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as well, eliminating the side-seam as it is an easy handle for anyone looking for a tackle. Basketball uniforms are also trending towards slimmer fits. Many professional players are opting for lighter, sleeker uniforms, abandon- ing the baggy shorts and jerseys that have been popular for more than a decade. Some of their jerseys are eliminating the side seam for the same reason as football players‒— to make them more evasive. Baseball teams are trending towards custom- ized, tailored fits, trying to lose the "pajama" look that has been prevalent in the sport. While professional baseball is seen as a more conservative sport when it comes to uniform decoration and design, change may be on the horizon, with more players vying for a slimmer, modern look. From Minimalist Retro to Excessive Color Much of the loud colors and patterns that were popular in collegiate and professional football, basketball and soccer in recent years are now falling out of favor. In their place, teams are opting for throwback-inspired, retro-looking jerseys, embracing minimalist color-blocking and reverting to classic colors and logos. This does not always translate to high school level and under, however. Sublimation's use of color is catching the eye of younger sports teams. The sheer impact of imagery and color means sublimated jerseys are turning heads. The dye sublimation allows for huge swaths of color, gradient and shading to be present on the jersey. These jerseys sport their own difficulty in deco- rating, as sublimated dye can migrate or bleed through. Often the team names, players names and numbers are sublimated onto the jersey. The left-chest emblem is a popular look in soccer and will continue to trend. These emblems offer a raised texture and dimension, elevating the look of the jersey. The use of tra- ditional patterns such as checks and vertical stripes recall designs of the past as designers modernize the jerseys for the future. Alternates and Fashion/Retail Another trending decorative element is using 34 Team Insight ~ July/August 2019 teaminsightmag.com APPAREL DECORATING Most of today's team jerseys offer moisture-wicking properties that transfer sweat to the outside surface, allowing it to more quickly evaporate. Typically made of a high polyester content fabric, care must be taken when decorating as high temperatures can scorch the garment. Compression technology continues to be a staple in many sports due to its ability to better support muscles, reduce fatigue, prevent chafing and keep muscles warm. A product used to decorate a compression garment must have excellent rebound and stretch properties to retain the integrity of the design.