Soccer Tops & Pants for Warmth on the Pitch

You’ll probably never play a full 90 minutes when it's snowing—unless there’s a freak storm—but you might have to play through cold snaps, even on dry days. And if you’re not warm enough, that could mean shivering during warmups, or a sluggish performance during the game

As we get deeper into the colder months, it’s crucial for everyone on the pitch to fit into warm gear, especially if you’re not indoors all season. The last thing you need is to get distracted or injured because you’re unprepared for winter. We’ll take a look at the best tops and bottoms to keep you warm, regardless of your position. 

Soccer Tops to Keep Warm Above the Waist

Depending on your sensitivity to cold, your upper body might feel colder than your legs. Cue the sight of people standing with their arms crossed in an attempt to keep warm. That’s why you should start with soccer tops. 

Our recommendations center on practices, because unlike games where you’re moving more, training sessions have more downtime. That means feeling cold. 

You’ll need to get some training hoodies or long-sleeve tees. We suggest getting a pair of each—long-sleeve tees for late fall and early spring weather, and a hoodie for winter weather (if you’re not indoors for some reason). 

Storelli Recommendations for Long-Sleeve Wear 

• Training Long Sleeve Mock Tee—This breathable mock turtle neck is ideal for cool-to-cold temperatures. It contains a half-length collar to keep the neck warm and thumb holes to keep the sleeves down and hands warm. This mock tee also contains lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that pull sweat from your body to keep you dry. 

• Training Hoodie—This breathable hoodie is ideal for cold weather, featuring a high collar to keep the lower face and neck warm, along with a front pocket that serves as a hand warmer. The hood is also contoured so that it doesn’t obstruct peripheral vision while you’re running.

Keep in mind that you’re gonna work up a sweat at some point, so think about wearing lighter layers underneath so you don’t cook while training. 

Soccer Tops to Keep Warm Below 

The legs aren’t as sensitive to cold like your body is, but a drop in temperature can affect their performance. In fact, the risk of some leg injuries actually increases in cold weather (more on this below). So keeping them warm is important. 

For practices, consider wearing soccer leggings and pants, especially if you have extended moments of stillness. And no, goalies aren’t the only ones who should wear long-sleeve legwear.  

Storelli Recommendations for Pants/Leggings

• BodyShield Turf Burn Leggings—These pants contain breathable, microfiber fabrics that provide warmth without making you feel too hot or sweaty. For an added bonus, their anti-abrasion materials protect you from turf burn. 
• BodyShield GK Leggings—Similar to the pants above, these leggings contain breathable microfiber fabrics that provide warmth without overheating you. They also, offer turf-burn resistance as well as impact protection. 

We recommend taking some measurements before choosing soccer pants. Ideally, you want them to fit snug (but not too tight) to ensure you get the maximum warmth. Also, the right size prevents the pants from being too loose, which is a distraction for obvious reasons. 

It’s Not Just About Feeling Cold 

Keeping warm on the pitch is not just about comfort. Just like hot weather, cold weather can have a negative impact on your performance and safety in a few ways. 

First, cold temperatures decrease blood flow, reducing the amount of oxygenated blood your muscles receive, causing them to becomerigid. 

Second, as the muscles become rigid, they have to work harder to move. Trying to pull off cutting and running movements with stiff muscles is a recipe for cramps and strains. 

Third, and very rarely, there is a risk of hypothermia, a medical emergency where body temperature falls dangerously low. In extreme instances, some players have suffered hypothermia and had to be hospitalized. 

Remember, too, that keeping warm improves your performance as well. If you’re too cold, those stiff muscles we mentioned can impede your speed and agility. Also, it increases the likelihood of misreading plays and making other tactical mistakes—temperature extremes in general aren’t good for decision-making. 

So bundle up!