Soccer jackets are designed to provide athletes with the ultimate amount of comfort and protection during their training as well as protection from the elements. Soccer has many varying climates and seasons, so soccer players are always exposed to varying temperatures. Based on those variables, apparel plays an important part in performance and player safety. The soccer jacket should be one of the most important tools that an athlete has to perform their best during their training sessions and warm-up.
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In this article, we will take a closer look at what soccer jackets are, how they work and how to choose the right jacket for you and your team. We will compare the function of soccer jackets to the function of other athletic wear to demonstrate the differences between them, and what material technologies and brands are available from adidas and nike. We will also provide a guide on how to select the best jacket for yourself or your team, and how to properly care for it in order to get the most life out of it.
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A soccer jacket is designed specifically to help soccer players with everything they need to perform at their optimum level, regardless of the weather. Unlike regular casual outerwear, soccer jackets are designed to accommodate the unique movements associated with playing soccer (e.g., sprinting, jumping and quick changes of direction). Soccer jackets are lightweight and not restrictive, while also providing a level of protection against extreme weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind and extreme cold.
The main purpose of a soccer jacket is to keep the body temperature (thermoregulate) within a desirable range. When you are training in a soccer jacket, your body produces heat while you are performing drills, which increases the need for adequate body temperature control (thermoregulation). The condition of a player's body can determine how well they play. If they are getting too hot, the coach or the player should ensure that they stay cool during training (if it is in the summer months). In cold weather, if a player loses all their sweat quickly, their body becomes too cold and causes injury to the muscle or injuries associated with cold environment. Soccer jackets are designed to maintain body temperature by retaining sufficient amounts of needed heat, while allowing for the breakdown of excess heat and sweating and provides the maximum possible moisture release from the player's skin while in motion.
There are several definitive and common features that characterize a high performance soccer jacket. The first of which is the ability to keep the player dry by transporting sweat off of the player's skin and onto the exterior or outer portion of the jacket material. This moisture can accumulate on the inside of the jacket, creating an uncomfortable feeling for the player. If a player has an excessive amount of moisture trapped in a soccer jacket when they stop running, their body temperature can drop rapidly, which can result in hypothermia and/or the player suffering from a muscle tear and/or other injuries.
A second feature of a high performance soccer jacket is the ability to fit snugly against the player's body, allowing them to move freely without having their sleeves get caught on the soccer ball or create drag while moving through the air. The high-performance jackets typically have a "athletic fit" shape or streamline fit, which minimizes any excess material that might interfere with a player's control of the soccer ball or impede their ability to run and stop quickly on the field due to arm movement.
A third feature of a high-performance soccer jacket is its ability to last for an extended period of time. The rigorous training of soccer players includes the potential to come into contact with other players, be hit by balls, and fall onto artificial turf, all three of which are causes for rubbing and tearing. A quality high-performance soccer jacket must be made of high-density fabrics to withstand the normal stresses of training and not tear from wear or lose its effectiveness. Commonly, they feature either a partial zipper (quarter-zip) or a fully zipped zipper and have stand-up collars.
These jackets are specifically made to be worn during wet weather. Most of these jackets use water-resistant/waterproof materials and typically have sealed seams and hoods that can be covered when not in use. In addition to keeping the player dry (this is their primary purpose for a rain jacket), most of the current generation of rain jackets include vented zones to eliminate the "greenhouse effect" inside them.
Primarily, these jackets are heavy, insulated jackets, worn by players who are sitting on the bench (substitutes) or coaching staff. These jackets are typically long enough to cover the thighs, offering the best heat retention and protection against wind and heavy rain. They are generally not worn while actively participating in the game.
Light weight shell made "as the name implies" to block wind chill. These types of jackets are generally unlined and can be easily packed away. They are used for those cool, breezy days when additional layers of insulation are not necessary.
The materials of a jacket largely determine how effective a soccer jacket was for you.
Polyester is the most utilized fabric for athletic wear in the industry. It is lightweight, durable, and provides excellent moisture-wicking capabilities. Its shape is retained well when it has been washed, and it also does not shrink.
Nylon is a common choice for rain jackets and windbreakers because it has a very high strength-to-weight ratio and is naturally resistant to wind and water.
Mesh linings are frequently used in the interiors of jackets to provide a better flow of air and to prevent the outer shell from sticking to a player's skin as they are sweating.
Most manufacturers use different types of weather-resistant technology; however, these technologies typically fall into two categories: Water Resistant (will keep you dry from light rain) and Waterproof (will keep you dry regardless of whether it is raining). For high-intensity training, the use of water repellent materials has become more widely accepted because they are generally more breathable than a complete waterproof membrane.
The leading companies in soccer apparel are Adidas and Nike. These companies invest significantly in the development of textile technology.
They utilize their own proprietary technology, including AEROREADY and HEAT.RDY. The AEROREADY material is designed to trap moisture away from your body, allowing for the user's maximum possible dryness. The three stripes that are famous for their jackets (Adidas) are frequently used in professional club's training kits. The Adidas jacket is designed to be a form-fitting, aerodynamic style, appropriate for elite level training, while also offering a durable and aesthetically pleasing design to their outerwear.
The Nike Dri-FIT technology is used in all Nike Soccer products. The Dri-FIT technology is made of microfiber, high-performance polyester, which keeps moisture (perspiration) away from the body and toward the fabric surface, where it evaporates. Most Nike jackets have targeted ventilation zones on the backs and underarms to help keep players cooler in high-heat areas. They are also known for having innovative designs, and their raglan sleeve has no shoulder seams to increase range of motion. The Nike Academy and Strike series are popular choices for team training equipment.
When looking at brands such as Nike, Adidas, Puma, or Under Armour, the key differences between them are generally in the size/fit of the clothing and the specific technology of the proprietary fabrics they utilize, not in the quality of the product. For instance, most people consider Adidas clothing to be more accurate to size, or a little looser, compared to the tapered fit of Nike clothing. Top-of-the-line rain jackets from both major brands have a similar DWR (durable water repellent) finish in terms of weather resistance. Teams often decide on a brand based on current kit sponsorships or the availability of colourways that match the team's uniforms.
Choosing a soccer jacket involves evaluating both the temperature and intensity of activity that will be taking place.
Climate: For areas that experience heavy rain, it is very important to find a jacket that has a hood and a high water column rating (the amount of water pressure needed to push through a certain area of fabric before it begins to leak). In cool, dry climates, the best jacket to choose would be made of polyester with a fleece lining inside as it will give the best thermal insulation.
Ventilation: Find a jacket that has mesh panels or zippered venting systems. This allows a player to self-regulate their body temperature without having to take the jacket off.
Pocket Size: Zippered pockets are great for coaches. High-contact training jackets have either very little zipper access or are low profile in design to reduce injuries when players collide.
Visibility: If a training session takes place at night or in a dimly lit environment, jackets with reflective accents increase the chances that the player will see you, and hence maintain their safety.
The consideration of style often outweighs the consideration of functionality. A jacket may look very professional, but if the jacket's fabric doesn't allow for full range of motion in the arms while throwing in, or it absorbs water like a sponge, it doesn't serve any purpose. The hood design is a consideration based on the purpose for which they are used. Detachable or stowable hoods are preferred for training purposes because a loose hood can be caught by an opponent and block a player from seeing during play.
For teams, the need for uniform apparel is paramount from a professional appearance and identification standpoint. Bulk ordering of team apparel will allow for customising with club crests and player numbers. When buying jackets for a team, managers should have the option of selecting a jacket that will work for the majority of weather conditions during the season, or a "middle ground" jacket.
Individual players often purchase additional items, in addition to the team gear. A goalkeeper may require a jacket that has additional padding or a tougher fabric on the elbows to protect them while diving for balls. A midfielder, however, may want to use an ultra lightweight windbreaker which adds no weight.
Proper care is essential to maintain the technical aspects of sportswear, particularly with regard to waterproofing and moisture-wicking.
Follow the Care Label: Manufacturers specify how to clean their products (e.g., water temperature and cycle type). Water should be cool (30°C or lower) to avoid damaging synthetic fibres.
Do Not Use Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners will coat the fibre of the fabric. This coating blocks the microscopic holes that allow for moisture to escape from moisture-wicking sportswear, negating the jacket's ability to breathe.
Zip Up Zippers: Before you toss your jacket into the wash, be sure to zip it up. Open zippers can snag on the fabric or on other items placed in the wash, leading to damage or pilling.
Wash Garment Inside Out: Washing your jacket inside out protects the outer surface, logo and reflective elements. It reduces the risk of the outer fabric being damaged due to abrasion against the washing machine drum.
Store your soccer jackets in cool dry locations. A damp jacket that is balling together in the same bag creates an environment for bacteria and mould to grow, resulting in odour and damage to fabric. Jackets should always be allowed to air dry completely after each wear. When storing your jackets, do not leave them in direct sunlight for long periods of time, as extended exposure to UV rays can cause colours to fade and damage synthetic fibres.
To increase the life of a rain jacket, it is important to regularly re-proof it. The DWR coating of a rain jacket will wear out and need to be replaced with either a wash-in or spray-on waterproofing treatment, to restore the water-beading effect of the outer shell. Small tears can be repaired immediately, which will prevent them from spreading. By following these guidelines for care and maintenance, players and teams can get the most out of their gear for several seasons.
Soccer jackets are an essential part of a player's kit which help to improve the comfort and performance level of a player, in adverse weather conditions. Understanding the differences between fabric technologies and types of jackets, as well as the appropriate maintenance for these jackets, will enable teams to make informed purchasing decisions that will enhance their training experience. The performance apparel you wear when training or playing in wind, rain or cold should allow you to focus on the game, not the elements in your way.
