Handball jackets and tracksuits

Tracksuit, rain jacket, softshell: three protections

The tracksuit jacket, made from lightweight polyester, keeps you warm during warm-ups and while on the bench; it blocks the wind a little without making you sweat. The waterproof jacket protects against rain between the car park and the gym, and for the coach working outside. The softshell, a flexible and water-repellent fabric, sits between the two: warmer than a tracksuit jacket, more breathable than a waterproof jacket, it is popular with coaches and supporters in the outside stands.

The complete tracksuit, team travel outfit

Jacket and trousers from the same range, in the same colour: the complete tracksuit is the travel outfit for handball teams. It’s worn to arrive at the gym, for the photo and for the awards ceremony. For a club, it’s a piece of image as much as a piece of sportswear. Check that the trousers are also sold separately: they wear out faster than the jacket, and being able to replace them avoids having to buy the whole set again.

Layering at the side of the pitch

For a coach or a substitute, comfort comes from layering. A technical t-shirt next to the skin, a sweatshirt or tracksuit jacket over the top, and a rain jacket or softshell when it’s cold or damp. Each layer can be removed depending on the temperature of the gym. A jacket that’s too thick, on the other hand, makes you sweat and then cool down.

Hummel, Errea, adidas, Kempa, Mizuno, Erima: jackets by manufacturer

• Hummel: the hmlLEAD training jacket and the Core 2.0 tracksuit trousers, for men, women and children.
• Errea: the Italian brand offers team jackets like the Diana, in a women's cut, available in many colour combinations.
• adidas: jackets from the Adi365 range, including women’s cuts, and the tracksuit jacket for the Blues.
• Kempa: team tracksuit jackets and a softshell jacket for the side of the pitch.
• Mizuno: team jackets from the Japanese brand, textile partner of the LNH.
• Erima: the Change tracksuit jacket and presentation jackets to dress an entire club.

Ordering club jackets: points to check

Before placing an order for a team, check four points. Does the range come in men's, women's and children's cuts? Are the matching trousers sold separately? Does the jacket lend itself to logo and initials printing? And is the chosen colour carried over from year to year, to kit out new arrivals?

Care: take care of the membrane and zipper

A waterproof jacket maintains its protection if you wash it rarely, at low temperature, without fabric softener that blocks the membrane. Close all zippers and Velcro before washing. For a tracksuit jacket, a turned inside-out wash is enough. Air dry: the heat from the tumble dryer damages the heat-sealed strips and logos.

Under the jacket: other clothing families

• Under the warm-up jacket, you’ll find one of the team handball shirts.
• For a warmer layer, sweatshirts can be worn underneath.
• The t-shirts and polos form the first layer for the staff.
• A standalone pair of trousers can be chosen from the training or rain trousers.
• The match kit is completed with hand shorts.
• The high socks finish off the team outfit.
• In a cold gym, baselayers add a thin layer under the jacket.

Discount jackets and tracksuits

A complete tracksuit is one of the most important textile purchases for a player or a club. End-of-line stock can be found on the textile clearance page, promotions through textile special offers. The Black Friday textile, just before winter, followed by the textile sales, are the two key moments to get equipped.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a tracksuit jacket and a windbreaker?

The tracksuit jacket keeps you warm and breathes, but it lets rain through. The windbreaker, being thinner, blocks the wind and sometimes light rain, without keeping you warm. For the gym, the first is enough, for outside, the second complements.

Should I take a larger jacket to wear over a sweatshirt?

Your usual size is generally sufficient, tracksuit jackets are cut to be worn over a t-shirt or thin sweatshirt. For a rain jacket, a size up allows for a thicker layer underneath. Check the sleeve length.

Is a softshell waterproof?

It is water-repellent: light rain beads on its surface, but a heavy downpour eventually penetrates. It is known for its warmth and breathability. For heavy rain, a waterproof jacket is still necessary.

How can I prevent the strips on a jacket from peeling off?

The heat can damage heat-sealed strips and logos. Wash the jacket inside out, at low temperature, without a tumble dryer or iron on the markings. Also avoid drying it against a radiator.

Can a football tracksuit work for a handball team?

Yes, team tracksuits are designed for all collective sports. Just choose a range that is available in all the sizes and cuts that the club needs, and that closely matches the colours of the shirts.