At Miles Teamwear, we’ve worked with clubs at every level—professional teams, academies, and local sides—and one question we hear often is: “What material is best for football shirts?”
The answer depends on how you play, how often you train, and the kind of comfort you expect. Modern football jerseys are designed to keep players cool, dry, and moving freely, and the fabric plays a huge role in that.

Below is a clear breakdown of the materials you’ll find in today’s football shirts and custom kits, and how each one affects performance.

Polyester Football Shirts

Polyester is the most common football shirts material in today’s. It’s light, quick-drying, and handles sweat far better than older fabrics. This is one reason it’s used in most match jerseys and custom football kits we produce.

Why polyester works:

• Stays light even during intense play
• Wicks sweat away from the skin
• Holds colour well over a long season
• Dries quickly after washing

This makes it reliable for teams that train or compete regularly.

Cotton Blend Shirts

Cotton blends offer a softer feel and are popular with youth teams, training sessions, and casual players. They’re breathable and comfortable, especially in warm conditions.

While cotton doesn’t wick moisture as effectively as polyester, blends that include a small percentage of synthetic fibres create a good balance between comfort and performance.

Nylon and Other Synthetics

Nylon is strong, flexible, and often found in premium football shirts. It’s used when teams want something a little more durable but still lightweight.

Nylon is known for:

• Stretch and flexibility
• Smooth texture
• Long-lasting durability
• Good resistance to wear and tear

Clubs that play physical matches or train multiple times a week often choose nylon-poly blends.

Spandex / Elastane for Flexibility

Most modern football shirts include a small amount of elastane (or spandex). This lets the shirt stretch naturally with the body, especially useful for fitted styles and performance-focused kits.

Shirts that include elastane keep their shape better and feel more supportive during sprints, sudden turns, and physical challenges.

How Fabric Affects Performance

Different fabrics change how a football shirt behaves during play.

Here’s what matters most to players:

• Breathability: helps prevent overheating
• Sweat control: keeps the shirt feeling dry
• Fit: allows natural movement
• Durability: holds up through a long season

Choosing the right material ensures players feel comfortable from kick-off to final whistle.

New Innovations in Football Shirts

Football apparel has evolved quickly, and many teams now look for advanced or eco-friendly options.

Modern features include:

• Recycled polyester with the same performance as new fibres
• Mesh ventilation panels for improved airflow
• Anti-odor treatments
• Ultra-light fabrics designed for high-intensity play

These improvements help create shirts that feel better and last longer.

Choosing the Right Football Shirt

When we help teams design their custom football kits, these are the factors we recommend considering:

• Level of play: Competitive teams usually prefer moisture-wicking polyester or nylon blends.
• Comfort vs. performance: Cotton blends feel softer; synthetic fabrics perform better under pressure.
• Fit: Elastane helps create a secure, flexible fit.
• Climate: Breathable fabrics are better in heat; thicker materials work well in cooler seasons.
• Design: Some fabrics hold print and colour more cleanly than others.

Final Thoughts

Football shirts today are made from materials that support movement, comfort, and durability. Polyester, cotton blends, nylon, and elastane each offer something different, and the right choice depends on your team’s needs.

At Miles Teamwear, we build football shirts using fabrics that balance comfort, breathability, and long-term performance. Whether you’re creating custom match jerseys or training kits, choosing the right material makes every match-day better