particularly football, does have notable peaks and troughs.

Suppliers usually recognise peak times as falling between July and October, so ordering during this period may result in unexpected or additional delays.

With an average lead time of around 4 weeks from approval of artwork during this peak season, its savvy to allow a maximum of 8 weeks to ensure your delivery expectations are met. This of course depends on when your season starts and finishes, but the point remains that lead times can double in certain months.

A good tip for scheduled cup days and/or league finals, is to approach your supplier well in advance to discuss your kit and delivery requirements. A reputable sportswear provider should be able to give you an honest and reliable delivery date before you place your order, so you can sure you won’t be let down at the last minute.

Don’t fall into the trap of your football kit being discontinued

Some mainstream sportswear providers offer products with just a 2-year life span. That can be extremely frustrating if a club is wanting to create a lasting identity across their environment. This means you should always search for a supplier that can offer continuity of supply for as long as you need your existing football kit.

If you don’t have a conversation about this early on, it could be that your kit could be suddenly discontinued at the year end, or end of season, or not available at all when you come to re-order. That can lead to frustration, stress, and a need to completely re-design or reimagine your existing kit. Having spent time and money establishing your brand and club identity, this can be disappointing and costly.

As a preference, search for a supplier that never discontinues products – it means you can keep your kit for longer and be sure when you re-order, it will be available.

Using a design tool can speed up the process

By ordering early and using design software that ‘saves edits along the way’ you can finalise your design, place your order and receive your kit, in plenty of time for the new season.

TAG Sportwear (Derby Road, Burton upon Trent) provides the KITBUILDER design tool to help you create your new football kit. This helps you to take control of your design, as you can edit, modify features and change your mind as many times as you like, as it only saves your latest version.

The tool has links to lots of well-known and used styles including over 70 short-sleeved shirt designs including Delhi, Maryland, Dhaka, Hong Kong, London, Hobart, Delaware, Cardiff and Mumbai, and over 60 long-sleeved shirts including Colorado, Sacramento, Malaga, San Jose, Venice, United and others.

Factor in the time required to assess sample sizes, colours and designs

Trying before you buy is always a good idea with any sports kit.

If you want your players to try on different sizes of long-sleeved or short-sleeved shirts, shorts, socks, and other gear, and provide feedback on new designs and material samples, pre-ordering these items is possible. However, this will inevitably delay the placement of your final order, so start the process early.

Sportswear providers should be able to offer this service and deduct any costs for initial prototypes and samples against your first order.

So, whilst we are only mid-season and the new season might seem like months away, now is a good time to be planning what you need, particularly if you envisage re-designing or reimagining your home and/or away kits.

Its never too early to get your bespoke teamwear in good order – and a great place to start is with the TAG Sportswear KITBUILDER design tool. TAG is proud to provide the lowest minimum re-order quantities across the UK and is the official kit supplier to Burton Albion Football Club.

We are TAG Sportswear – a premier supplier, designer and manufacturer of bespoke teamwear. Our aim is simple: to provide an exceptional choice of affordable, professional quality football and training kits, rainwear and leisure clothing, which inspire sportspeople and clubs across the UK to excel.

To discuss your Football Teamwear requirements contact us on 01283 531855 or email sales@tagsportswear.co.uk