Between eight and sixteen years old, a young handball player can change their shirt size almost every school year: junior handball clothing is therefore chosen according to the child's actual size, not their age.
T-shirts, shorts, socks, sweaters, and jackets in children's sizes dress the handball school, club training sessions, and weekend matches.
Brands size their children’s clothing by age, height in centimetres, or both, for instance 128, 140, 152, or 164. Measure the child standing, barefoot, and record the measurement on the chart. Going up a size makes sense for a hoodie or jacket, but rarely for a match shirt, which should fit snugly.
To dress an entire category, choose a range that extends from child to adult: the young players then wear the same colours as the club’s seniors. Team ranges from Hummel or Kempa are available in junior sizes, as well as some kits from Erima, Errea, or Joma. The tall socks from Kempa, in black, white, or blue, complete the match outfits.
The home shirt of the French team is available in children's sizes. Items in the colours of the LNH and clubs like Saint-Raphaël, Chambéry, PSG, Dunkerque, or Magdeburg complete the selection. For a gift, check the size with the parents or the coach.
A young goalkeeper wears a different colour from their teammates and can play in long trousers. The children's goalkeeper trousers from Uhlsport protect the legs during stops on the ground. With a long-sleeve shirt, it covers the arms during early saves.
Some baby items, like sets, allow dressing the youngest fans in handball colours. They are chosen by age in months and size, with a little extra room to last longer. The shirt and shorts sets are also useful for baby handball.
The larger junior sizes often fit a petite adult player or a slender teenager. The cuts are mostly straight and unisex. Compare the junior size chart measurements with those of the smallest adult size before choosing.
After the age of sixteen, most young people switch to adult sizes. Boys will find the next sizes on the men's clothing page, while girls can find them on the women's clothing page, with more fitted cuts. Goalkeepers also have their page, the goalkeeper clothing.
A child grows quickly, and good deals matter: junior clearance and junior sales gather children’s sizes at reduced prices. The Black Friday junior comes at the right time to prepare year-end gifts.
Usually around 140, but it all depends on their build. Measure them and compare with the brand's chart, as sizes vary from one brand to another. A tall child for their age might already wear 152.
For a hoodie, jacket, or trousers, one size up works well. For a match shirt or shorts, it’s better to stick to the exact size: an overly loose garment hinders shots and tackles. An elastic waistband or drawstring can cover a slight difference.
Inside out, at thirty degrees, without fabric softener or tumble dryer. Scrub any resin or grass stains before washing. Dry in the shade to preserve colours.
Some sports socks in the right size, not too thick or too thin, are sufficient. For matches, the club often requires a specific colour. Be sure to have two pairs, one for training and one for the match.
Yes, if they are short and the same colour as the shorts, or black. They keep the muscles warm and reduce chafing. Federations may relax the clothing rules for younger players.