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Buying a football shirt - these are the football shirt rules in germany you should be aware of

You love football? But what really matters when it comes to a football shirt? In this article, you will learn everything about the german football jersey rules, what you should look for when buying and why you can benefit from jerseys from spized.

spized | Clothing and equipment

January 14, 2025 |

Whats’ on this page

1. These DFB guidelines for match clothing must be observed:

2. These garments are specified in the guidelines:

2.1 The jersey

2.2 The shorts

2.3 Socks and football boots

2.4 Shin guards - compulsory or not?

2.5 Headgear and other equipment

2.6 Werbung, Botschaften, Slogans und Bilder

3. Important points when buying your jersey

3.1 Material

3.2 Quality

3.3 Fitting

3.4 Print

3.5 Price

4. Note: This is how you should wash jerseys

5. Design your own jersey at spized

These DFB guidelines for match clothing must be observed:

In German football, players must comply not only with the Laws of the Game but also with the DFB guidelines for match clothing. The rules applicable to this are laid down by the Laws of the Game of the world governing body FIFA. In these guidelines, the term "jersey" is used synonymously for the player's entire equipment. Actually, a "jersey" only describes the outer clothing of a football player. According to the DFB guidelines for match clothing, a jersey, shorts, socks, shin guards and shoes are part of a player's equipment. Other items of equipment and clothing that pose a danger to himself or those around him are generally not permitted. This also includes all types of jewellery.

These garments are specified in the guidelines:

The jersey

As far as the jersey is concerned, the jersey rules in football are clear:

Shirt colours	The jersey colours and patterns of a team must be uniform. They must not be identical to the jerseys of the opposing team. If the jerseys of the teams are nevertheless similar, one of the teams may wear different coloured shirts to distinguish them. The colours of the jersey and the entire playing kit may only have up to four different colours. Colours for the lettering are not counted here. The goalkeeper of a team must be clearly recognisable in his role. He must stand out in colour from all the rest of the players, including his own team. The same applies to the referee. The referee must be clearly distinguishable from all the other players in terms of jersey colour and pattern. This is often achieved with the colour black.
Shirt number	The respective number assigned to the player must be centred and clearly legible on the back of the jersey.
Family name	Also on the back of the jersey, the player's family name or an abbreviation may be legible. This can be either above or below the number.
Club name	The club name or the name of the club's home town may be printed on the back of the jersey.
Sleeve	Sleeves are compulsory in a football jersey, which is why the jersey must have either long sleeves or short sleeves.
Vests & Underwear	Vests, underwear and long-sleeved vests worn with the jersey must not show through the jersey in a different colour. They must be of one colour and of the same main colour as the jersey. Thus, a white long-sleeved vest must also be worn under a white short-sleeved jersey instead of a red one.

The shorts

Die Trikot Regeln im Fußball bieten, was Hosen angeht, einen breiteren Spielraum. Im Fußball sind nämlich sowohl kurze als auch lange Hosen und sogar Jogginghosen erlaubt. Einteilige Anzüge sind hingegen nicht erlaubt. In Länge, Farbe und Muster müssen die Hosen aller Spieler wie bei den Trikots identisch sein. Die Hose ist als einzelnes Kleidungsstück zu betrachten und darf sich vom Trikot der Spieler optisch abheben.

Socks and football boots

According to the DFB guidelines for match clothing, the wearing of socks and football boots is compulsory. It is important that the socks cover the entire shin. The football boots must provide the player with sufficient support during the match. To achieve this, the shoes should have studs, lugs or studs under the soles. The colour of the shoe can be chosen at will and does not have to be uniform.

Shin guards - compulsory or not?

Shin guards are often uncomfortable for players to wear and restrict their freedom of movement. Nevertheless, they are compulsory in football according to the football jersey rules. Shin guards protect two parts of the body that are very susceptible to injury: the Achilles tendon and the shin. Players are often hit unexpectedly hard by their own teammates in a duel, even away from the competition. Therefore, it is recommended to wear shin guards for safety during training as well.

Headgear and other equipment

The jersey rules in football allow non-hazardous protective equipment. This includes face masks, sports glasses, goalkeeper caps, head protection and knee and arm protectors made of padded, light and soft materials. Also permitted are any headgear that may not pose any danger to the wearer or the other players. They must not be attached to the player's jersey. They must be plain black or the main colour of the jersey.

Advertising, messages, slogans and images

According to the DFB guidelines for match clothing, permissible jersey advertising may be placed on the front of the jersey or on a captain's armband. This includes slogans, messages and images.

Allowed on the playing attire are:

Team logo
Name and number of the player
Details relating to the match such as venue, date, event, teams
Slogans and emblems exclusively for the promotion of football
Jersey advertising with an advertising partner (legal or natural person)

However, the following are not permitted:

Personal, religious or political images, slogans and messages on the playing clothing
Personal, religious or political messages, images and slogans on the player's underwear. The manufacturer's logo is an exception here.

These regulations apply to all clothing and equipment of players, substitutes and also team officials in the technical zone.

What happens in the event of an infringement?

If one of the players violates these rules, the referee may send the player off. He does not have to stop the game immediately. If the player is not sent off immediately, he must leave the field of play at the next stoppage of play.

Once the player has left the field of play and put his equipment in order in accordance with the regulations, he may not return to the field of play without the permission of the referee and without a prior check of the equipment by a match official. Such permission may easily be given even during a match in progress.

If a player re-enters the field of play without permission, he receives a warning. If play is stopped for this caution, an indirect free kick is awarded to the opposing team. If the player has even interfered in the game, a direct free kick is awarded to the opposing team.

Important points when buying your jersey

You want to buy a new jersey? Then consider these important points and you won't be disappointed:

Material:

The main task of a jersey is to draw perspiration away from your body as quickly as possible. That's why jerseys are usually made of breathable polyester. The great advantage of this material is that it is particularly breathable and at the same time very easy to care for. You benefit from this especially in autumn and winter, when your jersey can quickly get really dirty. But it's also a big advantage in summer, when you sweat a lot and the jersey ventilates you well. In addition, synthetic fibres do not absorb odours, which is why a good jersey will not develop odours for several years.

Quality:

Quality is also an important indicator for or against buying a jersey. Since fierce duels and falls are part and parcel of football, a jersey should be able to withstand mud, gravel and a fall. If, on the other hand, you are only going to use the jersey once, quality is not quite as important.

Fitting:

Another very important aspect that you should pay attention to is the right fit of a jersey. It is very important that your jersey fits your body. If it is too small, it will restrict you when running. If it is too loose, the excess fabric will cause it to slide around on your body. It is best to choose a jersey that is figure-hugging but still allows you enough freedom of movement during the game.

Print:

Whether in the Bundesliga or the lowest amateur division, the print is of great importance. In the end, it decides whether your jersey may also be used for playing. According to football jersey rules, jerseys must have easily recognisable numbers. Therefore, you should make sure that the print is of high quality and easy to read.

Price:

Keep in mind that the most expensive jersey is not always the best. For exclusive and particularly elaborate jerseys, the price can be very high. Nevertheless, a high-quality, well-fitting jersey doesn't have to cost the earth. What's more important is whether it suits you.

Note: This is how you should wash jerseys

To ensure that your jersey lasts as long as possible, it is advisable to always follow the manufacturer's care instructions first and foremost. In addition, you should also pay attention to a few small things, regardless of the manufacturer:

When washing football jerseys, avoid using detergent and fabric softener.
Turn your jersey inside out for washing
Wash your jersey at 30°C or less.
Do not spin it in a high gear
Air dry your jersey instead of putting it in the dryer.
Take your jersey straight out of the washing drum after washing.
Dry it lying down

Design your own jersey at spized

Are you looking for the right jersey that will make you stand out from the crowd? That will stand by you faithfully in every game? And complies with all football jersey rules? spized offers you high-quality jerseys that fit you perfectly, with customisable designs, colours, logos and much more.