Long-Sleeve Football Shirts: Sizing, Fit and Buying Guide

A long-sleeve football shirt uses the same chest sizing as the short-sleeve version of the same kit, so start with your usual size. The differences are sleeve length, cuff fit and warmth. If your arms are long for your chest size, or you plan to wear a base layer underneath, check the sleeve and consider going up one size.

Why are long-sleeve football shirts harder to find?

For most of the last decade, long sleeves were a niche item. Kit makers produced them for a handful of big clubs and left everyone else with short sleeves only. Major League Soccer went further and phased long sleeves out league-wide ahead of the 2019 season, citing supply-chain efficiency, according to Footy Headlines.

That looks set to change. As of 22 September 2026, Footy Headlines reports that Adidas plans to widen long-sleeve production beyond its elite clubs from the 2027/28 season, with 1. FC Köln named and Inter Miami among the MLS sides expected to return to long sleeves. Treat the club list as reported rather than confirmed until each club announces its kit. We covered the Inter Miami side of the story in our Inter Miami 2026-27 home kit leak.

Does a long-sleeve shirt fit differently from a short-sleeve one?

Through the body, no. The chest, length and cut match the short-sleeve shirt from the same line, so a fan-version medium is a fan-version medium whichever sleeve you pick. What changes is everything below the shoulder:

• Sleeve length grows with the size. If you are between sizes and have long arms, the larger size usually solves it.
• Cuffs are ribbed or elasticated on most modern shirts, which keeps the sleeve at the wrist rather than over your hand.
• Player versions are cut slimmer through the body and arms. A long-sleeve player version feels tighter on the forearm than a fan version in the same size.

For the full body measurements, see our football shirt chest measurements and size chart, and our general guide on what size football shirt to buy.

How do I measure my arm for a long-sleeve shirt?

Stand straight with your arm relaxed at your side. Measure from the point where the shoulder seam would sit, over the outside of the elbow, to the wrist bone. Compare that with a long-sleeve top you already own and like: lay it flat and measure the sleeve from shoulder seam to cuff edge. If the shirt you are buying is within a couple of centimetres of that favourite top, the length will feel familiar.

Long sleeve vs short sleeve: which should you buy?

Should I size up to wear a base layer under it?

If you plan to wear a thermal or compression top underneath, the fan version usually has enough room in your normal size, because it is cut for a relaxed fit. The player version is different. It is designed to sit close to the skin, and a base layer underneath can make the arms feel tight. For a player version worn over layers, one size up is the safer choice. Our player version vs fan version guide explains the cut difference in more detail.

Which long-sleeve shirts are available for 2026/27?

We stock long-sleeve versions where our supplier produces them, which in practice means a mix of European clubs and South American sides, where long sleeves remain popular. Current 2026/27 examples include:

• Liverpool 2026/27 third long-sleeve, player version
• Bayern Munich 2026/27 third long-sleeve, player version
• Tottenham Hotspur 2026/27 away long-sleeve, player version
• Boca Juniors 2026/27 home long-sleeve, player version
• River Plate 2026/27 home long-sleeve

From the previous season, the Celtic 2025/26 home long-sleeve is a good winter option. If a club you follow has no long-sleeve listing, the manufacturer most likely did not produce one for that kit.

How should I wash a long-sleeve football shirt?

The same rules apply as for any modern polyester shirt: turn it inside out, wash cold on a gentle cycle, skip fabric softener and let it air-dry flat or on a hanger. Long sleeves add one extra risk. Cuffs can stretch if you hang the shirt by them or wring them out. Our guide to washing a football shirt covers printed names and heat-pressed badges, and the football shirt fabric guide explains why these fabrics dislike heat.

Can I add a name and number to a long-sleeve shirt?

Yes. The back of a long-sleeve shirt is identical to the short-sleeve version, so names and numbers print in the same position. Sleeve patches such as league badges go on the upper arm, just as they do on short sleeves. Personalisation is not available on every product, so check the options on the product page before you order.

433FC is an independent retailer of replica supporter shirts, not affiliated with any club, league or manufacturer. We ship worldwide in 10–20 business days, with free shipping on two or more items and a $5 single-item rate, and returns are accepted within 14 days (personalised shirts excluded).

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