The Complete Guide to Baseball Apparel: What You Need on the Field

 Can’t wait to swing the bat? Baseball season is always exciting, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. But before you hit the field, do you know what apparel you need? If you walk into any sporting goods store, you will discover that there is more to a baseball game than gloves and bats. The clothing side of the game has become a sophisticated arena in itself. From compression clothing to traditional wool shirts, here are the facts about what is happening in the world of baseball uniforms.

What Clothes Do Baseball Players Wear?

source: playbaseball.com

Baseball uniforms are about unity, discipline, and most importantly the love for the game. Jerseys, pants, and all the accessories are not just equipment – they are part of the players identity. Choosing top-quality baseball apparel is the first step to getting to the top of the league, whether it’s Little League or Major League.  

Baseball Pants: More Than Just White 

Let's start with the most visible component: baseball pants. Now, these are no ordinary sweatpants. There are two kinds of baseball pants – the "knickers," which go down below the knee, showing off the high socks, and the "full-length" pants, which extend all the way down to the shoes.

What makes quality baseball clothes is the choice of fabrics. Most baseball pants are made from polyester blends that have moisture-wicking abilities and are stain-resistant (a nice feature for the inevitable grass and dirt stains). You can find pairs that have open-bottoms, closed-bottoms with elastic panels, or the traditional knicker type with adjustable cuffs. Professional players tend to go for the tapered style, as they are more streamlined and not as puffy as they used to be.

The color palette is pretty basic: white, gray, or your team colors. The white pants are always for at-home games, and gray is for road games unless your team changes that by wearing their colors instead. 

Jerseys: Representing Your Team

Jerseys have come a long way from the heavy, flannel-type shirts that players wore in the early part of the last century. Modern jerseys are light, breathable, and meant to keep you cool during those hot summer doubleheaders. You've got button-down jerseys that look remarkably retro and jerseys that offer a perfect athletic look.

Most jerseys are made of material that wicks away moisture and features mesh panels for ventilation. They can be loose-fitting and comfortable, and some are more athletic and slim-cut. Players have their preferences, but some like to be able to move freely, while others want the lean look. Either way, your team name or emblem goes on the front, and your number on the back, and you are ready to hit the ball.

The Foundation: What Goes Underneath

What you wear under your uniform makes a huge difference in how comfortable you are on the field.

Compression Shorts

Compression shorts are pretty much standard. They help reduce muscle vibration, allow ease of movement during all that sprinting to first base, and prevent chafing. Compression shorts also offer a slight layering system beneath all your baseball gear. All players wear them when they head out onto the field.

Support Briefs

Support briefs (or athletic cups and supporters) are an absolute necessity for protection, particularly for catchers, pitchers, or infielders. They come in various styles, from traditional jock straps to compression shorts with built-in cup pockets. 

Sliding Shorts

Sliding shorts are a great alternative, with extra cushioning on the hips and thighs. You can appreciate their purpose if you’ve ever crashed hard into second base. This added cushioning can be the difference between a minor scrape and a serious bruise.

The Details That Matter

• Baseball belts appear to be a minor detail, but they do carry a certain significance. These elastic belts are available in different sizes and colors to match your uniform. They should be strong enough to withstand an entire season of diving catches and stolen bases. They come in a width of about 1.5 inches, featuring traditional or MLB buckles.
• Socks deserve their own category, as the baseball sock game can be fierce. You have the stirrup style that exposes a stripe of color against the white sanitary socks, or you can opt for the solid-colored socks that coordinate with your uniform. High socks are back in style, providing that vintage baseball look.
• The undershirts are usually short-sleeved or sleeveless compression shirts, and they usually come in team colors. They add another layer of compression or wicking properties and look sharp under your jersey. Some players may choose to wear long-sleeved compression shirts for sun or cold protection.

Putting It All Together

Ultimately, baseball apparel is about achieving the right mix of tradition, comfort, and performance. You want to look like you're at home on the field and keep cool and shielded in the process. On the bright side, with modern baseball clothing, you have plenty of options to choose the best fit for your body and style of game.

Start with the basics: good pants, a good jersey, good unders and protection. Then work from there. You shouldn’t be thinking about what you’re wearing when you’re playing. The best clothes are the ones you don’t notice once you step between the white lines.