Goalkeeper kits: matching shirt and shorts

What a two or three-piece goalkeeper set contains

A two-piece goalkeeper set includes a shirt, usually long-sleeved, and a short of the same colour: it's the format of the Uhlsport Progressive, the Hummel hmlCORE or the Givova Hyguana. Three-piece sets add matching socks, like the Joma Zamora, which includes a long-sleeved shirt, shorts, and knee-high socks. Some models come with padding at the elbows or hips, while others focus on a lightweight fabric without protection, to be complemented by padded undershorts depending on the surface. Check this point before ordering if you often play on hard ground.

Choosing your set by brand or switching to the children's version

To go directly to a brand, the Givova page groups together sets from the Scafati brand with long-sleeved shirts, the Hummel page features hmlCORE kits from the Danish brand, and the Uhlsport page has sets from the German brand, from Progressive to Score. For young goalkeepers, the children's goalkeeper sets filter only the smaller sizes. And to build your outfit piece by piece, head back to the goalkeeper equipment.

Joma Zamora, Uhlsport Progressive, Hummel hmlCORE: three philosophies

The Joma Zamora is named after Ricardo Zamora, the legendary goalkeeper of Spain from the 1920s and 1930s, whose name also refers to the trophy awarded since 1958 by the Marca newspaper to the Liga goalkeeper who concedes the least goals per match. Joma has created a three-piece kit without padding, focused on lightness. The Uhlsport Progressive emphasises protection, with junior versions featuring padding at the elbows and hips and a breathable Smartbreathe Lite fabric. Finally, the Hummel hmlCORE is a soft and lightweight set, available in sizes six to sixteen for young goalkeepers.

What size goalkeeper set for a child or an adult

For adults, choose your usual sports shirt size: a goalkeeper set is cut for movement, and a shirt that is too loose can hinder the arms during dives. In large sizes, opt for a well-fitting long-sleeved model rather than a size up. For a child, sets are chosen by age or by size in centimeters; if they fall between two sizes, the larger one will last an extra year, provided the sleeves do not extend far beyond the wrists. In terms of colour, fluorescent yellow, pink, or orange remain the most visible, but black has its fans: the main thing is to stand out from both teams and the referee.

The best times to equip a goalkeeper with a complete set

A complete set makes an ideal gift for a young goalkeeper, and Black Friday followed by the end-of-year holidays are the first opportunities to give it. The winter sales come just when autumn kits start to wear out, and the French Days for goalkeeper equipment mark the spring. The previous season's sets go into clearance, and promotions for goalkeeper equipment refresh throughout the year, including summer sales, right before training sessions resume.

Frequently asked questions

Is a padded goalkeeper set useful on synthetic pitches?

On synthetic or dry ground, padding at the elbows and hips limits burns and shocks upon landing during dives. On soft grass, many goalkeepers prefer a lightweight set and add padded undershorts if needed.

Can you personalise the shirt of a goalkeeper set?

Yes, the shirt of a goalkeeper set can be personalised like a player's, with a name and usually the number 1 or 16 on the back. For a club, it’s better to order the same model for all goalkeepers in a category to ensure identical kit.

Is one set enough for the whole year?

It's better to have two in contrasting colours, one light and one dark, to avoid being in the same shade as the opponent or referee. The second set also serves as a spare when the first dries after a match in the rain.

How to wash a goalkeeper set with padding?

Wash it inside out, at thirty degrees and without fabric softener, which clogs the breathable mesh. The padding does not handle the tumble dryer or radiators well: let the set dry flat, out in the air, to maintain their shape.

Should you choose long or short sleeves for a goalkeeper set?

Long sleeves protect the forearms and elbows from contact with the ground, making them preferable in winter and on hard ground. Short sleeves have their followers in summer or during training, often worn with a long-sleeved undershirt.