How to Put Iron-On Numbers on a Football Shirt

Standard football shirt back numbers are 20-25cm tall. Premier League and FIFA-standard numbering sits slightly above centre on the back panel, roughly 15cm below the collar seam. For children's shirts, scale down to 15-18cm.

The name above the number (if included) is typically 5-7cm tall and positioned 2-3cm above the top of the number. Both should be centred on the shirt. Find the centre by folding the shirt in half vertically and marking with tape.

Front numbers (smaller chest numbers) are typically 8-10cm tall, positioned on the right or left chest area.

Football shirts are almost always 100% polyester. Use 145-150°C and press for 8-10 seconds. Do not exceed 155°C - polyester scorches and glazes at higher temperatures.

Place a board or folded towel inside the shirt to create a flat pressing surface. Football shirts often have mesh panels and ventilation holes - avoid pressing directly over mesh if possible. Position the number on the main fabric panel.

Pre-press the area for 3 seconds to remove moisture. Place the number transfer, cover with parchment paper, and press firmly. Wait 30 seconds before peeling.

Lay the shirt flat and fold in half to find the centre line. Mark it with small pieces of tape at the top and bottom of the back panel.

Measure 15cm down from the collar seam (where the collar meets the body) and place a horizontal strip of tape. This is your top alignment line.

Position the number so its top edge touches the tape line and it is centred on the vertical centre line. Stand back and check the alignment visually before pressing.

For name and number combinations, position the number first, then place the name above it with 2-3cm spacing. Press the number first, then the name.