A complete soccer uniform (commonly called a kit) includes several pieces of gear, including a jersey, shorts, shin guards, socks, and cleats (also called boots or shoes). While other accessories may be worn, every soccer uniform will include these primary components. 

The kit is one of the most iconic components of football, with legendary clubs and national teams strongly associated with their uniforms (many of which remain unchanged for decades). Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned vet, having a complete, appropriate uniform can help you play your best, avoid injury, and stay within the rules of the game. 

Soccer Uniform Rules

While uniform rules vary among governing bodies, there are many overlapping rules that are commonly imposed. These include:

Colors

Opposing teams may not wear similarly-colored kits. In many cases, each team’s uniform colors must contrast, allowing players, coaches, referees, and spectators to easily distinguish the two teams from each other. As a result, most clubs have at least two uniforms in different color schemes. In most cases, the home team will wear light colors (often white), with the away team wearing darker colors. Goalkeepers must wear a shirt that distinguishes them from other players, usually in a color altogether separate from both teams’ primary kits. A kit may not feature more than four colors in many associations. 

Shin Guards

Each player is required to wear shin guards beneath their socks. In high school soccer, the bottom edge of the shin guard must be no more than two inches above the ankle; most governing bodies have similar requirements. In many associations, shin guards must meet the requirements set forth by the NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment).

Numbers

Each jersey is required to display the player’s number on both the front and the back of the jersey. The number is typically subject to a rule stating a minimum size; for example, in high school soccer, numbers must be at least eight inches tall on the back and at least four inches tall on the front. 

Soccer Uniform Components

Each soccer uniform is composed of at least five pieces of equipment, including:

Jersey

Each team features a distinctive jersey, typically adorned with the team’s logo on the front as well as the player’s number on both sides. In some cases, the player’s last name will be positioned above the rear number. The jersey may also include patches or commemorative images, as in the case of many licensed soccer jerseys

Shin Guards

Soccer shin guards are intended to protect the player’s lower leg from incidental contact during play and are required by most soccer governing bodies. They must be worn underneath the socks and are often made of rubber or plastic. The best shin guards will be lightweight, allowing the player to move freely, while still providing ample protection. 

Soccer Shoes

Soccer shoes, also known as cleats or boots, are a required component of every soccer uniform. They include rubber or plastic molded spikes on the bottom surface of the shoe to improve grip and reduce injury risk. They are often made using synthetic material (which delivers a lighter shoe) or special K-leather (which delivers a heavier, but more protective shoe). 

Each player has their own footwear preferences on the pitch. These often vary by position, with strikers and other attacking-focused players preferring lighter, thinner shoes that allow maximum sprint speed and ball control. Defensive-focused players often prefer heavier, more substantial shoes, which provide more protection during tackles. 

Shorts

Another major component of a soccer uniform are football shorts. Similar to other athletic shorts, these pants usually fall at or above the knee to facilitate free movement. They are usually made with synthetic materials, but may also be manufactured using natural fibers like cotton. Most governing bodies forbid shorts from including pockets, and many associations require shorts to be numbered. 

Socks

Worn over the player’s shin guards, soccer socks are the final piece of equipment required for a full football uniform. Similar to baseball or softball socks, soccer socks typically rise to knee-height (or just below the knee) in order to fully contain the player’s shin guards. Besides protecting the foot and containing the shin guards, these items also protect players from cuts or scrapes during play, particularly during slide tackles. As a result, they are often made from smooth material that facilitates sliding. 

Regardless of how much experience you have with the sport, players, coaches, and fans alike can check in with The Center Circle for in-depth insights into the game and our experts’ take on the big events happening in soccer across the globe. You can find the web’s leading collection of soccer gear at Soccer Pro, including authentic licensed jerseys and top-end football boots, so you can both look and play your best.