Youth Soccer Shorts and Uniforms Guide for Parents - Soccer Uniforms & Soccer Jerseys

There's nothing to stop your kids from wearing whatever they want when playing soccer, but if there are teammates and coaches involved, you may have to contend with soccer uniforms, matching team logos, and the ever-present possibility that your pre-teen will outgrow his or her uniform halfway through the season. Soccer shorts are available in a range of fabrics, with the majority being a cotton-polyester woven blend, or pure polyester or cotton in knitwear.
Your child may want shorts that are too big, in order to emulate the baggy shorts that are still in fashion. The downside of shorts that are too large is that they can get in the way, bunching up during running. Aim for purchasing shorts with an inseam of 3-4 inches, which should come about halfway between the top of the thigh and the knee, depending on your child's height.

Knits are generally more comfortable than wovens because they stretch, they are softer on the skin, and they are often made with elastic rather than buttons or zippers. Knit shorts will tend to stretch more than woven ones, minimizing tearing and ripping during play. Fabric blends of cotton and polyester will also be less likely to shrink, and will fit more precisely, so that a little growth spurt may not necessarily result in needing to buy new shorts right away.

Launder shorts as carefully as you do the rest of the uniform to prevent shrinking or fading of colors. You may want to hang them to dry rather than using a dryer, and shorts with team logos, numbers or other applied pieces should be turned inside-out before washing. They should not be ironed.

Get rid of stains by pre-treating them as soon as possible, while the stains are fresh. Use commercial preparations like Shout, or simply rub with hand or dish soap and cold water and place in the hamper, or wash right away. Never use hot water, as it sets most stains.