By the Rockhint team, Sialkot · Last updated: 13 October 2026
Quick answer: Under Law 4 of the Laws of the Game, a player’s compulsory equipment is a shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shinguards and footwear. The two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and from the match officials, and each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from all other players and the officials. Undershirts must match the main colour of the shirt sleeve, and undershorts or tights must match the main colour of the shorts. Numbers, names and sponsor sizes are set by each competition, so check your league rules before you order.
Key takeaways
- Law 4 lists five compulsory items: a shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shinguards and footwear.
- Your kit must stand out clearly from the opponent and the referees, so plan a second, contrasting kit.
- Goalkeepers need a colour that no outfield player or official is wearing.
- Base layers must match the sleeve colour; undershorts and tights must match the shorts.
- Number sizes, names and sponsor limits come from your league, not from Law 4.
Who sets the rules for soccer kits?
Soccer kit rules come from two levels:
- The Laws of the Game, written by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Law 4, “The Players’ Equipment”, sets the basic rules that apply in matches played under the Laws, from grassroots to professional level. You can read it on the IFAB website or in The FA’s copy of Law 4.
- Competition rules, set by national associations, leagues and tournament organisers. These usually cover shirt numbers, player names, sponsor sizes and kit registration.
A custom kit has to satisfy both. This guide explains what Law 4 requires and what you need to check with your own league.
What must a soccer uniform include?
Law 4 lists the compulsory equipment as separate items:
| Item | What to plan when ordering |
|---|---|
| A shirt with sleeves | Short or long sleeves. A sleeveless top does not meet this requirement in matches played under Law 4. |
| Shorts | Designed with the shirt so colours and trims match. |
| Socks | Part of the team colour scheme; plan them with the kit. |
| Shinguards | Worn under the socks. |
| Footwear | Chosen by players, not part of the printed kit. |
For what a complete club kit usually includes, from training wear to tracksuits, see our custom soccer uniforms club guide.
How should team colours be planned?
Law 4 says the two teams must wear colours that distinguish them from each other and from the match officials. In practice, that means:
- Plan a second kit in a clearly different colour, so you have an option whenever an opponent’s colours are close to yours.
- Think about contrast, not just hue: a dark navy and a black kit can look the same from the touchline.
- Avoid the referees’ usual colours where you can, since officials must also be told apart from both teams.
Your free mockup is the right moment to compare the home and second kits side by side before anything is printed.
What are the goalkeeper kit rules?
Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials. Because the goalkeeper has to stand out from both teams, many clubs order goalkeeper kits in two different colours, so one will always contrast with the opponent.
Goalkeeper shirts are often ordered with long sleeves and can carry the same crest, sponsor and numbering style as the outfield kit.
What colour can base layers, undershorts and tights be?
This is one of the most commonly missed rules:
- Undershirts must be a single colour that matches the main colour of the shirt sleeve, or a pattern that exactly replicates the sleeve.
- Undershorts and tights must be the same colour as the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts.
If your players wear compression tops or tights in cold weather, order them in the right colours at the same time as the kit. Our custom compression wear guide explains the options.
What about numbers, names, sponsors and slogans?
Law 4 does not set shirt number sizes or say whether player names are required. Those details come from your league or competition, which may specify number heights, front numbers, name bars and the size of sponsor logos. Check the handbook before you approve your design.
Law 4 does say that equipment must not have any political, religious or personal slogans, statements or images, so keep messages and graphics to your club identity and approved sponsors.
For the numbers themselves, sublimation dyes them into the fabric so they never crack or peel; compare methods in sublimation vs screen printing vs tackle twill. Whatever the method, make sure numbers contrast strongly with the shirt.
What should you check before ordering a custom soccer kit?
- Confirm which competition rules apply to your team, as well as Law 4.
- Choose shirts with sleeves for match kits.
- Plan a home kit and a clearly contrasting second kit.
- Order goalkeeper kits in colours no outfield player wears; two colours is safest.
- Match base layers to the sleeve colour and undershorts or tights to the shorts.
- Check your league’s rules on number size, names and sponsor logos.
- Keep slogans and graphics free of political, religious or personal statements.
- Approve a physical sample before bulk production.
How do you order a match-ready kit from Rockhint?
We make custom soccer jerseys, custom soccer shorts and full custom soccer uniform sets in your club colours. Send your crest, colours and any league requirements you have been given, and we will reflect them in a free mockup within 24 hours.
The minimum is 20 pieces with sizes from Youth XS to Adult 5XL mixed freely. A physical sample takes 10 to 12 days and bulk production 2 to 3 weeks, with worldwide shipping by DHL, UPS or FedEx. Your league has the final say on its own rules, so always confirm your design with them.
Frequently asked questions
What equipment is compulsory in soccer?
Under Law 4 of the Laws of the Game, the compulsory equipment is a shirt with sleeves, shorts, socks, shinguards and footwear.
Can soccer jerseys be sleeveless?
Not for matches played under Law 4, which lists a shirt with sleeves as compulsory equipment. Sleeveless tops are fine for training.
Does the goalkeeper have to wear a different colour?
Yes. Each goalkeeper must wear colours that are distinguishable from the other players and the match officials.
What colour should base layers be under a soccer jersey?
A single colour matching the main colour of the shirt sleeve, or a pattern that exactly replicates the sleeve.
What colour can soccer tights or undershorts be?
The same colour as the main colour of the shorts or the lowest part of the shorts.
Who decides shirt number sizes in soccer?
Your league or competition. Law 4 does not set number sizes, so check your competition handbook.
What is the minimum order for custom soccer uniforms at Rockhint?
20 pieces per order, with sizes, names and numbers mixed freely.
About Rockhint
Rockhint is a custom sportswear manufacturer in Sialkot, Pakistan. We make team uniforms, fitness wear and private-label apparel in our own factory, with a 20-piece minimum, free 24-hour mockups and worldwide shipping. Learn more about us or browse all products.
Want a free mockup of a match-ready soccer kit? Request a free quote · WhatsApp +92 320 6371918 · Email info@rockhint.com