Referees clothing

Which Clothing is Best for Referees?

Referees make the decisions in matches and are responsible for ensuring fair play. It is important that referees are easily distinguishable from the players. This means wearing a different color than the players. Traditionally, referees wear black shorts and a black shirt. Nowadays, many referees opt for bright-colored outfits.

The Differences

Unlike regular football clothing, referee clothing comes with pockets and chest pockets. These can be used to store referee accessories such as cards and a whistle. The chest pockets are equipped with Velcro closures to ensure nothing falls out. Referee shirts are available in two styles: one with long sleeves and one with short sleeves. When the weather gets colder, it's a good idea to wear a long-sleeve shirt to keep the upper body warm. When the upper body stays warm, it helps to keep the rest of the body warm as well.

Which Fabric is Most Suitable?

It is important that referee clothing remains dry and comfortable, even when sweating. If you use a 100% cotton shirt or shorts, this will not happen. Cotton absorbs sweat but does not wick it away. As a result, the clothing becomes wet, heavy, and eventually cold. Polyester clothing, or clothing made from a polyester-cotton blend, is the most suitable for sports. Polyester is a quick-drying fabric that effectively wicks moisture away.

Some brands use special technologies that enhance moisture-wicking. For example, Nike uses Dri-Fit technology, which quickly wicks sweat away for greater comfort. Adidas has its ClimaCool technology, which works similarly to Nike’s Dri-Fit technology.

Tip

Wash your clothing at a lower temperature. Washing at temperatures higher than 40°C can affect the moisture-wicking ability and flexibility of the fabric. To prolong the life of your clothing, we recommend washing at 30°C. Also, avoid using fabric softener, as it is not good for the fabric.

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