Choosing a netball kit used to mean one thing: a dress. Today most clubs choose between three styles: the classic dress, the bodysuit and the skort with a top. Each has a different fit, look and price. This guide explains the differences so your club committee can decide quickly, whether you play in the UK, Australia, New Zealand or Ireland.
The three styles at a glance
| Dress | Bodysuit | Skort and top | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fit | One piece with a flared or fitted skirt | One piece, close to the body | Two pieces |
| Movement | Free, skirt can lift when jumping | Nothing loose, stays in place | Free, shorts built into the skirt |
| Sizing | One size per player | One size per player, fit matters more | Top and bottom sized separately |
| Often chosen by | Clubs and schools of all ages | Senior and representative teams | Juniors, schools, players who prefer two pieces |
The netball dress
The dress is still the most common choice. It suits all body shapes, is easy to size and looks like a traditional netball uniform. Modern dresses are made from stretch polyester rather than heavy fabrics, so they are much lighter than older styles. A-line dresses give more room; fitted dresses look sharper.
Choose a dress if you want one style for every age group and a classic look.
The bodysuit
A bodysuit is a one-piece, close-fitting garment, similar to what many elite teams wear. Nothing flaps or lifts during jumps and quick changes of direction. Because it is fitted, sizing needs more care, and some players prefer more coverage.
Choose a bodysuit if your senior or representative players want a performance fit.
The skort and top
A skort is a skirt with built-in shorts, worn with a matching top. Players who feel more comfortable in two pieces often prefer it, and it can be easier to size juniors who are growing, because the top and bottom are sized separately.
Choose a skort set if you have many junior or school players, or want to give players a choice.
Can a club mix styles?
Yes, and many do. A common setup is bodysuits for senior teams and dresses or skort sets for juniors, all in the same sublimated design. With a factory such as Pexton Apparel, the minimum order is 30 pieces per design with sizes mixed; ask when you request a quote how a mix of styles in one design is counted.
Fabric, sublimation and sponsors
All three styles are usually made from lightweight stretch polyester that wicks sweat. Sublimation prints the design, crest, player names and sponsor logos into the fabric, so they do not crack or peel. Read our sublimated sportswear guide to see how it works.
Don’t forget the extras
- Position bibs (GS, GA, WA, C, WD, GD, GK) in club colours.
- Warm-up wear: training tops, leggings and hoodies in the same design.
- Bags for kit and balls.
How to decide in one meeting
- Ask players and parents which styles they prefer.
- Order a sample of each style in a few sizes.
- Let players try them on at training.
- Confirm style and size per player, then order.
Plan this well before your season starts. Our club kit ordering timeline shows how far ahead to start.
See our custom netball dresses page or send your design for a free quote.