Why Do Basketball Players Wear Undershirt Under Their Jersey?


Basketball is a contact and physically demanding sport, so any additional piece of clothing and equipment that improves the performance and recovery of basketball players is welcome. The undershirt positively contributes to recovery, so the question is, can basketball players wear it under their jersey?

Basketball players wear an undershirt under their jersey because it warms the muscles and reduces the chances of injury. It absorbs sweat and prevents the jersey from rubbing against the skin, so playing basketball in an undershirt is more comfortable. Most basketball players wear a tank top compression undershirt.

Compression tank top undershirts are worn under the jersey by NBA players and basketball players all over the world. In this article, I’ll give you the reasons why it’s a good idea to wear an undershirt under your basketball jersey.

Can you wear an undershirt in basketball?

Different basketball leagues have different rules regarding the wearing of the undershirt during the game. In the NBA, players wear a compression tank top undershirt, while in the NCAA, players can wear a t-shirt under their jersey.

In the NBA, the compression shirt with short sleeves is allowed as an exception for medical reasons to provide compression support to injured shoulders. Most NBA players wear the official NBA undershirt, which is a tank top compression shirt that is almost invisible under the jersey.

Melo Ball wearing official Nike NBA compression tank top undershirt.
Melo Ball wearing official Nike NBA compression tank top undershirt.

As a basketball player, you need to be familiar with the rules of your basketball league. Most basketball leagues around the world do not allow you to wear a t-shirt under your basketball jersey. In most cases, basketball players wear compression t-shirts and compression tank tops. Compression garments fit the body perfectly and are not loose fitting, which is the biggest problem with t-shirts. Loose sleeves pose a risk of other players injuring their fingers by getting caught in the sleeve during the game.

Anthony Davis wearing compression shirt for supoort of his shoulders.
Anthony Davis wearing compression shirt for supoort of his shoulders.

In addition to not being dangerous to other players, compression undershirts have other advantages:

  • It keeps muscles warm and reduces the chance of injury. For contact sports such as basketball, it is a good idea to wear a piece of clothing that hugs the body well and keeps it warm, which is especially useful when the player is resting on the bench.
  • It speeds up blood circulation and ensures faster recovery. NBA players have a demanding pace of games, so clothing and accessories for faster recovery are always desirable.
  • It prevents the jersey from rubbing against the skin and protects it from scratches and rashes. Unpleasant scratches quickly occur while playing basketball, as anyone who has ever played knows well.
  • Absorbs sweat and keeps the jersey dry. The feeling of a wet jersey on the skin is uncomfortable and makes it difficult to play as the sweat makes the jersey heavy. Players therefore wear an undershirt made of a quick-drying material so that sweat is not absorbed into the jersey and does not remain on the skin.

Why do some basketball players wear t-shirts under their jerseys?

Basketball players wear a t-shirt under their jersey because it warms the body, prevents the jersey from rubbing against the skin and absorbs sweat so it doesn’t transfer to the jersey. Wearing a t-shirt during a game is banned in many leagues around the world, so most basketball players wear compression shirts.

Some basketball players wear a t-shirt for a pre-game warm up
Some basketball players wear a t-shirt for a pre-game warm up

Many basketball players also wear a t-shirt under or over their jersey during the warm-up before the game. The body is cooled down before the game, so an extra piece of clothing comes in handy to get the body up to “working temperature” faster. Professional teams have a special warm-up uniform for this purpose, which usually consists of a sweatshirt and a tracksuit.

Should I wear something under my basketball jersey?

Wearing an undershirt under your basketball jersey is recommended because the undershirt keeps your muscles warm even when you are sitting on the bench. The undershirt under the jersey absorbs sweat and dries faster, so a wet jersey doesn’t stick to your skin, making it more comfortable to play.

The undershirt is not necessary to play basketball. It is one of those pieces of clothing that can make you feel better during the game if you feel comfortable in it. In fact, it helps to keep your muscles warm and it absorbs sweat and dries faster. A sweaty jersey that sticks to wet skin can be uncomfortable. In the end, the quality of your game will still depend on you and your basketball skills, not on the clothes and shoes you wear.

Gregor

My name is Gregor and I'm a sports and fashion enthusiast. Like you, I want my clothes to be good quality and comfortable. I hope my articles will help you choose the right underwear for you.

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