Bibs have one job: tell players which team they're on. The ones that fail at this job are too similar in colour to each other, fall off constantly during play, or are so large they become a trip hazard. Here's what to look for.
| Type | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Best for young playersJunior mesh bibs (U7–U12) | Correct fit for smaller players — a senior bib on a U8 covers their shorts and restricts movement. | Most sets come in one size only — check the listing specifically says "junior." |
| Best all-rounderSenior mesh bibs (U13+) | Adult and teen squads — breathes well, standard for most grassroots sessions. | Avoid yellow/orange pairings — indistinguishable in poor light at 30 metres. |
| Best for tactical workNumbered bibs (1–14/1–16) | U12+ tactical sessions, positional roles, referencing specific players quickly. | Small price premium over unnumbered sets. |
The key specifications
Size: Junior (U7–U12) and senior (U13+) sizes are different. A senior bib on a U8 player covers their shorts and restricts movement. Most bib sets come in one size — junior sizes are specifically marked. Check before buying.
Mesh vs. solid: Mesh bibs breathe better in warm conditions and are lighter. Solid bibs are warmer and more visible in winter/low-light conditions. Mesh is the standard for most grassroots sessions.
Colours: Buy contrasting pairs. Red/blue, yellow/green. Never buy a set that includes yellow and orange — they're indistinguishable in poor light at 30 metres.
Junior training bibs: Junior bibs 12-pack* · Youth training bibs 10-pack* · Multicolour junior bib set*
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Senior training bibs: Adult mesh bibs 12-pack* · Senior bib set* · Numbered bibs 1–14*
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Numbered bibs
Numbered bibs (1–14 or 1–16) are useful for sessions that assign positional roles, for tactical work where you want to reference specific players quickly, or for any session where two teams both wearing the same colour would cause confusion. The small premium over unnumbered bibs is worth it for U12+ tactical sessions.
Numbered bibs: Numbered bibs 1–14* · Numbered bibs 1–16*
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How many sets
For most grassroots setups: 2 sets of 8 in contrasting colours. This covers a full 16-player squad split into two teams. For sessions with three groups: 3 sets of 6 in three different colours.
Bib storage
Bibs that are thrown loose into a kit bag always emerge in a tangled, damp knot. A mesh bag or a set of clips keeps them organised. Takes 30 seconds to check and pack bibs at the end of training; saves 3 minutes of untangling at the start.
Complete bib kits: 16-bib set with storage bag* · Coach kit bundle with bibs and cones*
* As an Amazon Associate, SimpleDrills earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability correct at time of writing.
Washing and looking after bibs
Bibs get muddy, sweaty, and occasionally end up forgotten in a bag for a week — a quick cold wash after any particularly wet or muddy session keeps them from developing a smell that lingers no matter how much they're aired out afterwards. Mesh bibs dry faster than solid ones, which is worth factoring in if you're running back-to-back sessions with limited time to dry kit between them.
When bibs alone aren't enough
In bright, low, or flat winter light, even well-contrasted bibs can be harder to pick out at distance than they are in summer — if you notice players hesitating over who's on which team during a session, it's worth swapping to your highest-contrast pair (not just any two different colours) rather than assuming the issue is concentration. For squads that regularly train in fading evening light, a genuinely high-visibility colour (bright yellow or orange, used alone rather than paired with each other) is worth having as a dedicated option.