Women's handball baselayers

Tank tops, undershirts, shorts: each has its role

The tank top is worn alone for running and strength training, or under a jacket during warm-up. The undershirt, closer to the body, slides under the match shirt. The shorts, or compression shorts, support the thigh and reduce chafing between the legs. The sports briefs, shorter, provide support without bulk under a loose short.

Leggings: black or matching the shorts in matches

The international rules allow long compression tights for female players from champ on one condition: they must be black or the dominant colour of the shorts, the same for the whole team. The goalkeeper can choose any colour she wants. The leggings on this page are also suitable for training, return-to-running sessions, and physical preparation classes. For matches, a short pair of shorts in the colour of the shorts or black remains the simplest choice.

Arm sleeves: matching the shirt colour

The compression arm sleeves, from Select, Mizuno, or Errea with Knik, hold the muscle and protect the skin when you slide on the ground. In matches, they must be the shirt colour or a very close colour: a team with royal blue shirts takes blue sleeves, not black. The leg sleeves match the colour of the socks. The Mizuno women's sleeves are sold in pairs, in white, black, or yellow.

Fit snugly without compressing

Good compression wraps the muscle without leaving deep marks on the skin. Measure your thigh or arm circumference and compare it with the brand's size chart. A piece too tight restricts breathing or causes numbness, while a piece too loose loses all its benefits. Women's cuts are shorter in the torso and wider at the hips than mixed cuts: check the gender filter before choosing.

Running and training: the place for Adizero tank tops

Part of the page comes from running, like the Adizero women's tank tops from adidas, which are very lightweight, or the adi365 leggings. They fit into physical preparation when running sessions are back on the program. The thin fabric dries quickly, handy on days when training is doubled.

Hummel, Errea, Kempa, McDavid: brands under the gear

• Hummel offers the hmlFIRST Training compression shorts, in navy or red and black, as well as tank tops and leggings.
• Errea presents its Knik sleeves in black, navy, white, red, and royal blue, to match the colours of many clubs.
• Kempa, the German handball brand, completes its team outfits with matching base layers.
• McDavid, the American protection brand, mixes compression and padding in its sleeves.
• adidas brings the Adizero tank tops and adi365 leggings from running.
• Givova offers solid base layers, easy to match with a club outfit.

Compression shorts under the shorts, undershirts under the shirts: related pages

• The undershirt should be chosen with the women's shirts, from which it should take the colour.
• The shorts are worn under women's shorts, either black or matching.
• The leg sleeves go with women's socks of the same shade.
• For preparation sessions, brassieres complement tank tops and leggings.
• Women's t-shirts and polos layer over the tank top for warm-up.
• Women's sweatshirts are worn over after training.
• Women's trousers can replace leggings for travel.
• Women's jackets and tracksuits cover everything before kick-off.

Pay less for your base layers

Women's baselayers at reduced prices are gathered in the women's clearance and the special textile offers. During the Black Friday for women and then the sales for women, it's the chance to get a black pair of shorts and a pair in the club colours.

Frequently asked questions

Can you wear a black undershirt under a white shirt?

Not in a match: under the shirt, anything visible must match the dominant colour. The exception for black only applies under the shorts. So make sure to have an undershirt in the colour for each set of shirts.

Is a pair of shorts required under handball shorts?

Nothing requires it, but many players wear one to reduce chafing and keep the shorts in place. It also keeps the thigh warm on the bench. Black works with all shorts.

Do the sleeves prevent floor burns?

They cover the skin on the forearm and reduce burns from sliding. For the elbow, a padded elbow guard offers better protection. The rules allow elbow pads in all colours.

How do you wash a baselayer?

Inside out, at low temperature and without fabric softener, which clogs the fibres and retains smells. No tumble dryers: heat relaxes elastane. Air dries in a few hours.

Can a player from champ play in leggings?

Yes, if they are black or the dominant colour of the shorts, and the same for the whole team. The goalkeeper, she, can wear tights, leggings, or long trousers of any colour, which protect the legs during ground saves. In lower levels, your federation may apply its own rules.