Football Shorts: How They're Sized and How to Complete the Kit

Shorts are the part of the kit people buy last and think about least, which is how you end up with a 2026/27 home shirt and a pair of plain black gym shorts. If you're going to wear the full kit, whether that's five-a-side or a matchday outfit, the shorts deserve a couple of minutes of attention, mostly on sizing.

What's in the collection

Our football shorts collection has home, away and third shorts for club and national teams, from the 2024/25 season through to 2026/27. Many of them are Player Edition shorts, made to go with the matching Player Edition shirt, and some styles offer number printing.

How football shorts are sized

Shorts are sized on the waist measurement, not your jersey size, and they run slim. Our fit guidance is simple: if you're between sizes, size up.

These are the measurements from the size chart on our shorts pages:

The chart on each product page also lists thigh and leg-opening measurements. The easiest check is to measure a pair of shorts you already like the same way and compare. Measurements can vary by 1–2cm between batches.

One thing to watch: your jersey size and your shorts size won't always be the same letter. Someone who wears an L jersey might be an M or an XL in shorts depending on build. Size each piece on its own measurements.

Player Edition shorts

Player Edition shorts are made to match the Player Edition shirts, with the same slim, athletic approach to fit. If you're buying a Player Edition shirt for the match look, the matching shorts complete it:

For the difference between the two cuts on shirts, see Player Edition vs Fan Version.

Matching shorts to a shirt

Kit shorts are designed to go with a specific shirt, and the colour isn't always what you'd guess. Some clubs pair their home shirt with white shorts one season and black the next, and away shorts don't always match the away shirt's main colour. Two tips:

1. Match by season and kit: 2026/27 home shorts with the 2026/27 home shirt.
2. Look at the product photos side by side before you order. The shorts' product title tells you which kit they belong to.

For example, the Arsenal 2026/27 Home Jersey pairs with the Arsenal 2026/27 Home Shorts – Player Edition.

Number printing on shorts

Some shorts offer number printing, and where they do, the option appears on the product page. It's a nice touch if you've printed a number on the shirt too. As with shirts, personalised items are made specifically for you and can't be returned, so double-check before ordering.

Shorts for playing

If you're buying shorts to play in rather than to complete a matchday look, size for comfort: size up if you're between sizes, and look for an elasticated waistband (most product pages mention it). Pair them with a training shirt or a Fan Version jersey rather than a slim Player Edition shirt.

Care

• Wash cold (30°C) on a gentle cycle, inside out, with similar colours.
• No bleach or fabric softener.
• Hang to dry; don't tumble dry, especially if the shorts have a printed number or badge.
• Don't iron over badges or numbers.

Delivery and returns

Orders are processed within 1–3 business days, most arrive within 7–14 business days, and shipping is free on all US orders. Return conditions are in our Refund Policy.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading