The weeks before the season starts always feel like a whirlwind. Between organizing tryouts, finalizing rosters, and securing field time, ordering uniforms often slides to the bottom of the list. Then, suddenly, opening day is a week away, and you realize the team has jerseys but no matching socks.

Don’t let that happen this year. A little preparation now saves you a massive headache later. We created this guide to help you navigate the ordering process smoothly. Follow our preseason checklist for custom socks and stirrup orders to guarantee your team looks sharp from the very first pitch.

Start with a Head Count

It sounds simple, but getting an accurate roster count trips up many coaches. You need firm numbers before you place a custom order. Guessing usually leads to one of two outcomes: you waste budget on extras you don't need, or worse, a player gets left out.

Send a confirmation email to parents or players early. Require a response by a specific date. Once you have your list, add a small buffer.

We always recommend ordering a few extra pairs. Socks are easy to lose in the laundry. They also get holes from aggressive sliding. Having a backup stash saves the day when your star shortstop shows up with one navy sock and one black sock.

Know Your Timeline

Custom manufacturing takes time. Unlike buying off the rack at a big-box store, we make these items specifically for you. This process involves knitting, quality checks, and shipping.

Most custom orders require a lead time of several weeks. If your first game is in six weeks, today is the perfect day to start. Waiting until two weeks before the opener forces you into a rush, which often incurs expedited shipping fees.

Work backward from your first game or picture day. If picture day is March 1st, aim to have the socks in hand by February 20th. That means you should place your order by mid-January.

Choose Your Style: Socks vs. Stirrups

This is the eternal debate in baseball and softball circles. Do you go with the classic full sock or the traditional stirrup? The choice often defines your team's aesthetic.

Custom baseball socks offer convenience. They are an all-in-one solution. Modern performance materials wick moisture and keep feet dry. Players often prefer them for their simplicity and comfort.

Stirrups provide that old-school, professional look. They scream tradition. However, stirrups require a sanitary sock (sanis) underneath. This route adds another item to your checklist. If you choose stirrups, ensure you order white sanitary socks for everyone as well.

Some teams compromise. You might order full socks for practice and stirrups for games. Or, let the seniors wear stirrups while the underclassmen wear socks. Just make sure the team looks uniform on the field.

Nail Down the Design

Now comes the fun part. Designing your custom gear allows your team's personality to shine. You want a look that intimidates the competition and makes your players feel like pros.

Start with your team colors. If your jersey is navy and gold, your socks should complement those exact shades. We can match almost any Pantone color to ensure your uniform looks cohesive.

Consider adding stripes or logos. A simple three-stripe pattern offers a timeless look. Adding a team logo or mascot makes the gear unique to your program. Just remember, detailed logos require higher stitch counts.

Also, keep readability in mind. A complicated design might look great on a computer screen, but muddy from the bleachers. Bold, simple patterns usually translate best to knitwear.

Check the Specs and Materials

Not all socks feel the same. Material matters for performance and durability. You want a blend that holds up to sliding, running, and washing.

Therefore, the next step in our preseason checklist for custom socks and stirrup orders is to look for synthetic blends like nylon and acrylic. These materials repel moisture better than cotton. Wet feet lead to blisters, and blisters lead to bench time.

Also, check the cushioning. Pitchers and catchers appreciate extra padding in the heel and toe. Outfielders might prefer a lighter, thinner knit for speed.

We offer various cuts and lengths. Make sure you specify whether you want knee-high, over-the-knee, or crew length. Consistency across the team makes the uniform look professional.

Verify Sizing

One size does not fit all. This applies especially to youth teams where a 12-year-old might wear a men's size 10 while his teammate wears a youth size 4.

Don't guess sizes. Ask parents to provide their player's current shoe size. Use our sizing chart to convert those shoe sizes into sock sizes.

If you order a "bulk" distribution (e.g., 10 small, 10 medium, 10 large), review your roster first. You don't want to end up with five extra pairs of smalls and five players squeezing into mediums who really need larges.

Stirrup sizing works differently. You measure the "cut" or the length of the opening. A higher cut shows more white sanitary sock. A lower cut shows less. Make sure you understand the difference before finalizing the stirrup order.

Double-Check the Proof

Once you submit your design ideas, you will receive a digital mock-up or proof. Do not just glance at it and click "approve." Scrutinize it.

Check the colors against your jersey. Check the spelling of any text. Ensure the logo placement looks correct. This digital image represents exactly what the machine will knit.

If something looks off, ask questions. We want you to love the final product. It is much easier to fix a digital file than to replace 50 pairs of custom socks.

Verify the order quantities on the invoice as well. Make sure the size breakdown matches your roster list. Errors here cause headaches on distribution day.

Plan Your Budget

Custom gear costs more than stock items, but the quality justifies the price. However, you need to budget accordingly.

Factor in any setup fees for custom logos. Account for shipping costs. If you need the order rushed, include those fees in your calculation.

Collect money from parents early. Chasing down checks after you place the order creates stress. Some leagues include socks in the registration fee. If that's the case, ensure the league treasurer approves the expense before you order.

If the price stretches your budget, look for ways to simplify. Reducing the number of colors or simplifying the logo can sometimes lower the cost.

Organize Distribution

Your job isn't over when the box arrives. You still need to get the gear to the players.

Open the box immediately. Count the items. Check the sizes. Ensure everything matches your order. If you find a discrepancy, report it right away so we can fix it before the first game.

Pack individual bags for each player. Put their jersey, hat, belt, and socks together. Label the bag with their name. This step prevents the "I didn't get my socks" confusion at the first practice.

Hand out uniforms at a specific meeting. Have parents or players sign a sheet confirming they received all items. This accountability protects you and ensures everyone has what they need.

Don't Forget the Coaches

Coaches need gear, too. While you might not wear full uniform socks (please don't be that coach), you might want matching crew socks. It adds a nice touch of professionalism to the staff.

Or, consider ordering custom socks as a fundraiser. Parents and fans love to show support. Selling spirit wear socks with the team logo can raise money for end-of-season trophies or parties.