How to Order Custom Team Uniforms from an Overseas Manufacturer

Ordering uniforms directly from a factory can save your team money and give you far more design freedom than a catalog. But if you have never ordered from overseas, the process can feel uncertain. Who designs the uniform? How do you get sizes right? What about customs? This guide walks through every step, so you know exactly what to expect before you pay a deposit.

1. Prepare a clear brief

The better your brief, the faster and more accurate your quote. Before you contact a manufacturer, gather:

• Product: jerseys only, or full sets (jerseys, pants or shorts, socks)?
• Quantity: how many players, plus a few spares for new players.
• Colors and logo: your team colors and a logo file. A vector file (PDF, AI or SVG) is best, but a clear image is usually enough to start.
• Names and numbers: a simple list of player names, numbers and sizes.
• Deadline: the date the uniforms must be in your hands, not just shipped.
• Delivery country: this affects shipping cost and customs.

2. Get a free mockup and quote

A good manufacturer will turn your brief into a digital mockup showing the front, back and details of the uniform. At SHAUNZ SPORTS, artwork and mockups are free, and you can request changes until the design looks right. The quote should state the price per piece, the minimum order, the production time and the shipping options.

Check the minimum order quantity (MOQ) early. Many factories require 50 or 100 pieces per design. Our standard minimum is 10 pieces per design, which suits small teams, clubs and new brands.

3. Confirm sizes before anything is cut

Sizing causes more problems than anything else in a uniform order. Ask every player to measure their chest and waist rather than guessing from the size they wear in a store, because sizing differs between brands and countries. Use the manufacturer's size guide, and say whether you need adult, youth or women's fits.

For American football, also confirm whether jerseys will be worn over shoulder pads. Our custom football uniforms page explains what to check. If you are unsure, order a sample first.

4. Decide whether you need a sample

A sample lets you check fabric, fit, colors and print quality before the full run. It adds time and cost, but it is worth it for large orders, a new design or a new supplier. Sample charges are usually quoted by quantity, so ask for the price and timing at the start.

5. Approve the design and pay the deposit

Once the mockup, sizes and price are agreed, you approve the final design. Most overseas manufacturers then ask for a deposit before production starts. Ours is 30–50% of the order value, with the balance paid before shipping. Read the supplier's terms carefully. You can see ours on our ordering terms page.

6. Production

Production typically takes 1–3 weeks after the design is approved and the deposit is received. Larger or more complex orders can take longer. During production, the fabric is cut, printed or embroidered, stitched and checked against the approved design. Ask for photos of the finished order before it ships, so you can confirm everything looks right.

7. Shipping and customs

Overseas uniform orders usually ship by express courier such as DHL, FedEx, UPS or DPD, with tracking. Transit time is separate from production time, so add it to your plan.

Import duties and taxes may apply in your country. There are usually two options:

• Customs-paid: duties are included in your shipping quote, so there are no surprises on delivery.
• Customs-unpaid: you pay any duties and customs charges when the parcel arrives.

If you want to know your total cost up front, choose customs-paid shipping.

Plan your timeline backwards

Start from the date you need the uniforms and work back. Allow time for the mockup and approvals, an optional sample, 1–3 weeks of production and shipping transit. As a rule of thumb, start the conversation 6–8 weeks before the season. That leaves room for design changes and late size updates.

Checklist before you order

• Brief ready: product, quantity, colors, logo, deadline and country
• Mockup approved, front and back
• Size list measured, not guessed
• Sample decision made
• Deposit, balance and shipping option confirmed in writing

Ready to start? Send us your colors, logo and quantity and we will prepare a free mockup and quote.