Choosing the right custom track jerseys or singlets can feel surprisingly high-stakes for coaches. Whether you’re outfitting sprinters, jumpers, or an entire team, the uniform you choose affects performance, mobility, and confidence. With so many fabric options, cuts, and design choices, the decision can quickly become overwhelming. If you are short on time, jump to our design consultation to get expert help.

This blog breaks down everything coaches need using a simple, practical checklist, so you make a confident, performance-driven call your athletes will love.

Choosing between singlets and custom track jerseys depends on balancing event-specific mechanical needs, environmental conditions, and athlete comfort. While singlets offer maximum aerodynamic freedom for sprinters, jerseys provide essential coverage and layering versatility for field athletes and distance runners in cooler climates.

To guide your selection process, consider these critical factors within our comprehensive performance framework:

1. Matching Uniform Styles

Every discipline on the track places unique physical demands on the upper body. For high-velocity events like the 100m or 400m hurdles, track jerseys vs singlets usually favor the sleeveless option to reduce friction during aggressive arm drives. However, technical field events or longer relays may benefit from the slightly structured fit of a jersey, which offers a reliable feel without being overly restrictive during warm-ups.

When aligning gear with specific events, coaches should look for these performance advantages:

• Aerodynamic Singlets: Best for 100m-800m races where reducing wind resistance and sleeve drag is vital.

• Technical Jersey Coverage: Provides a comfortable, "less race-tight" feel preferred by many jumpers and throwers.

• Hybrid Team Sets: Mixing both styles allows different event groups to excel while maintaining a unified team appearance.

2. Adapting to Weather and Environmental Conditions

Climate is a primary driver in any team uniform decision. In the heat of summer or the stagnant air of an indoor meet, singlets are unbeatable for their ventilation and rapid sweat evaporation. Conversely, custom track jerseys are more practical for early spring meets or cross-country seasons that require wind protection. A jersey acts as a better external layer over thermal base garments, keeping muscles warm and preventing injury.

Ensure your team is prepared for any forecast by selecting gear with these atmospheric features:

• Sleeveless Ventilation: Maximizes airflow for indoor and high-heat championship meets to prevent overheating.

• Light Insulation Jerseys: Protect against wind chill during early-morning events or during colder transition seasons.

• Layering Compatibility: Provides enough room for compression sleeves or base layers without bunching up under the arms.

3. Prioritizing 4-Way Stretch and Fabric Durability

Fabric integrity is non-negotiable for competitive custom track jerseys. High-performance textiles must feature 4-way stretch to enable explosive movements, such as the deep crouch in starting blocks or the high-knee drive in hurdles. Coaches often worry about seams tearing or colors fading mid-season; therefore, choosing sublimation-ready polyester with reinforced stitching is essential to ensure the investment lasts through multiple high-intensity track seasons.

To avoid mid-season gear failure, prioritize these technical fabric specifications in your order:

• Four-Way Stretch Blends: Ensures the garment moves with the athlete’s body during lateral and vertical movements.

• Sublimation Printing: Guarantees that team colors and logos will never crack, peel, or fade under the sun.

• Anti-Snag Materials: Extend the kit's lifespan by resisting tears during technical field events or in challenging conditions.

4. Focusing on Athlete Comfort and Feedback

Confidence is a significant performance multiplier, and it starts with how an athlete feels in their gear. While singlets are tailored for a sleek, aerodynamic fit, custom track jerseys can be customized with slim or semi-fitted silhouettes to match individual preferences. Including the team in the selection process improves buy-in and morale. For specific needs, such as outfitting your female roster, following women’s track-short sizing guidelines helps ensure a cohesive, comfortable fit.

Improve team confidence by incorporating these athlete-centric fit and comfort considerations:

• Gender-Specific Tailoring: Offers cuts that respect different body shapes for better performance and professional presentation.

• Semi-Compression Silhouettes: Provides a secure, distraction-free fit that doesn't flap in the wind during high speeds.

• Athlete-Driven Selection: Involving the team in the design process boosts morale and pride in the program's identity.

5. Strengthening Team Identity

Your team uniform decision defines your program’s public image during televised meets and regional championships. Professional Ladies Custom Jersey serves as a canvas for high-contrast colors and modern graphic layouts that make your athletes look fast before the gun even goes off. Whether you mix styles or stick to one, consistency in fonts, patterns, and color gradients is key to maintaining a polished, elite-level aesthetic across all event groups.

Build a recognizable program brand by focusing on these design and aesthetic elements:

• High-Contrast Colorways: Improves visibility for coaches and timers at the finish line during crowded meets.

• Unified Pattern Design: Ensures that sprinters and throwers look like a single team regardless of their chosen style.

Personalized Detailing: Options for names or event icons that create a sense of ownership and individual pride.

Finalizing your team uniform decision doesn't have to be a guessing game. By evaluating your roster's specific disciplines and your regional climate, you can select the most effective apparel for the season. This coach checklist serves as a quick reference to help you choose between the aerodynamic profile of a singlet and the versatility of custom track jerseys.

Use the following breakdown to determine which style fits your program's goals:

Choose Custom Track Singlets If:

• You Coach Power Athletes: Ideal for sprinters (100m-400m) and fast middle-distance runners who need zero arm restriction.

• Warm Weather is Standard: Perfect for high-temperature outdoor seasons or stagnant indoor track environments.

• Speed is the Priority: When you need the lightest, most aerodynamic option to minimize drag at high velocities.

• Athletes Prefer a Performance Fit: Best for those who want a tighter, "race-ready" silhouette that stays in place.

Choose Custom Track Jerseys If:

• You Coach Technical or Distance Events: Provides a comfortable, reliable fit for jumpers, throwers, and long-distance runners.

• Cold-Climate Competition: Essential for programs facing windy conditions, early-spring temperatures, or cross-country seasons.

• Athletes Value Coverage: An excellent choice for team members who prefer more shoulder protection or a "semi-fitted" feel.

The Hybrid Approach

Many elite modern programs opt for a hybrid strategy to ensure total versatility. By ordering singlets for peak competition days and custom track jerseys for training, cold-weather meets, or team travel, you provide your athletes with professional gear for every scenario. This approach ensures your team maintains a unified look while giving each athlete the specific performance tool they need for their event.

Choosing between custom track jerseys and singlets becomes easy when you evaluate event types, climate, comfort, and team identity through a coach’s lens. Use the checklist above to guide your team uniform decision, and you’ll end up with gear that looks sharp, performs well, and lasts multiple seasons. 

Your uniform decision does not have to be complicated. Ready to create uniforms your athletes love? Get your custom design from Gear Team Apparel today.

1. What Is The Main Difference Between a Track Jersey And A Singlet?

A track jersey has sleeves and offers light coverage, while a singlet is sleeveless and designed for maximum mobility and aerodynamics.

2. Do Sprinters Prefer Singlets or Jerseys?

Sprinters overwhelmingly prefer singlets because they minimize drag and allow complete arm freedom.

3. What Fabric is Best For Custom Track Jerseys?

Moisture-wicking polyester with 4-way stretch and sublimation printing delivers optimal durability and comfort.

4. Should Men and Women Wear the Same Uniform Style?

The pattern and colors should match, but the cut should be gender-specific for comfort and proper fit.

5. Can Teams Order Both Jerseys and Singlets Together?

Absolutely. Many teams prefer singlets for competition and jerseys for cold-weather meets or warm-ups.