Custom Jersey Collar and Armhole Fit: What to Check on a Sample

A custom jersey can pass the color check and still fail the player. Collar shape, armhole depth, and shoulder width decide whether the jersey feels clean or restrictive. Check these three points on a physical sample before bulk production.

Start With the Collar, Not the Color

A collar that looks right on a mockup can still pull, gap, or sit too low in motion. Check the neck opening, rib stretch, and label placement. A crew neck should sit close without pressing on the throat. A V-neck should not open so wide that the number or logo moves off-center. Ask the player to turn their head and raise both arms; if the collar pulls, the opening or rib is wrong.

Check Armhole Depth and Shoulder Width

The armhole is where most fit complaints start. A shallow armhole digs into the armpit; an oversized one exposes the side of the torso and restricts layering. The shoulder seam should sit near the edge of the shoulder, not halfway down the arm. Test in the size the player will wear, and test a youth size separately. A pattern that works for a 180 cm player may fail a 150 cm player.

Test the Fit in Motion

Ask two players to try the sample: one guard who moves continuously and one post player who reaches overhead. Check a jump shot, a pass, and a defensive stance. Look for collar lift, armhole pressure, and shoulder pull. Mark any change on the sample and confirm it in writing before bulk production.

CTA: Send your roster and fit notes to request a custom jersey sample check.