Ordering custom jerseys for a youth hockey team comes with one challenge that adult teams don't have to worry about: kids grow fast, sizes vary wildly, and what fits in October might be snug by February. Getting the sizing right for your youth hockey team is one of the most important — and most underestimated — parts of the ordering process.
This guide walks you through everything a team manager needs to know about youth hockey jersey sizes in Canada — how to measure players correctly, which sizes to order, and how to avoid the common mistakes that lead to jerseys that don't fit.
Why Youth Hockey Jersey Sizing Is Different
Adult jersey sizing is relatively straightforward — most players know their size and it stays consistent from season to season. Youth sizing is a different story for a few reasons:
- Kids grow at different rates: Two 10-year-olds on the same team can have completely different builds. Age alone tells you nothing about what size to order.
- Jerseys are worn over equipment: A youth hockey jersey needs to fit over shoulder pads, chest protector, and elbow pads — not just over a t-shirt. A jersey that fits perfectly on its own may be too tight once the gear goes on.
- Parents want jerseys to last: Most parents expect a hockey jersey to last at least a full season, ideally two. That means you need to account for growth — but not order so large that the jersey looks like a tent in October.
Youth Hockey Jersey Size Chart
The following size chart covers the most common youth sizing used for custom hockey jerseys in Canada. These measurements refer to the player's body measurements — not the jersey dimensions.
| Size | Chest (inches) | Height (inches) | Approximate Age | Hockey Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Youth S | 24–26" | 44–48" | 4–6 years | Initiation |
| Youth M | 26–28" | 48–52" | 6–8 years | Novice |
| Youth L | 28–30" | 52–56" | 8–10 years | Atom |
| Youth XL | 30–32" | 56–60" | 10–12 years | Pee-Wee |
| Junior S | 32–34" | 58–62" | 11–13 years | Pee-Wee / Bantam |
| Junior M | 34–36" | 62–65" | 12–14 years | Bantam |
| Junior L | 36–38" | 65–68" | 14–16 years | Midget / Bantam AA |
| Junior XL | 38–40" | 67–70" | 15–17 years | Midget / Juvenile |
Important note: These are general guidelines. Individual players vary significantly. Always measure each player individually rather than relying on age or league level alone.
How to Measure Your Players Correctly
The most reliable measurement for jersey sizing is the chest circumference. Here's how to do it properly:
- Have the player stand straight with arms slightly away from the body
- Wrap a soft measuring tape around the fullest part of the chest, just under the armpits
- Keep the tape snug but not tight — you should be able to slide two fingers underneath
- Record the measurement in inches
- Add 4–6 inches to the chest measurement to account for shoulder pads and freedom of movement
Example: A player with a 28" chest should order a jersey sized for a 32–34" chest — giving 4–6 inches of room for gear and comfort.
The Gear Factor: Sizing Up for Equipment
This is the step most first-time managers miss. A youth hockey jersey is not worn like a regular shirt — it goes over a full set of protective equipment. Here's what that adds to the effective size you need:
| Equipment | Extra Size Needed |
|---|---|
| Shoulder pads | +2–3" chest width, +2" shoulder width |
| Chest protector (for goalies) | +4–6" — order at least one full size up |
| Elbow pads | Minimal impact on jersey fit |
When in doubt, size up. A jersey that's slightly large looks fine on the ice and gives room to grow. A jersey that's too small is uncomfortable, restricts movement, and can't be fixed after production.
Ordering Tips for Youth Hockey Teams
Measure at the start of the season — not last year
Kids grow quickly. A size that was perfect in October of last season may already be too small by the time your new jerseys arrive. Always take fresh measurements at the beginning of each ordering cycle.
Add a growth buffer for younger players
For players under 10, it's worth ordering one size larger than the current measurement suggests. They'll grow into it by mid-season, and the jersey will still fit well the following year.
Order at least 10 jerseys
Our minimum order at Uniforge Sports starts at 10 jerseys — which aligns perfectly with the minimum roster size of most youth hockey teams in Canada. You'll typically want to cover your full active roster plus one or two spares for call-ups or replacements mid-season.
Don't forget the goalie
Goalies wear significantly more equipment than skaters. Their jersey needs to fit over a chest protector, which adds considerable bulk. Always order a goalie jersey at least one — ideally two — sizes larger than the player's body measurement suggests. When in doubt, ask us — we can help you get the goalie sizing right.
Verify every name before confirming
Double-check the spelling of every player's name before finalizing your order. A sublimated jersey is permanent — a misspelled name cannot be corrected after production begins. It sounds obvious, but it's one of the most common issues we see.
What to Tell Parents When Collecting Sizes
Getting accurate size info from parents can be tricky. Here's a simple message you can send to your team:
"Hi everyone — we're ordering team jerseys and need accurate measurements for each player. Please measure your child's chest circumference (around the widest part of the chest, just under the armpits) and send me the measurement in inches by [DATE]. Do NOT send clothing size — we need the actual body measurement. Thanks!"
Giving parents the raw measurement instruction (rather than asking for a clothing size like "M" or "L") dramatically reduces sizing errors, since clothing sizes vary wildly between brands.
Beyond Sizing: Building Your Youth Team's Jersey
Once you've nailed the sizing, the fun part begins. With our real-time online configurator, you can design your team's jersey from scratch — choosing colours, adding your logo, selecting number styles, and seeing the final result before you place your order.
Also managing a baseball team? We offer the same fully customized approach for custom baseball jerseys — with youth sizing available across all sports.
Questions about sizing for your specific team setup? Contact us and we'll help you figure out the right sizes before you commit to your order.
For more tips on managing a youth sports team in Canada, check out our blog.
Ready to design your youth team's jerseys? Let's build something they'll be proud to wear.
0 commentaire