Pros and Cons of Reversible Hockey Jerseys

Pros and Cons of Reversible Hockey Jerseys

Should You Buy Reversible Jerseys?

Home and away jerseys can be a great way to make your team’s colours stand out whether you’re on home turf or away. Many teams opt for a home and away set because they’re playing in bigger leagues where clearly identifiable teams are important.

A reversible jersey with home and away colours

An example of a reversible jersey

In this article, we’re going to walk you through what a reversible jersey is, what the difference is between that and a normal jersey, and why people like or don’t like them.


Examples of products we've created for hockey teams across Canada and the United States


A Home and Away Set Packed Into One Jersey

A lumberjack reversible jersey with a Canucks hockey logo

Example of a Reversible Jersey

A reversible jersey is basically a home and away set packed into one garment. On one side, you have home colours and on the other side… well, you get it.

When you’re playing away, just flip the jersey inside out and it’ll be a whole new colour set.

Reversibles are all done using a process called sublimation, which you can learn more about here.

There are some great benefits to these jerseys, but they come with some minor drawbacks too. Let’s start with the pros.


The Pros of Reversible Jerseys

A Brief Overview:

    • They’re 25-30% cheaper than a two-jersey home and away set
    • One jersey is easier to keep track of than two jerseys
    • It’s easier to switch colours if the need arises

Reversible Jerseys are Cheaper

With a reversible jersey, you typically save 25-30% on your jerseys, as compared to getting home and away sets.

Basically, if you were going to spend $120 on two jerseys, you’d only be paying $84 if you bought one reversible jersey instead. This can add up to a lot of savings when you’re buying jerseys for a whole team.

Icemen reversible jerseys


Reversible Jerseys are Easy to Pack

A reversible jersey with a zombie queen cartoon logo

Example of a screen printed hockey jersey

Another pro that comes with these jerseys is that they’re easier to carry and less likely to get lost.

Having only one jersey to think about makes your life simpler when trying to get your hockey gear out the door before a game.


The Convenience Factor

Of course, lastly, the convenience of being able to quickly switch your jersey inside out if your opponents coincidentally match your team’s colours is a pro as you’ll be on the ice and playing faster whenever this happens.

If all this sounds great to you, head over to this page and we’ll give you a quote for your jersey set.

"The Blonde Bombshells" reversible jerseys

A Brief Recap:

    • They’re 25-30% cheaper than a two-jersey home and away set
    • One jersey is easier to keep track of than two jerseys
    • It’s easier to switch colours if the need arises

The Cons of Reversible Jerseys

A Brief Overview:

    • There’s no option for a pro style collar
    • If your artwork crosses any seams, it might not turn out perfectly lined up
    • A small tag will be visible on one side (but is removeable)
    • They’re slightly thicker than regular sublimated jerseys
    • They might wear a little faster

Less Stitching and No Option for Pro Style Lace Collar

A pro style hockey jersey laced collar and a reversible jersey collar

Pro style collar (left) vs reversible collar (right)

As part of the reason that the jerseys are cheaper, your reversible jersey won’t have shoulder panels, which typically give the jersey a little extra room for shoulder pads.

As well, a reversible jersey doesn’t come with the option for a pro style collar, which is laced.


Artwork Doesn't Always Line Up

Hockey Jersey Striping Pattern on a Reversible Jersey

Striping seen up close (right) and 1 foot away (left)

Sometimes artwork doesn’t align perfectly over top of seams in the jersey, but this is barely noticeable if you’re looking at the jersey from more than a foot away.


The Tag Might Be Visible On One Side

Here you can see that the sizing tag will be visible on one side of the jersey, but this isn’t a huge deal considering it’s only about 3” x 1”.

You also have the option to remove the tag, so this isn’t that big of a deal. The only caveat is that if your team owns the jerseys rather than the players themselves, it may be difficult to pass jerseys out without tags that identify the sizes.

red and black hockey jersey with a tag on the outside

Example of a sizing tag


A Couple Last Things...

These jerseys are also a bit thicker because of their two layer design, which means that for those of us who aren’t as fit as pro players (or nearly as fit), games might get a little extra sweaty and fatiguing. The only other downside to reversible jerseys is that they wear a little faster because one side is always in contact with the velcro on your gear.  


A Brief Recap:

    • There’s no option for a pro style collar
    • If your artwork crosses any seams, it might not turn out perfectly lined up
    • A small tag will always be visible on one side
    • They’re slightly thicker than regular sublimated jerseys
    • They might wear a little faster

Here's an Infographic to Summarize

infographic about the pros and cons of reversible jerseys

While it may sound like we’re bashing reversible jerseys, all the forementioned “cons” are just small inconveniences that you won’t notice when you’re on the ice.

If you think reversible jerseys are right for your team, click the button below and we'll set you up with a free quote.


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