Cricket has always been a game of tradition, but the modern game now spans multiple formats, environments and expectations. From timeless cricket whites to high-energy T20 kits and everyday training gear, uniforms today must do far more than simply meet dress codes.
For clubs, schools and associations, designing custom cricket uniforms by format is no longer a luxury. It’s a practical way to improve comfort, performance and team pride across the entire season.
This guide breaks down how to design cricket uniforms for every format, what to prioritise and how to create a cohesive club look without forcing one kit to do everything.
Cricket uniforms should be designed based on format. Traditional whites focus on breathability and compliance, limited overs kits prioritise colour and branding and training apparel needs durability and comfort. Designing purpose-built uniforms for each format improves wearability, performance and long-term value.
Cricket places demands on apparel that few sports can match. Players spend long hours in the sun, repeat high-movement actions and often wear the same kit for entire days.
Add to that the contrast between formal match days and casual training sessions and it becomes clear why a single uniform solution rarely works well.
Designing with the format in mind ensures each kit performs as intended rather than simply looking the part.
Cricket whites remain a cornerstone of the game, particularly in longer formats and school competitions. While the colour palette is restricted, there is still plenty of room for smart design.
Breathability is the top priority. Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics help players stay cool during long spells in the field and extended batting sessions. Poor fabric choice can quickly turn whites into a distraction rather than an asset.
Most competitions restrict colour usage and branding size. This makes subtle design elements important. Stitching details, fabric texture and panel construction all help elevate the look without breaking regulations.
A good fit allows freedom of movement without excess fabric. Players should be able to bowl, bat and field comfortably for hours without adjusting their kit.
Limited overs formats have changed how cricket looks and feels. Colour plays a major role and uniforms are now a visible extension of a club’s identity.
High-contrast colours improve on-field visibility and spectator recognition. Well-designed colour blocking also helps teams stand out in photos, livestreams and promotional material.
Sublimated uniforms allow logos, numbers and sponsor marks to be integrated cleanly into the design. This avoids heavy prints while keeping the kit lightweight and breathable.
Stretch fabrics and athletic cuts suit the fast pace of T20 cricket. Comfort matters just as much as appearance, especially in formats that demand explosive movement.
Training gear is often worn more than match kits, yet it is frequently overlooked.
Training shirts, warm-up tops and lightweight jackets become everyday apparel for players. This makes durability, comfort and washability essential.
A well-designed training range also strengthens club visibility beyond match day, especially when worn to and from training or during community events.
Consistency matters, but sameness is not the goal.
Successful clubs use shared design elements across all kits. These may include accent colours, typography or logo placement. Each uniform still serves its purpose while clearly belonging to the same club.
This approach keeps branding strong without forcing cricket whites, T20 kits and training apparel into the same design constraints.
Many clubs fall into the same traps when ordering uniforms.
One common mistake is using the same fabric across all kits, despite different performance needs. Another is over-branding traditional whites, which can lead to compliance issues.
Ignoring climate is another issue. What works for night matches may not suit midday summer fixtures. Finally, prioritising appearance over comfort often results in uniforms that look great but rarely get worn properly.
| Format | Primary Focus | Fabric Choice | Branding Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cricket Whites | Comfort and tradition | Lightweight breathable | Minimal |
| One-Day Cricket | Balance | Moisture-wicking | Moderate |
| T20 Cricket | Visibility and energy | Performance stretch | High |
| Training Gear | Durability | Soft performance blends | Moderate |
When players feel comfortable and confident in their uniforms, it shows.
Well-designed kits encourage players to wear club apparel with pride. This improves presentation on game day and builds a stronger sense of belonging. Uniforms become something players want to wear, not something they tolerate.
That buy-in extends beyond the field, reinforcing identity within the club and the wider community.
Cricket uniforms are no longer just about meeting requirements. Each format demands its own design approach, fabric choice and level of branding.
By designing purpose-built kits for whites, limited overs and training, clubs can improve comfort, performance and long-term value while maintaining a strong and unified identity.
When uniforms are designed to suit how the game is actually played, everyone benefits — from administrators and coaches to the players wearing them week after week.
Until next week.
Colour Up Marketing Team
Love this kind of content? You’ll love The Thread — our monthly deep dive into the art (and science) of branding that works.
Each issue explores proven strategies showing how smart uniforms and strong branding boost pride, performance and presence.
