Referee clothing
As a referee, you're easily recognisable in the official kit from Stanno or Nike.
Which clothing is best?
Referees make the decisions in matches and are responsible for a sporting course of play. It's therefore important that the referee is easy to distinguish from the players. This means it's important to wear a different colour than the players. Traditionally, black shorts with a black shirt are worn. Nowadays many referees wear a brightly coloured outfit instead.
The differences
Unlike regular football clothing, referee clothing is fitted with pockets on the shorts and a chest pocket. Referee accessories such as cards and a whistle can be stored in these. The chest pockets have a velcro closure so nothing can fall out. The shirts are available in two different types, a long sleeve shirt and a short sleeve shirt. When it gets colder, it's a good idea to put on a long sleeve shirt. This keeps the upper body warm. When the upper body is warm, it has less trouble keeping the rest of the body warm too.
Which fabric is most suitable?
It's important that referee clothing still feels dry and comfortable while you sweat. If you use a 100% cotton shirt or shorts, this isn't the case. Cotton absorbs sweat, but doesn't carry it away afterwards. This makes the clothing wet and heavy, and it eventually starts to feel cold too. Clothing made from polyester, or from a mix of polyester and cotton, is most suitable to wear during sports. This is a quick drying fabric that carries sweat away well.
Some brands work with special techniques that help carry away sweat. Nike, for instance, uses Dri-Fit technology. Adidas has its ClimaCool technology. This technology has the same effect as Nike's Dri-Fit technology.
Tip
Don't wash the clothing too hot, at temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius the moisture absorption and flexibility of the clothing are affected. To make the clothing last as long as possible, we recommend washing at 30 degrees Celsius. Also don't add fabric softener, this isn't good for the fabric either.
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