How to Choose Custom Reversible Hockey Jerseys

Short answer: a reversible hockey jersey is one garment with two wear faces, usually two colours, so a squad can split for practice, scrimmage, camp or tryouts without carrying two sets. Decide first whether you want a single-layer mesh printed on both faces or two layers sewn together, then plan numbers, logos and contrast so both sides read clearly and one face does not ghost through the other.

This guide is for US and EU brands, team dealers and club buyers briefing a China OEM/ODM factory. Pair it with our hockey jersey manufacturer’s guide, sublimation vs tackle twill for hockey jerseys and fabric guide. Glory Ground Apparel can make custom reversible hockey jerseys on request; see related teamwear in hockey jerseys.

What is a reversible hockey jersey, and when do teams use one?

Short answer: it is a two-faced jersey, most often used as a practice or scrimmage jersey, so coaches can flip a group into two colours in one change.

The usual job is practical: intra-squad games, camps, tryouts and drills where a light-versus-dark split needs to happen on the bench. One jersey per player replaces a separate home and away practice set. Rec leagues sometimes wear a reversible as match kit; many programs still keep a single-sided jersey for official games and use the reversible for practice. A reversible should still fit over shoulder pads, with a neck (often a V-neck) that is easy to flip. A goalie cut can be made on request.

What is the difference between single-layer and double-layer reversible mesh?

Short answer: a single-layer (one-ply) jersey is one mesh with a different colour or design on each face; a double-layer jersey sews two meshes back to back.

Single-layer builds are lighter and usually cooler, which matters in warm rinks or dryland work. Because both designs live on the same fabric, a dense dark design on one face can show through a light face if the two are not designed together. Double-layer builds are more opaque, but they are heavier, warmer and slower to dry. Seams must be finished so either side can be worn out. Polyester mesh is the usual fabric, because it breathes over pads and takes sublimation. Choose ply by climate, how often the jersey will be flipped, and how important opacity is on the light side. More on mesh and jersey fabrics is in our fabric guide. If your market needs fabric documentation, the fabric supplier we use holds an OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certificate, number 23.HCN.91580, valid to August 2027.

How do numbers, names and logos work on both sides?

Short answer: each face can carry its own colour, crest and number; most teams repeat the same number on both sides so a player is always easy to identify.

You can also specify different marks on each face, for example a camp logo on one side and a club crest on the other. Both faces should be approved together so placement and contrast work when the jersey is flipped. Numbers need to stay readable from the boards on both the dark and the light side. On a single-layer jersey, art on one face sits on the back of the other, so avoid putting a large dark block behind a light chest or number. On a double-layer jersey that problem is much smaller, but the two layers still need to hang so the crests line up.

Why is sublimation the usual decoration method for reversible jerseys?

Short answer: dye sublimation can put a complete design on each face without a raised backing that shows through or flakes on the other side.

Tackle twill, embroidery and many surface prints are built to sit on one face of a single-sided jersey. On a reversible, that backing, thread or ink can telegraph to the other side and make the “inside” feel unfinished. Sublimation dyes polyester fibres, so each face can be a full colourway that does not peel as a surface layer. That is why most custom reversible hockey jerseys are specified as sublimated on both sides. Compare methods in sublimation vs tackle twill for hockey jerseys, dye sublimation explained and our decoration methods guide.

How should we choose the two colourways?

Short answer: pick a clear light/dark or two high-contrast team colours so a scrimmage split is obvious, and design both faces as a pair.

Navy and white, black and white, or a dark team colour against a light one are the usual practice pairings, because the split is obvious at a glance. Two similarly mid-tone colours can look distinct on a screen and then fail on the ice. Keep sleeve striping simple enough that it still reads after a flip. Approve artwork for both faces side by side, including what sits behind each number on a single-layer build. If the reversible must echo an existing hockey jersey, send that artwork so the practice colours stay in the same family.

Are reversible jerseys only for practice, or can they be used as game jerseys?

Short answer: they are built first for practice and scrimmage; some rec and club programs also wear them in games, but a single-sided jersey is still the better game garment when presentation matters.

A reversible is two looks in one piece, with extra attention on opacity, seam finish and decoration limits. A single-sided game jersey can use more specialised fabric, tackle twill or embroidery, and a cleaner interior. A practical mix is a reversible set for practice and a single-sided set for games. If you only need one garment and the league allows it, a well-planned reversible can serve both roles.

What should I put in a brief for custom reversible hockey jerseys?

Short answer: both colourways, ply (single- or double-layer), fabric, fit over pads, and a mark plan for each face.

A useful inquiry includes:

• Use: practice, camp or tryout, rec game wear, or a mix
• Construction: single-layer or double-layer mesh, and any preference for a lighter or more opaque build
• Colourways: the two faces, with colour references, designed as a pair
• Marks: logo, name and number on each face; same number both sides or different
• Fit: size run, fit over pads, neck style, and goalie cut if needed
• The game jersey artwork if the reversible should sit in the same kit

If you are unsure on ply, describe the climate and how often the jersey will be flipped. For the document itself, use the tech pack guide.

About Glory Ground Apparel

Glory Ground Apparel is a custom sportswear OEM/ODM manufacturer in Pinghu, Longgang District, Shenzhen, with 10+ years of experience. In-house dye sublimation, tackle twill and embroidery, JUKI industrial sewing machines and a capacity of about 50,000 pieces per month support brands, dealers and clubs. Ready to discuss custom reversible hockey jerseys? Use the Inquiry button to send your design and requirements.

Quick answers