by Matt DeLaere, Marketing

College and professional sports teams are increasingly turning to “alternate” and special-event uniforms. Some are worn to commemorate or honor past teams, others are worn for a cause. They range from full uniforms (see the Calgary Flames’ 1989 throwbacks) to slight accessory alterations  (like the NFL’s pink shoes, gloves, and towels to raise breast cancer awareness). One such practice of late has been the wearing of camouflage in tribute to the Armed Forces.

Since 2000, the San Diego Padres have worn special-event camouflage jerseys. With San Diego being home to Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard facilities, the Padres have been dubbed, “The Team of the Military.” Initially, the jerseys were worn once a year for a special military appreciation day, but recently have become the regular Sunday home uniform for the team. There have been three designs of the jerseys, going from forest camo to desert camo to the current digital camouflage pattern, worn in honor of the Marines.

Several minor league baseball teams have also used the theme in special uniforms, while the now-defunct American Defenders of New Hampshire based their entire color scheme on a camouflage pattern.

Other professional teams have donned camouflage to honor the military or to help in fundraising efforts for military charities. The Toronto Raptors of the NBA recently honored the Canadian Forces with a camouflage jersey, and several NHL teams have gone with the look during pre-game warm-ups.

College teams, though, seem to have taken the lead in use of these uniforms.  Fittingly, the Army Black Knights football team wore camouflage jerseys for the 2008 Army/Navy game and for their 2010 tilt against VMI.  Other teams have helped raise money and awareness with their special uniform sets. South Carolina, Maryland, Utah, and Texas Tech, for instance, have donned camouflage-trimmed jerseys to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project.

Amateur athletes always want to emulate (and imitate) their heroes on the field. One way they can do so is with CAD-PRINTZ^® full color digital number effects. These numbers are filled with a variety of patterns, including animal prints, sports patterns, and yes, camouflage.  Camouflage patterns are available in a variety of colors, and even include woodland, jungle, and digital patterns to cater to the type of pattern desired. They apply easily with a heat press and make even small orders affordable.

Digital text effects are also available. These can be used for player and team names on jerseys, but are also great for non-sports usage. Whether honoring a serving family member, commemorating a hunting trip, or simply used for fashion, these text patterns look great in camo.

So, whether your customer wants their jersey or shirt to honor the military, reflect toughness, or just to make them invisible on the field of play, digital text and number effects are the perfect solution.

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