How to Dress for Soccer

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Last Updated: April 9, 2024

Soccer is an extremely fun sport, played at many different levels, from professional to recreational. Different levels of play have different dress requirements, but there are a few general rules to follow for playing anywhere, anytime. This article will help you choose appropriate clothes for soccer.

Part 1

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Dressing for Recreational Play

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The most important part of dressing up for soccer is to give yourself freedom of movement so that you can play without having to think about your clothes too much. Since recreational play doesn't tend to involve uniform requirements, you don't have to worry about the same limitations you might for official or league play.
If you are just playing with your friends, you can wear whatever you want as long as it is comfortable. So, if it is hot outside, go with something cool, while if it is cold, pick something a little bit warmer (but keep in mind that you will get hot when you start running around).^{[1]
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Find the appropriate clothes. If it is warm outside, you should probably choose shorts and a t-shirt or soccer jersey. If it is colder, you can choose sweatpants and a long-sleeve shirt. You may or may not need to wear shin-guards. If you do, wear short socks underneath the shin-guards and long socks over them to keep them in place.^{[2]
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- Layer if necessary. If it is cold to start out, make sure that you wear shorts under your sweatpants so that you can take them off if you get too hot. You can also wear a t-shirt underneath your long-sleeve or sweatshirt for the same purpose.
Again, the most important things are comfort and functionality. If you own cleats, you can wear those. However, many recreational soccer games can be played in tennis shoes or running shoes, or with no shoes at all. Check with your fellow players to decide what kind of shoe is appropriate for that particular game. Because Soccer requires kicking a ball, you should wear tennis shoes or cleats, you can damage and hurt your feet by wearing sandals or going barefoot.
You can spice up your outfit by purchasing the jersey or shorts of a favorite player or team. It can also be fun to wear headbands or other accessories to make you feel like the famous players you see on TV, as well as keep your hair out the way.

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Dressing for Official League Play

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When playing for a team or in a league, be aware that there may be stricter dress requirements than for recreational games. Know the rules so you can stay within policy.
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Wear cleats.^{[3]
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- Turf shoes are acceptable only when on playing on turf.
- Cleats cannot have metal spikes, front toe spikes, or anything that may hurt another player.
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Put your hair in a pony-tail if it goes past your shoulders.
- This makes it easier to see in the game.
- You can use skinny and soft headbands to hold your hair from falling in your face.
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Layer under your team shirt.^{[4]
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- Jackets and warm-up shirts cannot be worn over your team shirt because it hides what team you are on, and is considered cheating.
- Zipper-less jackets, sweatshirts (with hood down) can be worn under your shirt.
- All types and colours of under shirts are considered acceptable as long as it is worn under your shirt.
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Wear shorts.^{[5]
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- Leggings to go under your shorts are acceptable.
- Goalies are allowed to wear pants.
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Wear a mouth guard.^{[6]
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- This is particularly encouraged if you have braces or any other condition with your teeth.
- Gel ones are great.
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Use your goalie items if a goalie.
- You are going to need a good pair of gloves.
- Wear a different color shirt.

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Question

I don't have cleats. Is it OK to wear running shoes for a tournament?

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Yes, but cleats are better for soccer because you won't slip and fall.

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Why do I need to wear shorts?

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So you don't burn up. You run a lot in soccer, and it's usually outdoors. Also, pants can rip more easily and make it harder to move.

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Is it considered cheating if I don't wear shin guards?

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No. The shin guards are there for your safety. Getting kicked in the shins can hurt.

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Tips

Make sure your cleats fit snugly.

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If you are a goalie, be sure to get gloves that fit snug on your hand, in order to have maximum ball control in your hands.

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Shin guards are recommended and often required for playing soccer. Getting your unprotected shin cleated can thoroughly ruin a good day.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

Wearing sweatpants, leg warmer tights, and sweatshirts makes you very hot if you wear them when playing at in an indoor sports hall. So wear them when playing outdoors to prevent dehydration or overheating.
If it is 50°F or higher, it is recommended that you not wear an undershirt. If it is 40°F or lower, you should wear an undershirt.
Wear shin guard straps the same color as your socks. Some refs are strict about different colored accessories.
Never wear worn-out cleats. There's a good chance you will sprain your ankles if you do.

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Warnings

If you choose not to follow the dress code for soccer, something you are wearing could be dangerous to you or the people around you.

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Do not tell someone on the opposing team that they are not wearing the right things. The referee or coach will tell them.

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Do not wear jewelry because metal clips and other items can injure other players, or a simple necklace could even strangle you.
- The "Laws of the Game" state no jewelry. In USSF or AYSO games, referees will not allow players to simply cover earrings.
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