How to Frame a Soccer Jersey (and Fold It for a Shadow Box)

Use a deep shadow box frame, fold the shirt so the part you want to show (the crest and sponsor, or the name and number) sits in the middle, and fix it to the backing board with a few stitches or pins rather than glue. Choose glazing that filters UV light and hang it away from direct sun. That's the method; the rest is getting the fold neat.

A framed shirt is a lovely way to keep a final, a first match or a gift, and it isn't hard to do at home. Below is the step-by-step, how to choose the frame, and which of our shirts are easiest to frame well.

What you need

• A shadow box frame. It's deeper than a picture frame, so the shirt isn't squashed against the glass. Many are sold specifically for jerseys.
• A backing board covered in fabric, or a firm acid-free board you can stitch or pin into.
• A needle and clear or matching thread, or stainless steel pins.
• Acid-free tissue paper to pad the folds so they stay smooth.
• UV-filtering glass or acrylic, if the frame gives you a choice.

Step by step

1. Start with a clean shirt. If it's been worn, wash it inside out on a cold, gentle cycle and let it dry fully on a hanger. Framing a damp or dirty shirt traps both.
2. Decide which side faces out. Front for the crest and sponsor; back for a name and number.
3. Lay it face down on a clean table and smooth it flat.
4. Fold the sleeves. For a classic look, fold each sleeve back along the side seam so the shoulders form a clean line. For a long-sleeve shirt, fold the sleeves back and down behind the body, or angle them out if your frame is wide enough.
5. Fold the sides in until the shirt matches the width of the backing board, keeping the crest or number centred.
6. Fold the hem up behind the shirt if it's longer than the board.
7. Pad the folds with a little rolled tissue so there are no hard creases.
8. Turn it over, position it on the board and secure it with a few small stitches at the shoulders, sides and hem, or with pins pushed through the fabric into the board. Don't pin through a printed name, number or badge.
9. Close the frame and check it from a few steps back before you hang it.

Choosing the frame

Measure the shirt after you've folded it, then add a margin on every side so it doesn't touch the edges. Depth matters more than people expect: a shallow frame presses the shirt against the glass, which flattens the badges and can leave marks. If you want to add a match ticket, a photo or a small plaque, choose a frame large enough to leave room for them without crowding the shirt.

Avoid glue and double-sided tape. They stain fabric over time and make it impossible to take the shirt out later without damage. Stitches and pins can be removed.

Keeping it from fading

• Hang it on a wall that doesn't get direct sunlight. Strong light fades dyes and prints over time.
• Choose UV-filtering glazing if you can.
• Keep it away from radiators, fireplaces and damp rooms like bathrooms.

Which shirts frame best

A Player Edition has the slim, match-style cut, and in our own guidance for framing we suggest an XL or XXL so the shirt fills the frame. Shirts with a story printed on them also make good frames: several of our retro shirts carry the final's name and date on the chest.

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  Manchester United 2007/08 Home (UCL Final) Long-Sleeve Retro Soccer Jersey: red with the 2008 Moscow final text on the chest. United won that final against Chelsea on penalties.
• 
  Barcelona 2008/09 Home (UCL Final) Retro Soccer Jersey: the half-blue, half-garnet design with the 2009 Rome final text on the chest.
• 
  Real Madrid 2013/14 Home (UCL Final) Long-Sleeve Retro Soccer Jersey: white long-sleeve with the 2014 Lisbon final text, from the season Real Madrid won their tenth European Cup.
• 
  Argentina 1986 World Cup Home Retro Soccer Jersey: sky blue and white stripes, from the year Argentina won the World Cup in Mexico.
• 
  Barcelona 2026/27 Home Soccer Jersey – Player Edition: the current blue and garnet stripes in the slim Player Edition cut.

Personalising a shirt for a frame

On products that offer it, you can add a name of up to 12 characters and a number of up to two digits, with a preview before it goes in your cart. Printing is currently free. Personalised shirts can't be returned, so check the spelling twice. If the frame is a gift, a name and a meaningful number on the back make it personal.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

The Football EditHow to Wash a Soccer Jersey With a Printed Name and NumberThe Football EditPlayer Edition Jerseys: What You Get, How They Fit and Who They SuitThe Football EditRetro Football Jerseys: How to Pick a Classic Kit Worth Wearing