When it comes to ordering custom track uniforms, shorts are often an afterthought. Coaches spend the most time on tops — picking colors, logos, mascots, and designs — but the right pair of shorts can make just as much of a difference for athlete comfort, performance, and team identity.
At Blue Star Sports Apparel, we hear the same question every season: “Should I go with custom sublimated apparel or stick with stock options for my team’s shorts?” The answer depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and how much long-term consistency matters for your program’s sporting gear.
Custom vs. Stock Shorts: The Tradeoffs
Custom Sublimated Shorts
The biggest benefit of going custom is consistency. Custom shorts always dye-match your sublimated singlets so the entire team kit looks completely seamless. For programs that care about sharp, unified presentation, this is a big win.
Custom athletic shorts are also American-made and can be remade at any time. That means you’re not at the mercy of discontinued styles, seasonal backorders, or limited distributor inventory. Five years from now, you can order the exact same design for your new athletes and know it will match perfectly.
On the flip side, ordering custom shorts means they are often priced a little higher than basic stock options, and inseam or fit choices are limited to a defined set of core options.
Stock Shorts
Stock shorts have one main advantage: upfront price. They are typically cheaper and come in a wider variety of lengths, fits, and styles. Coaches who need to stretch a tight budget or want to experiment with different cuts often lean this way.
The drawback? Availability. Stock shorts are frequently discontinued, updated, or completely out of stock in key sizes right during peak season. That can lead to mismatched gear or last-minute substitutions, undermining your team’s unified look. If long-term consistency is important for your athletic program, stock shorts can quickly become a major headache.
Blue Star Custom Shorts: A Perfect Match for Durable Athletic Uniforms
If you’re going custom, our custom track shorts are designed to match seamlessly with Blue Star sublimated tops, completing your look. They’re fully customizable—keep them a single color or add your school name, mascot, or side graphics for a complete, long-lasting team aesthetic.
Built for Athletes: Key Features of Durable Athletic Uniforms
- No itchy tags — sizes are printed directly into the hem.
- Flat lock seams — smooth, durable stitching for comfort and long wear.
- No liner — designed for performance layering and flexibility.
- Inclusive sizing — XS–3XL available across all models.
Maximizing Performance: Fabric Options & Styles for Durable Athletic Uniforms
Polyester (4oz) – Lightweight & Versatile
- Women’s Cuts
- V-Notch Sides: 3″ or 4″ inseam
- Tulip Sides (Dolphin Hem): 4″ inseam
- Men’s Cuts
- V-Notch Sides: 4.5″ inseam
- Tulip Sides (Dolphin Hem): 3″ or 5″ inseam
Compression Spandex (6oz) – Supportive & Durable
- Women’s Options
- 2″, 4″, or 6″ inseam
- Long tights to the ankle available
- Men’s Options
- 7″ or 10″ inseam
- Long tights to the ankle available
Compression gear is perfect for athletes who prefer more support or train in cooler weather.
A Note on Sizing
Currently, there is no youth sizing available for our sublimated bottoms. For younger middle school athletes, we recommend ordering the correct gendered cut but simply sizing down as needed. Coaches have found this keeps the fit more natural and comfortable compared to trying to adapt adult unisex sizing.
Which Uniform Option Is Right for Your Team?
Here’s a quick framework:
- Go Custom if you need:
- Guaranteed color match with your tops
- Reliable reorders (no discontinued surprises)
- Go Stock if you need:
- The lowest possible price pointMore variety in inseams and fits
- Short-term use where availability isn’t a major concern
Final Word
Shorts might not be the flashiest part of a track and field kit, but they’re one of the most important components for athlete comfort and overall team consistency. Choosing the right option upfront saves massive logistical headaches later.
With Blue Star, you can feel confident that your shorts will match your tops, perform season after season, and be available whenever you need to order fill-ins — no surprises, no backorders, and no discontinued lines.
Ready to design shorts that fit your team’s look and budget? Contact us today
