Best Soccer Training Vests (Scrimmage Bibs) for Team Practices (2026 Guide)

Soccer training vests commonly called scrimmage bibs or pinnies are lightweight, high visibility tops used to quickly divide players into teams during practice. In 2026, the best soccer training vests focus on durability, breathability, clear color contrast, and comfort, making them essential for youth leagues, competitive clubs, schools, and adult teams alike.

This in depth guide breaks down what soccer training vests are, the key features that matter most, how to choose the right bibs for your team, and which options work best for different levels of play all structured to be clear, quotable, and easy to use for coaches and organizers.

What Are Soccer Training Vests (Scrimmage Bibs)?

Soccer training vests are sleeveless or short sleeve mesh garments worn over jerseys to distinguish teams during drills, small sided games, and full scrimmages. Their main purpose is instant visual identification, allowing coaches and players to recognize teammates and opponents without stopping play.

Most soccer bibs are made from polyester mesh or breathable nylon, designed to be lightweight, quick drying, and reusable across multiple training sessions.

In simple terms:

A soccer training vest is a lightweight, high visibility mesh top worn over clothing to separate teams during practice.

Common Uses in Team Training

• Scrimmages (5v5, 7v7, 11v11)
• Tactical drills and positional work
• Small sided games
• Youth practices and PE classes
• Tournament warm ups

Key Features to Look for in Soccer Training Vests

Choosing the right scrimmage bibs goes beyond color alone. The best options balance visibility, comfort, durability, and fit.

Material & Breathability

Most high quality soccer vests use open weave polyester mesh, which allows airflow and reduces heat buildup.

What to look for:

• Lightweight mesh (not solid fabric)
• Moisture wicking properties
• Quick dry performance for back to back sessions

Breathable materials are especially important for summer training, indoor facilities, and high intensity drills.

Durability & Stitching

Training bibs get pulled, stretched, and washed frequently. Poor quality bibs tear quickly or lose shape.

Durable bibs typically feature:

• Reinforced seams around the neck and armholes
• Tear resistant mesh
• Elastic memory that returns to shape after use

For clubs training 3–5 times per week, durability matters more than ultra lightweight feel.

Fit & Sizing

A good soccer vest should fit loosely over jerseys or jackets without restricting movement.

Typical sizing categories:

• Youth (ages 6–12)
• Adult Small/Medium
• Adult Large/XL
• Universal / One size (stretch mesh)

Pro tip: Always size up if players wear hoodies or cold weather layers during training.

Color Visibility & Contrast

High contrast colors are critical for quick recognition especially in fast paced drills.

Best performing colors include:

• Neon yellow
• Bright orange
• Lime green
• Royal blue
• Red

Avoid muted tones that blend with field lines or jerseys. Many teams use two or three contrasting colors to rotate drills efficiently.

Reversible vs. Single Sided Bibs

Some scrimmage vests are reversible, offering two colors in one bib.

Reversible bibs are ideal for:

• Limited inventory
• Quick team changes
• Small coaching staffs

However, they are often slightly heavier and may retain more heat than single layer bibs.

Popular Types of Soccer Training Vests

Best Soccer Training Vest Brands to Consider

Several brands consistently deliver reliable quality for team practices.

adidas

• Known for breathable mesh and consistent sizing
• Ideal for clubs already using Adidas kits
• Higher price, strong durability

Nike

• Lightweight feel with athletic cut
• Bright, fade resistant colors
• Best for competitive teams and academies

PUMA

• Stretch friendly designs
• Comfortable for high mobility drills
• Solid mid range pricing

Champro

• Popular in schools and rec leagues
• Affordable bulk options
• Slightly heavier mesh

Baden

• Focus on durability and value packs
• Excellent for large groups
• Fewer premium design features

How to Choose the Right Soccer Training Vests (Step by Step)

1. Determine Player Age & Level

Youth players need lighter, smaller bibs, while adult teams require roomier fits that accommodate jerseys and warm ups.

2. Decide How Many Colors You Need

• 2 colors: Basic scrimmages
• 3–4 colors: Rotating drills, positional work
• Reversible bibs: Save space and budget

3. Choose the Right Material Weight

• Hot climates → ultra light mesh
• Cold climates → thicker mesh that layers easily
• Indoor training → sweat wicking fabrics

4. Plan for Washing & Storage

Look for bibs that are:

• Machine washable
• Quick drying
• Resistant to color bleeding

Mesh bibs with reinforced stitching last significantly longer in shared equipment bags.

5. Buy Extras

Always order 10–20% more than your roster size to account for:

• Late registrations
• Lost bibs
• Torn or stretched vests

Pros and Cons of Soccer Training Vests

Advantages

• Fast team organization
• Affordable and reusable
• Improve drill efficiency
• Suitable for all skill levels

Disadvantages

• Low quality bibs tear easily
• Poor fit can restrict movement
• Dark colors reduce visibility at dusk

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are soccer training vests required for practice?

No, but they are strongly recommended. Bibs makes the practices faster, clearer, and more organized especially with large groups.

What size soccer bib should I buy?

Choose youth sizes for players under 12 and adult sizes for teens and adults. When in doubt, size up.

How many training vests does a team need?

At minimum, one bib per player plus 2–4 extras. Multi color sets are ideal for advanced drills.

Can soccer bibs be worn over jackets?

Yes. Most mesh pinnies are designed to fit over hoodies, track tops, and light jackets.

Are numbered training vests worth it?

Numbered bibs are useful for tactical instruction, evaluation sessions, and tryouts, but not required for everyday practice.

Expert Tips & Common Mistakes

✔ Choose bright, high contrast colors.
Dull colors reduce reaction time and awareness.

✔ Wash bibs separately at first.
Prevents color bleeding onto other gear.

✘ Don’t buy only one size.
Mixed size sets improve comfort and reduce stretching.

✔ Label bib bags by color.
Saves setup time during training.

✘ Avoid cotton blends.
They absorb sweat and dry slowly.

Conclusion

Soccer training vests are one of the simplest yet most important tools for effective team practices. In 2026, the best scrimmage bibs combine lightweight mesh, durable stitching, high visibility colors, and flexible sizing to support players at every level.

Whether you’re coaching youth beginners or managing a competitive club, investing in quality soccer training vests leads to better organization, smoother drills, and more productive sessions overall.