Buyer’s Guide: Types of Baseball Shirts

At a Glance: Baseball shirts come in several different types, including performance shirts, layering apparel, and casual baseball drip made for everyday wear. The right style depends on your intended activity level, weather conditions, and personal style.

When it comes to youth baseball, having the right shirt helps players of all skill levels build their confidence. Understanding the different types of baseball shirts and how they can be used for different needs, personal styles, and intended uses can help players find drip that keeps them comfortable and focused on improving their game. 

Baseball Shirt Materials and Features 

Top baseball shirts combine cutting-edge materials with advanced synthetic materials and smart design features to keep players comfortable and performing at their best throughout the year. 

• Moisture-Wicking Materials: Polyester blends lead the way, with specialized weaves that move sweat away from the skin to the fabric's outer surface, where it can evaporate quickly. These moisture-wicking materials prevent that heavy, soggy feeling during intense games or practice sessions. 

• Mesh Panels: Most performance shirts also incorporate thoughtfully placed ventilated fabric zones under the arms and across the back, where players tend to heat up most. These allow air to flow freely, keeping young players cool even during those hot summer doubleheaders.

• UV Protection: This is woven right into the fabric, offering an extra layer of defense against harmful sun exposure during long tournaments. 

• Stretch Panels: When placed around the shoulders and across the back, these ensure players maintain full range of motion, whether they're swinging for the fences or diving for a catch.

Common Types of Baseball Shirts

Understanding the different types of baseball shirts is essential for any player or parent. Each style serves a specific purpose, from official game day wear to practice sessions and base layers. Let's explore the main categories you'll encounter on and off the field. These designs appeal to fans who appreciate baseball culture beyond obvious team branding, featuring clever references and understated designs that fellow baseball enthusiasts will recognize and appreciate.

Traditional Game Jerseys

Game jerseys come in two primary styles: button-up and pull-over designs. The classic button-up jersey features a full front placket with buttons, offering a traditional baseball look that's been a staple since the sport's early days. Pull-over jerseys, increasingly popular in modern baseball, provide a sleeker look and easier wear, featuring a V-neck or crew neck design without buttons.

Vintage Plate Crate Jersey

This classic baseball-inspired game jersey is available in traditional button-up style for fans who want a nostalgic feel on and off the field. Made from a durable yet breathable polyester blend, it features iconic vintage logos for a timeless look with modern comfort. 

Shop the Vintage Plate Crate Jersey from Plate Crate.

Training Shirts

Shirts that are made for baseball practice are designed to prioritize comfort and functionality. These lightweight shirts often utilize moisture-wicking materials like polyester or performance blends that keep players cool during intense training sessions. 

Lemonade Gradient Performance Tee

A lightweight training shirt built for baseball practice, this baseball tee features moisture-wicking fabrics and breathable materials to keep players cool and comfortable during hot summer activities. Designed with performance-focused details, this tee provides a functional, breathable fit for active training sessions. 

Shop the Lemonade Gradient Performance Tee from Plate Crate.

T-Shirts

Baseball t-shirts offer versatility for both practice and casual wear. These combine casual comfort with contemporary color choices and design elements that stand out, often incorporating vibrant colors and prints.  

Banana Light Blue Shirt

A versatile baseball t-shirt perfect for practice or casual wear, made with moisture-wicking fabric to keep players comfortable in warm conditions. The relaxed fit allows full range of motion, while bold colors and graphics add a fun, stylish touch for batting practice, conditioning, or everyday wear. 

Shop the Banana Light Blue Shirt from Plate Crate.

Long-Sleeve T-Shirts

Long-sleeve baseball shirts that work well under jackets for cooler evening games or the off-season. These shirts provide additional protection during cooler weather practices and can include compression elements to support muscles and maintain body temperature. The extended sleeve length offers sun protection during long practice sessions while maintaining the breathability needed for activity in the heat.

En Fuego Red Performance Long-Sleeve Tee

The En Fuego long-sleeve baseball shirt is made with performance fabrics for early morning or evening practices in cooler weather or layering under jerseys. This bold tee is made with lightweight, breathable fabrics for a supportive fit on its own or layered under a jacket or jersey.

Shop the En Fuego Red Performance Long-Sleeve Tee from Plate Crate. 

Raglan Tees

Baseball raglan tees feature the sport's most iconic sleeve design, with contrasting colored sleeves that extend from the collar to the underarm in one continuous piece. This classic construction originally served a practical purpose, allowing for greater shoulder mobility and reduced seam stress during throwing motions. The distinctive raglan sleeve styling creates a classic baseball aesthetic, making them perfect for casual wear or pickup games.

Pinstripe Raglan Tee

The Pinstripe Raglan Tee showcases baseball’s classic sleeve design, featuring contrasting sleeves that extend from collar to underarm for improved shoulder mobility and reduced seam stress. Ideal for players and fans alike, it combines a relaxed fit with timeless styling, capturing the authentic spirit of baseball. Perfect for casual wear or pickup games, its contrasting colors and seamless construction make it a standout addition to any wardrobe.

Shop the Pinstripe Raglan Tee from Plate Crate. 

Different Types of Apparel for Layering

Layering possibilities expand your game day wardrobe flexibility. Select baseball shirts that work well under hoodies, over tank tops, or with light jackets. Classic crew necks and V-necks offer the most layering versatility, while ensuring team colors and logos remain visible.

Windbreakers

Weather considerations for outdoor games are crucial since baseball season spans varying climates. Baseball windbreakers protect players and fans during unpredictable outdoor conditions. These lightweight jackets typically feature wind-resistant materials and water-repellent coatings that shield against light rain and chilly breezes without adding bulk. 

Warp Speed Windbreaker

A lightweight baseball jacket designed to protect against wind and light rain, featuring water-repellent materials and classic baseball styling. Elastic cuffs, adjustable hems, and a packable design make it ideal for early-season games, evening practices, or on-the-go storage in your equipment bag.

Shop the Warp Speed Windbreaker from Plate Crate.

Baseball Hoodies

Baseball hoodies offer the perfect combination of warmth, comfort, and team spirit for cooler weather games and casual wear. These versatile garments typically feature moisture-wicking fleece linings and durable fabric blends that provide insulation while maintaining breathability during active wear. The relaxed fit allows for easy layering over base layers or under jackets, while ribbed cuffs and waistbands help retain body heat. 

Eraser Pencil Hoodie

The bold Eraser Pencil Hoodie combines warmth, comfort, and game day spirit for the perfect back-to-school drip. This standout style features vibrant pencil-yellow sleeves, a relaxed fit, and durable cotton-polyester blends that offer cozy comfort the entire school year.

Shop the Eraser Pencil Hoodie from Plate Crate.

Baseball Shoodies

“Shoodies” combine the comfort of a hoodie with the practicality of a shirt, creating a hybrid garment perfect for transitional weather and versatile styling. These innovative pieces typically feature short sleeves or three-quarter sleeves paired with an attached hood, offering head and neck protection without the bulk of full sleeves. The lightweight construction usually incorporates breathable cotton blends or performance fabrics that provide comfort during warm days, spring training, summer evening games, and other times when a full hoodie would be too heavy.

Pink Lemonade Shoodie

The Pink Lemonade Shoodie combines the comfort of a hoodie with the lightweight practicality of a shirt, perfect for transitional weather. Featuring short sleeves with an attached hood, it offers head and neck coverage without the bulk of full sleeves. Made from breathable cotton or performance fabrics, it provides a comfortable fit during warmer days. 

Shop the Pink Lemonade Shoodie from Plate Crate.

Find the Baseball Shirt You’re Looking For at Plate Crate

The modern baseball shirt market offers something for every preference, from classic vintage aesthetics to cutting-edge performance materials that keep you comfortable and confident both on and off the field. By considering factors like weather conditions, activity level, and personal style, you can build a versatile baseball wardrobe that serves you well throughout the season and beyond. Understanding the distinctions between traditional jerseys, moisture-wicking performance tees, versatile raglan designs, and innovative layering pieces like shoodies and windbreakers will guide you toward the perfect choice. 

 Looking to take your abilities to the next level? Explore Plate Crate’s quality products for baseball lovers, including our wide range of apparel, baseball shirts, and our monthly subscription boxes. Each subscription crate comes with a themed t-shirt in addition to specialized baseball training aids, accessories, snacks, and more. Develop your skills and show off your baseball drip with Plate Crate, where we aim to help baseball lovers get the most out of their game.