Basketball T-shirts and polos

T-shirt, tank top or polo: each to their moment

Each top corresponds to a moment in the basketball day.

• The technical t-shirt is used for warm-ups and training. Made of polyester, it dries quickly and keeps the shoulders warm before the game starts.
• The tank top frees up the arms for training, offering the same shooting freedom as the match jersey. Reversible models can also be used for scrimmages.
• The polo dresses the coach, staff, and managers. It gives a club look on the bench and during trips.
• The lifestyle t-shirt, made of cotton, features the logos of NBA teams, legends, or streetwear brands.

Cotton or polyester: choose the material according to use

For sweating, go for polyester. Cotton absorbs sweat, becomes heavy, and sticks to the skin after a few minutes of effort. Breathable polyester wicks away moisture and dries between sessions. Cotton takes the lead off the court: softer, thicker, it holds prints better and ages well.

Between the two, cotton and polyester blends make good warm-up t-shirts for those who dislike the synthetic feel.

The shooting t-shirt, a pre-game ritual

In the NBA as in clubs, teams warm up with a long-sleeved top, often identical for the whole group. It keeps shoulder muscles warm during shots and is removed just before tip-off. For an amateur team, a technical t-shirt in the club's colours serves the same purpose and creates a real team image during warm-ups.

The textile categories alongside tops

For the match, the warm-up top gives way to the jersey, to be worn with a matching basketball short. When it's cold, layer up with one of the baselayers or switch to sweatshirts, jackets, and tracksuits. Trousers and socks complete the outfit. Everything is sorted in the textile categories.

The most popular t-shirt and polo brands

These are the brands that customers choose the most for their tops, blending sporting culture and teamwear.

• New Era prints the logos of NBA and MLB franchises, from the Knicks to the Yankees, on cotton t-shirts for everyday wear.
• Project X Paris offers streetwear t-shirts with loose cuts, featuring embroidered or reflective logos.
• Hummel outfits teams with its Core t-shirts and polos, easy to match with club jerseys.
• Mitchell & Ness pays homage to NBA legends with vintage t-shirts, from Magic Johnson to Allen Iverson.
• adidas offers light and breathable Adi365 and Adizero training t-shirts and tank tops.
• Superdry rounds off with lifestyle cotton t-shirts and polos.

Cheaper tops

A t-shirt is often the first item to benefit from discounts. Look for good deals and clearance for end-of-range items, then check the sales and the Black Friday textile events. The new arrivals showcase the latest models added to the catalogue.

Frequently asked questions

Should I go for a larger technical t-shirt for basketball?

No, stick to your usual size. An oversized technical t-shirt flaps and gets stuck under the arms when you shoot. Keep the looseness for lifestyle t-shirts, which can happily be worn oversized.

How can I stop a white t-shirt from yellowing under the arms?

Wash it quickly after exercising, without letting it ferment in the bag. Avoid aluminum-based deodorants just before playing, and prefer a low-temperature wash, inside out. Polyester stains less than cotton.

Is a polo suitable for a coach during a match?

Yes, it's actually the most common outfit on amateur benches. Choose one from the club's range to match their colours, in polyester if the gym is warm. Some coaches prefer a tracksuit jacket over it at the start of the match.

Can a cotton t-shirt be used for playing?

For a casual shoot, yes. For a match or an intense session, it becomes heavy and damp within minutes. Save cotton for the city and for travelling.

How can I keep a t-shirt print looking good for as long as possible?

Wash it inside out, in cold water, and let it air dry. The tumble dryer cracks prints. If you need to iron it, do so on the reverse side, never directly on the design.