The Sports Lettering Company Customization Advantage
At The Sports Lettering Company we pride ourselves in our quality and service. The most significant aspect of our business is the actual decorating of the sports jersey (names, numbers, etc). It is what we do better than anyone in the industry. Our quality is second to none. We finish each jersey like it is our own. We customize jerseys not only for NHL teams, OHL teams, and large retailers but also for minor hockey associations and individual jersey collectors. No order is too big or too small.
There are a few things that distinguish our jersey customization from the others:
- We use only authentic pro tackle twill materials
- All of our names and numbers are cut to the specifications of the NHL
- We use not only the correct font but also the correct colors and color combinations
- All names and numbers are professionally hand sewn using zigzag stitch
- We do all the work on site
Why these things are important!
By using only authentic pro tackle twill materials, we duplicate what the players wear on ice which is multi layer twill names and numbers. That is what we do for a team such as the Washington Capitals. For their home jersey, the numbers are as follows: one layer of white twill on top of one layer of navy twill. These layers are then sewn together. You will find many variations of this such as companies that make it one color twill and then screen print the number on (i.e. white twill and the navy color is screened on). In addition, they will screen print the appearance of stitching on the number. Others will cut a small border around the number so that the depth of the number is only 1 color deep (i.e. white number and then a small navy border is cut to match the outside with no overlapping). You may wonder what is wrong with that but if the jersey itself should shrink or stretch, the numbers would no longer match up. All of our name and number kits are authentic we do not offer anything else.
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As you can see in the above picture, the sleeve #7 (on the left) for the Pittsburgh Penguins is a twill number with the correct fonts, colors, pro twill, contour size, total size and stitching while the #7 on the right is a screen print number– a layer of twill with screen print with color to make it appear the same as a twill number. Even the stitching is screened on (the stitching is screen printed on with the color grey which is not even the actual color of the layer). In this particular example it is even more evident as the Penguins use unusual twill as the top layer that has a unique texture which cannot be replicated.
Our computerized cutting systems cut all names and numbers to the specifications of the NHL. All of the items that are cut are always identical. We do not hand cut the names or the numbers. If the jersey is a youth or toddler version we will proportionally shrink the names and numbers to accommodate the jersey so it will not have huge adult sized back numbers causing it to look disproportionate.
We not only use the correct font but also the correct colors and color combinations. You would think this is common sense but many companies do not have the correct fonts or colors of twill available to them and offer similar fonts and comparable colors.
All names and numbers are professionally hand sewn using zigzag stitch. This is exactly what is worn on ice. We hand sew all items and do not use embroidery machines. All layers are pre-sewn together and the final application to the jersey is also done via hand sewn zigzag stitch. Beware of companies that use glue to apply the customization to the jersey. More and more people are offering customization that does not use any stitching. Instead these companies use glue to seal twill layers together and also use glue to adhere the twill to the jersey. If you look inside the back of your jersey where the number is you should see the stitching that holds it in place.
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We do all the work on site. Unlike many companies that have to subcontract the customization part of their business out, we have the ability to fulfill all the customization on site. As a result we are able to control all aspects of the transaction including customer service. When you talk to us you are talking to the company that actually does the work—there is no middleman.
As if there aren’t already enough issues to be concerned with in the jersey cresting industry, we have one more: counterfeit jerseys (and customizing) from the Orient. One of the easiest ways to spot a counterfeit jersey if it is crested is in the customization itself. They typically use a vinyl type material for the names and numbers which is much shinier than twill and creases much easier than twill. In the Phaneuf jersey example below (also wrong in the fact they used the 2009 font on a 2010 jersey and the numbers should only be one color) you will notice that the number is shiny but also looks like it needs to be pressed as it is creased. Also noticeable is the fact that either the jersey or the customization is crooked. See how far the P in Phaneuf is from the top seam and then notice the distance for the F from the top seam.
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We take great pride in our work and want you to wear your jersey with pride as well. We take all the necessary measures to ensure that you are happy with our product.
