High school volleyball uniforms have to follow NFHS Rule 4, which covers matching colors, the libero top, number size and placement, and logos. A player in an illegal uniform cannot enter the set until it is fixed, so it pays to design your uniforms around the rules from the start. This guide summarizes the NFHS volleyball uniform rules for the 2026-27 season and the changes already scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
This is a summary for planning purposes. State associations can add their own requirements, so check the current NFHS rules book and your state association before you order.
Team tops and bottoms
- Like-colored tops and bottoms: all team tops must be the same color, and all team bottoms must be the same color. The libero is the exception.
- Different bottom styles are allowed: teammates may wear shorts, spandex, pants or skirts, as long as the color matches.
- No bare midriff: the top must hang below the waistband or be tucked in when the player stands upright.
- No hard items: no buttons, zippers, snaps or similar fasteners.
- Undergarments: visible undershirts and undershorts must be plain and a single solid color similar to the main color of the top or bottom, or solid black, white or gray. All teammates wearing them must match, except the libero.
The libero uniform
The libero top must clearly contrast with the main color or colors of the team tops, not counting trim. A libero top made only of the team’s colors in a different arrangement is not legal. The libero’s bottom may be any color, as long as it follows the other uniform rules. The libero still needs a legal number.
When you order, plan the libero top as its own colorway in the same design. A custom volleyball uniform order can include libero tops alongside the team set.
Number rules
| Requirement | Rule |
|---|---|
| Allowed numbers | No more than two digits, 0 to 99. No duplicates on a team. |
| Style | Plain Arabic numerals in one solid color that clearly contrasts with the top |
| Stroke width | At least ¾ inch wide at the narrowest point |
| Front number height | At least 4 inches |
| Back number height | At least 6 inches |
| Border and shadow | Optional border up to ½ inch and shadow up to ½ inch, but neither can be what makes the number visible |
| Front placement | Top of the number no more than 5 inches below the shoulder seam, or its center no more than 5 inches below the neckline |
| Bottoms | If a number appears on the bottom, it must match the number on the top |
Logos, names and flags
- Each uniform piece may carry one manufacturer logo of no more than 2¼ square inches, with no dimension over 2¼ inches. It cannot block the number. The limit does not apply to waistbands of bottoms.
- The school name, nickname, logo, mascot and player name may appear on the top and the bottom.
- One American flag up to 2 x 3 inches is allowed on each uniform item. State associations may also allow a commemorative patch up to 4 square inches.
Changes already scheduled
- From July 1, 2028: numbers with a leading zero, such as 01 or 02, become illegal. Avoid them on new uniforms now.
- From July 1, 2029: the front number must be centered on the upper half of the top, and the 5-inch shoulder seam and neckline option is removed.
Uniforms usually last several seasons, so if you are ordering now, design for the 2029 rules: no leading zeros and a front number centered on the upper half of the top.
Designing a legal sublimated volleyball uniform
Full sublimation gives you unlimited colors and patterns, so the main risk is number contrast. Keep the number area a clean, solid contrasting color, and avoid placing gradients or patterns behind or inside the numbers. Tell us your league follows NFHS rules and we will lay out the numbers and colors to match, then you check and approve the mockup before production.
Browse volleyball uniforms, sleeveless jerseys and spandex shorts, or request a quote and we will send a mockup within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Does the libero have to wear a different color?
Yes. The libero top must clearly contrast with the main color of the team tops, not counting trim. The libero’s bottom can be any color.
How big do volleyball jersey numbers have to be?
Under NFHS rules, front numbers must be at least 4 inches tall and back numbers at least 6 inches tall, with a stroke at least ¾ inch wide.
Can volleyball players wear numbers like 01 or 02?
For now, yes, but from July 1, 2028, numbers with a leading zero such as 01 or 02 become illegal under NFHS rules. Avoid them on new uniforms.
Can teammates wear different styles of shorts?
Yes. Teammates may wear different bottom styles, such as shorts, spandex or pants, as long as all team bottoms are the same color.