Handball hoodies and sweatshirts

Hood, half-zip, round neck: the shape depending on the use

The hoodie remains the most worn: warm, covering, it layers over a shirt after the session and keeps your head protected when going out in the cold. The half-zip, closer to the body, is preferred by coaches and players for warm-ups: it adjusts with a simple movement when the temperature rises. The full zip opens like a jacket, which is handy for changing quickly. The round neck, finally, is the simplest and easiest to wear every day.

Brushed fleece or technical polyester: two families of sweatshirts

The fleece sweatshirt, often a blend of cotton and brushed polyester inside, is soft and warm. It's the sweatshirt for after the match, for travel, and for the stands. The technical sweatshirt, made from polyester, is thinner and wicks away sweat: it can be worn during warm-ups without soaking through. If you only want one, consider whether you'll be wearing it while moving or waiting.

The pre-match sweatshirt, between warm-up and changing room

In many teams, the team sweatshirt is part of the ritual: you arrive with it, you warm up in the first few minutes, then leave it on the bench. It’s also used by substitutes who need to stay warm before entering. A technical half-zip or full zip sweatshirt is best for this role, as it can be taken off in just a few seconds.

Hummel, Kempa, Mizuno, Joma, Craft, Erima: the sweatshirts from sports brands

• Hummel: the Go 2.0 hoodies with a visible logo, and the zipped models from the team range, for men, women, and children.
• Kempa: the Core hoodie, available in women's and children's versions for dressing an entire club.
• Mizuno: team sweatshirts from the Japanese brand, textile partner of the LNH.
• Joma: half-zip sweatshirts from the Championship range, designed for warm-ups.
• Craft: the Swedish brand offers hoodies from its Community range, available in men's and women's cuts.
• Erima: training sweatshirts and the Six Wings range, matching the brand's outfits.

A single sweatshirt for the team and staff

A common sweatshirt brings the group together, helps you identify each other in a tournament, and makes for a great team photo. For a club, the ideal model is one that comes in men's, women's, and children's cuts, in the club's colour, and suitable for logo printing. Team models from major sports brands are often carried over from one year to the next, making it easier to place additional orders.

Keeping a sweatshirt soft after dozens of washes

The fleece loses its softness due to heat and friction. Zip it up, turn the sweatshirt inside out, wash it on a delicate cycle with similar materials, and avoid towels that cause pilling. Flat drying, without a tumble dryer, maintains the shape of the cuffs and the ribbed bottom.

The rest of the handball wardrobe

• Under the sweatshirt, the shirt comes from the handball shirts.
• For sessions, t-shirts and polos are worn underneath.
• On top, jackets and tracksuits block the wind.
• At the bottom, training pants complete the outfit with the sweatshirt.
• The playing outfit ends with handball shorts.
• Socks complete the match kit.
• In cold gyms, baselayers add a thin layer.

Discounted or clearance sweatshirts

A team sweatshirt needs to be replaced less often than a shirt, but the discounts are worth checking out. Look at the clearance textile page for end-of-line items and the special textile offers for promotions. With the arrival of the cold, the Black Friday textile comes at just the right time.

Frequently asked questions

Should I take a sweatshirt one size up?

Only if you want to wear it over several layers or if you like loose fits. For a warm-up sweatshirt, your usual size is best: if it's too big, it hinders movement. Cuts vary from brand to brand, so check the size guide.

Can we have the club logo printed on a sweatshirt?

Yes, most team sweatshirts can be printed or embroidered. Smooth polyester sweatshirts take to printing well, while fleece prefers embroidery. Check with the club's supplier before ordering.

Sweatshirt or tracksuit jacket for warm-ups?

The jacket is lighter and blocks wind better, while the sweatshirt is warmer and softer. In a cold gym, the technical sweatshirt is a good compromise. For travel, the jacket is more practical.

Why does my sweatshirt pill?

Pilling comes from friction, whether in the wash or during use, especially under the arms and on the sleeves. Wash it inside out, with smooth fabrics, on a gentle cycle. A lint remover can help with already marked sweatshirts.

How do I know when to replace a team sweatshirt?

Loose cuffs, flattened fleece that no longer keeps warm, and a cracked logo are telltale signs. As long as the zipper works and the fabric remains supple, it can still be used for travel.