Good training jackets or coats can make the difference between peak performance and a poor show. Make sure the whole team is ready for winter with the right training jackets for the kit bag.
There’s nothing like an icy winter evening to make you really dread going to training. It’s hard to keep even the most excited players motivated when their hands are frozen, and their breath is turning to mist.
As unappealing as the wintry training field might seem, there’s no reason to let the dropping temperatures keep your squad from bringing their A-Game come match day. This is where the right winter coat or training jacket can make all the difference. Finding outerwear that keeps the team warm, dry, and comfortable will maintain a winning attitude no matter the weather.
That’s not to mention the other psychological benefits of team winter gear. Just like a club jersey creates team pride on the pitch, a cohesive off-pitch kit keeps morale high while they train, travel, and celebrate after the match. Plus, the opposition is going to be much more intimidated when they’re sizing up a sleek, well-dressed squad.
Does your soccer club needs new jackets for training? Maybe your rugby squad needs new outerwear to escape the rain? Or are you looking for club hoodies to keep everyone warm on the sidelines? Read on to find the best winter training jackets and coats for every sport and team.
Training Jackets: The Right Fit
Where and how you intend to wear your outerwear will influence which fit and size will best suit you.
Looking for a light layer to keep on at a hard training session? Look for breathable materials and garments that fit snug to your torso and don’t restrict your movement for perfect training jackets. This means you can run, stretch, and sweat comfortably without being distracted or held back by extra fabric. Plus, you can always throw a thicker layer on top once the session is over. Make sure that you find a fit long enough to keep you covered while you move and doesn’t ride up to leave your midsection exposed.
If you’re in need of something extra warm for when you’re watching on the sideline or listening to the post-match debrief, then opt for something thicker, padded and longer. This will cover down to the backs of your legs and maximise heat retention and comfort. You want the fit to be snug, but keep in mind if you plan to wear it on top of other garments. If that’s the case, you might want to size up to allow room for layering.
Pro Tip: For padded jackets, make sure you give them space to keep their “puffiness”. It’s actually the air trapped in the padded filling that provides the extra insulation. Hang them up when not in use, and avoid cramming them into a bag if you intend to wear it immediately.
Hoods, zips, pockets and drawstrings all offer extra levels of warmth, and the ability to adjust your coverage as you move around or the weather heats up.
Lightweight or Heavy Duty?
How well do you handle the cold? Mild mornings might only call for a simple sweatshirt or an underlayer to keep the chill at bay. However, if the evening approaches sub-zero, you’ll need something more heavy duty before you get the blood pumping. If you need to maximise warmth and movement, why not invest in a vest jacket? A vest will keep your torso warm without restricting your arms.
Consider the following choices for a range of layers, thicknesses and fits for you to layer on and off as the weather changes.
Training Pants
Guess what – your muscles aren’t loving the cold either. Adding a pair of lightweight but warm track pants to your kit bag will not only help you beat the chill as you run drills, but also encourage the circulation of blood to your muscles, helping you get the most out of your session.
Just as with jackets and jumpers, make sure your training pants are fitted enough to prevent to much drag or movement in the material. This also ensures they aren’t in danger of falling down once you pick up the pace!
Training Jackets for Keeping Dry
Soft and snuggly hoodies might keep you warm, but they won’t keep you dry. If you’re facing rain (or hail, or snow!) then it’s wise to keep a water-resistant option in your kit bag. Look for something insulated, like the Nike Therma, if you’re looking for warmth as well as water-resistance. Or, opt for something that you can comfortably layer over your kit.
Kit Out the Whole Crew
You’ve got to show some appreciation to your hardworking team and dedicated coaching staff at the end of the season. Why not say it with a team jacket or hoodie? Celebrate a successful year with outerwear that includes your club logo, numbers and customized nicknames for a personal gift that they’ll love for years to come.
Interested in finding out more about different branding options for your team outerwear? Check out our Uniform Branding blog, or speak to one of our Experts to find a branding solution that fits you.
Book in a consultation call
Do you need help working out the best uniform range for you and your business? We can help! To ensure we direct you to the best person in our team to discuss your requirements – whether your uniform and promotional needs are now or in the future – let’s learn a bit more about you. We look forward to speaking soon!
