Handball shorts and volley at Black Friday

Handball or volleyball shorts: two styles for two movements

The handball shorts and the volleyball shorts are designed for different movements. The handball player runs, brakes, gets tackled, and falls to the ground after a jump shot: their shorts sit mid-thigh, with a loose fit that allows for leg movement during fakes and a durable fabric that can withstand contact. The volleyball player spends their match in a bent position, ready to dive or jump at the net: the shorts are shorter, especially for female players, whose fitted style doesn’t ride up during low receptions. In both sports, an elastic waistband with a drawstring keeps the shorts in place without compressing the waist.

The rest of handball and volleyball

Handball and volleyball during Black Friday also include:

• Shirts.
• Shoes.
• Protective gear.
• Accessories.

All handball and volleyball items can be found on the handball and volleyball page.

Light polyester, breathable mesh, flat seams: the anatomy of an indoor short

An indoor short is primarily judged by its fabric. Technical polyester, lightweight and low-absorbent, dries during breaks and doesn’t stick to the skin in a hot gym. Brands often add breathable mesh panels on the sides or in the crotch area, where heat builds up during defensive phases. Flat seams help avoid chafing on the inner thighs during side steps and movements. Some models are lined with a thin layer for added comfort, while others stay simple to maintain lightness. A wide waistband holds better than a simple drawstring when the player is diving and restarting play.

Referee shorts and team shorts: regulated attire

The referee in handball wears an outfit provided by their federation: in France, the FFHB Referee shorts by Hummel outfit the federal referees, and Kempa also offers its own referee shorts, designed to keep up with the action from one goal to another. Both referees in a match wear identical outfits, in a color that distinguishes them from the two teams. For players, the regulations require all field players to wear identical outfits, with the goalkeeper standing out by their colour. The French national team shorts, in home or away versions, allow supporters and young players to wear the colours of the Blues.

Choosing the size of handball or volleyball shorts

Indoor shorts are chosen based on the usual size: the elastic waistband accommodates a slight variation, but a model that’s too large may slip during jumps and falls. The women's cuts, which are shorter and more fitted, follow a distinct sizing grid from the men's models. For children, it’s better to consider the child’s height rather than their age, as on junior shorts from Select or Hummel. When ordering for a team, having a few players try on a model helps avoid returns since Hummel, Kempa, and Mizuno do not size the same way. The pink Pink October shorts from Hummel support teams participating in the breast cancer awareness campaign in October.

Frequently asked questions

What length of shorts for women's beach-volleyball?

Since 2012, the international federation has allowed players to wear shorts that end about three centimeters above the knee, with a top either sleeved or sleeveless. The swimsuit is no longer the only accepted outfit on the sand.

Can a volleyball short be worn to play handball?

Yes, it's possible for training, but its short and fitted cut offers less protection for the thighs during falls and contact. A handball short, which is longer and looser, is preferable in matches where contact is common.

Can a team short be printed?

Yes, the player’s number or the club logo can be printed on the side of the short, in addition to the shirt. The printing should be done on clean, dry polyester, and then the short should be washed inside out to help the marking last.

How to care for a handball short?

Wash it at thirty degrees, turned inside out, with similar colours and without fabric softener, which clogs the technical fibres. Let it air dry: polyester dries in a few hours, while a tumble dryer can damage heat-sealed logos.

Beach-volleyball short or indoor volleyball: how does sand change things?

On the sand, the short needs to dry quickly and not retain grains: a smooth and lightweight fabric without pockets is preferred. Indoors, the floor mainly requires a cut that doesn’t hinder low receptions and dives.