How to choose the right goalkeeper jersey?

Last month we spoke about what it takes to choose the right pair of goalkeeper gloves. This week, I’ll walk you through what you should look for when shopping around for a goalkeeper jersey. Writing this post was like a walk down memory lane, when goalkeeper jerseys were woolen-like polyester jumpers that did a great job of melting my skin and my insides under the harsh Australian sun!

Alas, there was none of this fancy short sleeve stuff, and giddy Buffon light pink, Cech-like fancy fluro fashion statements, nope, goalkeeper jerseys were like Joey’s good old Technicolor Dreamcoat gone horribly wrong!

Yes, we had the good old days of Mexican goalkeeping legend Jorge Campos, though the innovations in goalkeeping equipment have taken a leap and bound from that of a decade ago, with innovations in both fabric, design and fit. Sports science research is increasingly becoming entwined with modern football apparel design.

So following are some key points to look for when scouting out goalkeeper jerseys:

Material: Comfort is of the utmost importance, and also protection for the football goalkeeper. Utilizing a  material that both keeps you cool and also leverages padding can help with performance and curb injury.

Many manufacturers have taken a step forward in regards to the technologies they utilize within the modern goalkeeping jersey. Nike for example utilizes Dry-Fit technology that helps draw sweat away from the body, keeping the goalkeeper cool and comfortable.

Canterbury, whom sponsors Premier League outfit Portsmouth FC for their football apparel, leverages an innovative fabric called CCC Baselayer IonX. This technology developed by the sports scientists at Canterbury “delivers ionic energy to the body through a negatively charged elctromagnetic field”…seems Star Trek-like! Though materials such as CCC BaseLayer IonX, have proven to support both recovery, taking out lactic acid from the body and helping to oxidize red blood cells to help maximize aerobic and anaerobic performance.

Again, top goalkeeper specific brands such as Uhlsport leverage smartbreathe COMFORT technology, whilst Reusch has innovated extensively with technologies such as ProGuard which act as shock absorbers for the elbows, Kevlar based material in their DuraGuard technology, ProTube technology to keep elbow pads in place whilst diving, SiliControl technology which provides a non-slip technology printed on the chest of the jersey to prevent the ball slipping away when bringing the ball to the chest and finally both UV and moisture protection

Short or Long Sleeve: Obviously, as a goalkeeper we expect that our goalkeeper jersey has the ability to protect us during game play. We just mentioned Reusch’s integrated ProGuard technology which act as shock absorbers for the elbow. Depending on the playing field and outside conditions, goalkeepers can opt for either a short sleeve or long-sleeve goalkeeping jersey.

Both short and long sleeve goalkeeper jerseys are viable and having a short sleeve training jersey when playing in hot weather is a great way of staying cool in heated conditions. On the other hand, having a long sleeved goalkeeper jersey will help protect the elbows and keep the body warm where playing conditions may be cold, and playing surfaces are not up to standards. I recommend a mix of both short and long sleeve goalkeeper jersey’s in your kit bag.

Fit & Color: Recently we’ve seen the advent of goalkeeper and outfield playing jerseys becoming more fitting to the players body. Some of the reasons behind this trend are that the goalkeepers jersey will absorb the moisture away from the body and allow for the players body to be cooler, ultimately helping to maximize performance.

Many top manufacturers now utilize this “body hugging” fit such as Adidas with their ClimaCool technology, alongside many of the above mentioned goalkeeper jersey manufacturers. Now, color has always been part and parcel of goalkeeping, we are colorful, expressive and very passionate individuals. Therefore, having colors that you feel comfortable with and express your goalkeeping style is a great way of maintaining confidence between the sticks.

We mentioned goalkeeping legends such as Jorge Campos and recently we saw the revival of the “ultra” bright goalkeeper jersey with none other than Chelsea’s Petr Cech in his CECH Adidas Home long sleeve goalkeeper jersey (pictured above), which is a blindingly bright orange. Cech claims that the jersey was developed to be scientifically proven in distracting players when shooting on goals. Here we see science being leveraged again to enhance the competitive goalkeepers ability via the apparel they wear.

Please visit the Keeper Skool Store to view all the latest goalkeeper gear offers from the leading online soccer shops on the net. Click here to research the best prices for goalkeeper gear today…Keeper Skool Store.

Also, check out our first part in this series titled “How to choose the right goalkeeper gear? Part 1 goalkeeper gloves”. Hope to see you sign up to enter the draw for this great prize from the boys at SoccerPro.com.

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