Junior handball t-shirts and polos

T-shirt, polo, tank top: each top has its moment

The training t-shirt is the everyday top for a young player. It's worn during sessions, under a bib during games, and it's washed after each use. The polo, with its collar and button placket, is more for when the team is in the spotlight: tournaments, award ceremonies, trips in club kit. Finally, the tank top leaves the shoulders free for physical sessions and summer camps when the gym gets hot. For a first year, two technical t-shirts are enough; the polo comes later if the club requires one.

Technical fibre or cotton: what the material changes

A technical polyester t-shirt dries quickly, stays lightweight after exertion, and keeps its shape wash after wash. A cotton t-shirt is soft, but it absorbs sweat and clings to the skin. For playing, the technical option is best. Cotton still has its place for casual wear and supporter t-shirts. Some polos mix the two, with a softer feel and decent moisture-wicking properties.

Finding the right size for a child's top

Children's tops are cut according to the child's height in centimetres: a 128 for a child around 1.28 m, a 164 for a teenager around 1.64 m. For a session t-shirt, the correct size covers the lower back when the child bends over, without falling under the bum. For a polo, it's better to have well-placed shoulders: a seam that falls on the arm gives an oversized look immediately.

Hummel, Kempa, Mizuno, Jako, Erima, Craft: six ways to dress a child

• Hummel: children's t-shirts Core 2.0, Basic and Blaze Pro, in a wide range of team colours.
• Kempa: the Core t-shirt, available in child, women's, and men's versions to dress the whole section.
• Mizuno: children's team t-shirts from the Japanese brand, textile partner of the LNH.
• Jako: light tank tops and t-shirts designed for running and sweating.
• Erima: technical tank tops and team polos for an entire category.
• Craft: the Swedish brand, supplier for Brest Bretagne Handball, offers children's t-shirts from its Community range.

Identical t-shirts for camps and tournaments

Many clubs dress their youth in the same t-shirt for camps and tournaments: you can spot the group from afar, and the child feels part of the team. Choosing a team model available in various colours, rather than a limited edition, increases the chances of finding the same reference when a child joins the group. Remember to order a size up for children in growth spurts.

Around the t-shirt: jersey, shorts, and layers

• During matches, the t-shirt is replaced by junior handball jerseys.
• On the bottom, junior shorts complete the session outfit.
• For the feet, low children's socks slip into the shoes.
• In winter, a base layer chosen from the junior baselayers is worn underneath.
• On top, one of the junior sweats keeps warm.
• For travelling, children's jackets and tracksuits complete the club outfit.
• For warming up, check also the junior trousers.

Children's tops on a budget

A session t-shirt can get stained and wear out quickly. To replace them without spending too much, children's clearance items can be found on the junior clearance page. The special textile offers and the junior sales are two other options throughout the year.

Frequently asked questions

Is a polo suitable for playing handball?

For a casual game, yes, but its collar and button placket can get in the way during contact and falls. It’s designed for moments off the court. For sessions, a technical t-shirt is more comfortable and safer.

How many t-shirts should a licensed child have?

Two technical t-shirts allow alternating between two sessions and one wash. Add a third for camps during holidays, where the child plays several days in row. A polo is enough for team outings.

Is a tank top allowed at training?

It depends on the coach and the gym. Many accept it for physical training and summer sessions. For games with contact, a sleeved t-shirt offers better shoulder protection against chafing.

How to remove sweat odour from a technical t-shirt?

Synthetic fibres can sometimes retain odours. Wash the t-shirt quickly after the session, inside out, without fabric softener, and let it air dry. Soaking it in water mixed with white vinegar before washing helps with stubborn cases.

Should you take the same size in t-shirt and jersey?

Generally, yes, as both follow the child's height. Some cuts are more fitted than others from one brand to another. Compare each brand's size guide if the child is between two sizes.