Most team kit problems start before anything is printed: two riders on the same number, a sponsor logo that only exists as a screenshot, a size picked from last year's jersey, a window opened too late for the first race. This blog is about those decisions: who makes each one, by which date, and which signed document records it, so your team gets the kit right the first time and can reorder it next season from the same file.
Who these articles are written for
The person who runs kit for a team: the kit secretary of a cycling club, the manager of a racing team, the lead of an MTB team, the captain or coach of a school or college team. You collect sizes from riders, carry sponsor requests to a layout and answer for the kit when it arrives. Each article answers one question that comes up while you do that job.
Six subjects, each with a full page behind it
The blog follows the same lines as the rest of the site. Every subject below has a page that sets out the whole method; the articles go deeper into single questions inside it.
Ordering windows and the locked roster
A first order runs on a date sheet worked back from the day your riders need the kit: proof sign-off, ordering window, roster lock and delivery, each row marked with who owns it. Riders enter name, size and number through a roster link, the Order Desk checks for duplicate numbers and missing riders, and the roster is locked and co-signed by the team manager. Start with the team kit ordering process.
Sizing by chest measurement
One body-measurement chart for men's cuts and one for women's, XS to 3XL, shared by club fit and race fit. Riders enter their own chest and waist next to the size they choose; any size that does not match the chest measurement goes onto a list for the team manager to confirm before the lock. See club fit cycling jersey sizing.
Sponsor tiers and zones
You send a sponsor list ranked by tier. Title sponsors go on the chest and upper back, secondary sponsors on the sleeves, side panels and rear pockets, partner marks on the collar and the hem gripper. A sponsor added mid-season goes onto a dated new proof version used from the next window, and kit already delivered is worn as it is. Read sponsor logo placement.
Layout proofs and sign-off
The Kit Layout Designer works from your vector files, your current kit or a written brief, and sends the first proof within 3 working days of the files passing the file check. Each revision arrives within 2 working days of your consolidated comments, dated and with the changes marked. The version your team manager signs is the version that goes to production. See the team kit design service.
Reorders and the team file
Every team has a file: colourway parameters, the signed proof version and each season's roster, kept for five years after your last order. A reorder opens with last season's sizes pre-filled, so returning riders confirm or change one line and only new riders size from scratch. Read about the team kit reorder program.
Season rhythms by team type
Clubs plan a pre-season window and, when needed, an autumn window for jackets, gilets and warmers. Racing teams work back from the first race on the calendar. MTB riders who race in protection measure their chest over it. School and college teams open their main window at intake, when new riders size for the first time. Each has its own page: cycling clubs, racing teams, MTB teams and school and college teams.
Who writes here
Two people from the programme team write the articles. Claire Whitfield, Programme Coordinator, is the single contact on each team programme: she sends the ordering plan, sets the window dates and files the team record each season. She writes about ordering windows, season calendars, sizing and reorders. Jonah Reed, Kit Layout Designer, lays out colourway, sponsor zones, crest and numbers across every piece and signs the layout proof with your team manager. He writes about proofs, sponsors and colourways.
Find articles by subject
Articles are filed under five categories: Ordering Windows & Rosters, Sizing & Fit, Kit Design & Sponsors, Reorders & Team Files and Team Seasons. The full list is on the blog page.