Football shirt printing and official badges

The official typography of the Premier League

Since 2023, the Premier League has been using a new typography for names and numbers, designed in collaboration with Avery Dennison, its official supplier of names, numbers and sleeve badges. This is only the fourth redesign in the championship's history. The characters have increased in size and readability, with numbers now measuring 25 centimeters in height on the back, straighter shapes and more open inner spaces, to ensure they are legible from the stands as well as on television.

The letters and numbers of this typography are available individually, from A to Z, along with the digits and the dot, allowing you to compose any name. They exactly replicate the design worn in matches, featuring the championship's unique graphic pattern. For a Premier League shirt, this is the only way to get an identical print to that of the players.

A typography per competition

The same club does not wear the same printing across all competitions. The championship imposes its typography, the Champions League has its own, and national competitions such as cups sometimes have a third option. That's why the printing on a Real Madrid shirt exists in both Liga and Champions League versions, and a Bayern Munich shirt has a Bundesliga version.

National teams follow the same logic during major tournaments: a Spain shirt at the World Cup carries the tournament's lettering. So choosing the print essentially means choosing the match you want to replicate. Pre-composed player prints, combining name and number, save the hassle of assembling the letters one by one.

The sleeve badges

Badges complement the printing on the sleeves. In the Premier League, the championship badge was redesigned in 2023 around the lone lion, rendered in gold for the champion badge worn by the title holder. The No Room For Racism badge references the league's campaign against racism, which players wear on the sleeve during designated match days. In the French championship, the champion badge is personalized in the colours of the title-holding club since 2024.

For the 2026 World Cup, multiple versions coexist: the tournament badge on a white or black background, and the gold Winners badge, reserved for the current world champion team. The PSG packs include the badges from the same season, and Liga badges or sleeve sponsor emblems, like that of OM, allow for accurate replication of other kits.

Applying a print yourself

Letters, numbers and badges are applied using heat transfer: an adhesive activated by heat and pressure that fixes them onto the fabric. A heat press provides the most durable result, as it applies consistent temperature and pressure across the entire surface. At home, a steam iron can suffice, following the precise temperature and time instructions provided with the product, and protecting the print with a piece of parchment paper.

The positioning should be prepared before heating: the name is centred above the number, a few centimetres below the collar, and the letters are aligned along a ruler. Lightweight polyester tech shirts are sensitive to high temperatures, which can gloss over or mark the mesh: it is better to test on a discreet area. Once applied, the print should cool completely before removing the transfer film.

Maintaining a printed shirt

A printed shirt should be washed inside out, at a maximum of 30 degrees, without fabric softener, which can damage the adhesive used in heat transfers. It should air dry, never be tumble dried, and should not be ironed over the print: heat can soften the adhesive and cause the letters to peel off in first. By following these rules, an official print can last several seasons without cracking.

Shirts and the rest of football

Club and national team shirts that can be printed are available in the teams section, and those for young players in the juniors section. The teamwear section includes club kits, often printed with a number, tracksuits for away games, and equipment like balls and gear. The shoes and the goalkeepers category complete the range, all collected on the football page.

The new arrivals showcase the latest shirts, special offers feature discounted items, and items shipped within 24h are prepared and dispatched in 24 hours. The good deals, clearance, sales and Black Friday have their own football page.

Frequently asked questions

Which supplier produces the names and numbers for the English championship?

Avery Dennison is the official supplier of names, numbers and sleeve badges for the Premier League. Since 2023, it has designed a new typography with the league, which is larger and more readable.

Does each competition have its own font for printing?

Yes, each championship and major competition has its own typography, with specific numbers and letters. For a shirt that matches the players', the print must correspond to the competition being played.

Can you print a shirt yourself?

Yes, with a heat press or a steam-free iron, following the indicated temperature and application time. Place a protective sheet, press firmly, then let it cool before removing the backing.

How do you wash a printed shirt without damaging it?

Turn it inside out, wash it at a maximum of thirty degrees without fabric softener, and avoid the tumble dryer as well as ironing over the print. Dry it flat or on a hanger, away from direct sunlight.

Where is the competition badge positioned on a shirt?

Competition badges are placed on the sleeves, centered a few centimeters below the shoulder seam, just like on shirts worn in matches. Their exact placement depends on the rules of each competition.