In summary
Good ultimate frisbee shorts let you sprint, cut and lay out without thinking about them. That comes down to a light fabric, a length that suits the player and a size chosen from real measurements.
- Look for light, quick-drying polyester that moves with you and doesn’t hold water on the beach.
- Manta Squadron shorts come in a Standard cut and a Short cut that is about 5 cm shorter with the same waist.
- Choose a size by measuring a pair of shorts that fits flat and comparing with the chart below.
- Custom sublimated shorts start from 30 € including VAT, minimum 10 per design, with cuts and sizes mixed freely.
Shorts get less attention than jerseys, but players notice them more during a game. A pair that rides up on every cut or holds sand after a layout is a distraction for the whole tournament. This guide covers what makes a good pair of ultimate shorts, how to pick length and size, and how to order a matching set for the team.
What to look for in ultimate frisbee shorts
Ultimate asks a lot of shorts. Players sprint, stop hard, jump and dive, often on sand or wet grass, several games a day. Four things matter most.
- Freedom of movement.Nothing should pull when you lunge for a mark or stretch out for a layout. A roomy leg opening and a stretchy fabric matter more than any feature.
- Light, quick-drying fabric.Technical polyester sheds water and sand and dries between games. Cotton gets heavy and stays wet.
- A length that suits the player.Some players want more coverage for layouts, others want nothing near the knee. Two cuts solve this better than one compromise.
- A design that matches the jersey.Sublimated shorts can carry the same colors and patterns as your jerseys, so the team looks like one uniform.
The photo shows why the cut matters. In a wide defensive stance or a full stretch, shorts that are too tight or too long get in the way immediately.
Shorts length and inseam
Length is the biggest personal choice in ultimate shorts, so Manta Squadron custom ultimate shorts come in two cuts.
| Standard cut | Short cut | |
|---|---|---|
| Length (size M) | 48 cm | 43 cm |
| Inseam (size M) | 25 cm | 20 cm |
| Waist | Same | Same |
| Best for | More coverage, taller players, layouts on grass | Freer stride, shorter players, beach and summer |
The difference is length only. The Short cut keeps the same waist measurements but is about 5 cm shorter, so players choose the length they like without changing their size.
Both cuts can be mixed within one team order. Let each player pick, the same way they choose between the Loose and Fitted jersey cuts.
Ultimate shorts size chart
All measurements are in centimeters, taken flat, with a tolerance of ±1 cm. Width is measured straight across the waistband. Length runs from the top of the waistband to the bottom hem. Inseam runs from the crotch seam to the bottom hem.
| Size | Waist width (flat) | Standard length | Standard inseam | Short length | Short inseam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XXS | 58 | 42 | 22 | 37 | 17 |
| XS | 63 | 44 | 23 | 39 | 18 |
| S | 68 | 46 | 24 | 41 | 19 |
| M | 73 | 48 | 25 | 43 | 20 |
| L | 79 | 50 | 26 | 45 | 21 |
| XL | 85 | 52 | 27 | 47 | 22 |
| XXL | 91 | 54 | 28 | 49 | 23 |
The same chart, with an inch toggle, is on the shorts product page.
Collecting shorts sizes for your team?
Send us your roster and we’ll help you check cuts and sizes before the order is final.
How to choose a shorts size
Don’t choose by the letter on another brand’s label. Sizes vary a lot between makers. Measure instead.
- Take a pair of sports shorts that fits the way you like.
- Lay them flat and measure straight across the waistband, without stretching it.
- Measure the length from the top of the waistband to the hem, and the inseam from the crotch seam to the hem.
- Compare the waist with the chart to find your size, then use length and inseam to choose the Standard or Short cut.
If a player is between sizes, think about how they like shorts to sit and whether they wear anything underneath, such as compression shorts. When unsure, ask before the order is finalized. Custom kit can’t be returned because the wrong size was chosen.
Our mixed roster sizing guide shows how to collect cut and size from a whole team without chasing people for weeks.
Matching team shorts
Matching shorts are what turn a set of jerseys into a uniform. They make a team easy to pick out on a crowded field and look much better in photos.
As a benchmark, the WFDF Rules of Ultimate appendix asks teams in sanctioned play to wear matching shorts along with their shirts. Most rec leagues don’t check. Many teams still add them in their second season, once the jerseys are sorted.
A number on the shorts, as in the photo above, is a simple way to tie them to the jersey. With sublimation, the shorts can carry any part of the jersey design. Our ultimate frisbee uniforms guide covers how shorts fit into a full team setup.
Ordering custom ultimate shorts
Ordering shorts works the same way as jerseys.
- From 30 € including VAT per pair, with shipping added separately.
- Minimum 10 pairs per design. Standard and Short cuts and all sizes can be mixed within that.
- Your own design on our shorts template, fitted for free, or a new design with a 100 € deposit that is deducted from the order.
- 28 days of production from payment, then shipping to one address.
If you are ordering shorts together with jerseys, see our guide to ordering your club’s first kit for the full timeline. And if your team is still deciding whether shorts are worth it this season, get the jerseys right first. Shorts can always follow.
Frequently asked questions
What shorts do ultimate frisbee players wear?
Light, quick-drying polyester shorts with plenty of room to move. Teams usually wear matching custom shorts that carry the same design as their jerseys.
How long should ultimate frisbee shorts be?
It is personal. Manta Squadron’s Standard cut has a 25 cm inseam in size M, and the Short cut is about 5 cm shorter with a 20 cm inseam. Choose more coverage for layouts on grass or a shorter cut for freer movement.
What is the difference between the Standard and Short cut?
Only the length. The Short cut keeps the same waist measurements and is about 5 cm shorter, with a shorter inseam.
How do I find my ultimate shorts size?
Measure a pair of sports shorts that fits you well, flat across the waistband, and compare with the size chart. Use length and inseam to choose between the Standard and Short cuts.
How much do custom ultimate shorts cost?
Manta Squadron sublimated shorts start from 30 € including VAT. Shipping is added separately, and the minimum order is 10 pairs per design.
Can a team order both Standard and Short cut shorts?
Yes. Cuts and sizes can be mixed freely within one design, as long as the total reaches the minimum of 10 pairs.
Do ultimate teams need matching shorts?
Many rec leagues don’t require them. The WFDF rules for sanctioned play ask for matching shorts along with matching shirts, and most teams find they make the uniform look complete.
