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Soccer is an extremely fun sport, played at many different levels, from professional to recreational. Different levels of play have different dress requirements, but there are a few general rules to follow for playing anywhere, anytime. This article will help you choose appropriate clothes for soccer.

  1. 1

    Dress for comfort. The most important part of dressing up for soccer is to give yourself freedom of movement so that you can play without having to think about your clothes too much. Since recreational play doesn't tend to involve uniform requirements, you don't have to worry about the same limitations you might for official or league play.

  2. 2

    Check the weather. If you are just playing with your friends, you can wear whatever you want as long as it is comfortable. So, if it is hot outside, go with something cool, while if it is cold, pick something a little bit warmer (but keep in mind that you will get hot when you start running around).[1]

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  3. 3

    Find the appropriate clothes. If it is warm outside, you should probably choose shorts and a t-shirt or soccer jersey. If it is colder, you can choose sweatpants and a long-sleeve shirt. You may or may not need to wear shin-guards. If you do, wear short socks underneath the shin-guards and long socks over them to keep them in place.[2]

    • Layer if necessary. If it is cold to start out, make sure that you wear shorts under your sweatpants so that you can take them off if you get too hot. You can also wear a t-shirt underneath your long-sleeve or sweatshirt for the same purpose.

  4. 4

    Pick the right shoes. Again, the most important things are comfort and functionality. If you own cleats, you can wear those. However, many recreational soccer games can be played in tennis shoes or running shoes, or with no shoes at all. Check with your fellow players to decide what kind of shoe is appropriate for that particular game. Because Soccer requires kicking a ball, you should wear tennis shoes or cleats, you can damage and hurt your feet by wearing sandals or going barefoot.

  5. 5

    Add some personal flair. You can spice up your outfit by purchasing the jersey or shorts of a favorite player or team. It can also be fun to wear headbands or other accessories to make you feel like the famous players you see on TV, as well as keep your hair out the way.

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  1. 1

    Know your league's rules. When playing for a team or in a league, be aware that there may be stricter dress requirements than for recreational games. Know the rules so you can stay within policy.

  2. 2

    Wear white socks under your regular team socks.

  3. 3

    Wear your socks over your shin guards.

  4. 4

    Wear cleats. [3]

    • Turf shoes are acceptable only when on playing on turf.
    • Cleats cannot have metal spikes, front toe spikes, or anything that may hurt another player.

  5. 5

    Put your hair in a pony-tail if it goes past your shoulders.

    • This makes it easier to see in the game.
    • You can use skinny and soft headbands to hold your hair from falling in your face.

  6. 6

    Layer under your team shirt. [4]

    • Jackets and warm-up shirts cannot be worn over your team shirt because it hides what team you are on, and is considered cheating.
    • Zipper-less jackets, sweatshirts (with hood down) can be worn under your shirt.
    • All types and colours of under shirts are considered acceptable as long as it is worn under your shirt.

  7. 7

    Wear shorts. [5]

    • Leggings to go under your shorts are acceptable.
    • Goalies are allowed to wear pants.

  8. 8

    Wear a mouth guard. [6]

    • This is particularly encouraged if you have braces or any other condition with your teeth.
    • Gel ones are great.

  9. 9

    Use your goalie items if a goalie.

    • You are going to need a good pair of gloves.
    • Wear a different color shirt.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    I don't have cleats. Is it OK to wear running shoes for a tournament?

    Community Answer

    Yes, but cleats are better for soccer because you won't slip and fall.

  • Question

    Why do I need to wear shorts?

    Crystal031305

    Crystal031305

    Community Answer

    So you don't burn up. You run a lot in soccer, and it's usually outdoors. Also, pants can rip more easily and make it harder to move.

  • Question

    Is it considered cheating if I don't wear shin guards?

    Community Answer

    No. The shin guards are there for your safety. Getting kicked in the shins can hurt.

  • Question

    How short should a girl's shorts be for soccer?

    Community Answer

    Your shorts should be about as long as team basketball shorts, they are also more comfortable then shorter shorts, which can get uncomfortable when running or kicking the ball.

  • Question

    What should I wear in winter?

    Community Answer

    A hat and a long sleeved Under Armour shirt and compression pants/leggings under your shorts. Then wear the cleats, socks, and shin guards as normal.

  • Question

    Is it inappropriate if my coach and my headmaster want to feel my tiny soccer shorts?

    Community Answer

    Yes, it is. You should let them know that you aren't comfortable with them doing that. If your coach is a different gender than you, you should DEFINITELY tell a trusted person.

  • Question

    What are the long pants that players wear under their shorts?

    Community Answer

    You can wear leggings or long underpants. Consider wearing sport leggings; they are specifically designed to wick away sweat and keep you warm in the winter, and cool in the summer.

  • Question

    What are the long socks called?

    Community Answer

    The socks that reach your knee, and are most commonly used in soccer, are called "knees socks." The socks that reach half way up your calf are called "crew socks."

  • Question

    AM I allowed to wear long pants when I play soccer?

    Community Answer

    No, but you can usually wear leggings under your shorts.

  • Question

    Can I wear a scarf for soccer?

    Community Answer

    It is not recommended, because another player could easily grab your scarf and hurt you. If you are very cold, consider wearing a turtle neck under your jersey. Keep in mind that, as you move around, your body will heat up and you won't feel the cold anymore.

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  • Make sure your cleats fit snugly.

  • If you are a goalie, be sure to get gloves that fit snug on your hand, in order to have maximum ball control in your hands.

  • Shin guards are recommended and often required for playing soccer. Getting your unprotected shin cleated can thoroughly ruin a good day.

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  • If you choose not to follow the dress code for soccer, something you are wearing could be dangerous to you or the people around you.

  • Do not tell someone on the opposing team that they are not wearing the right things. The referee or coach will tell them.

  • Do not wear jewelry because metal clips and other items can injure other players, or a simple necklace could even strangle you.

    • The "Laws of the Game" state no jewelry. In USSF or AYSO games, referees will not allow players to simply cover earrings.

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Things You'll Need

  • Under Shirts
  • Shorts
  • Jersey
  • Cleats
  • Shin Guards
  • Socks
  • Goalie Gloves (If Goalie)
  • Goalie pants and shirt (If Goalie)
  • Hair Bands (if long hair)
  • Mouth Guard (optional)
  • Headbands (optional)
  • Energy
  • Speed
  • Your Best Effort
  • Love for the game
  • Believing in yourself

References

About This Article

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