Why Do Soccer Players Wear Bibs? Types, Colours and Prices
Meer HamzaA quick search for "soccer bibs prices" usually comes from someone who has just watched a training session split into two coloured teams and wondered why nobody swapped shirts to do it. The bib is the answer, and it typically costs a fraction of what a full jersey does, which is exactly why coaches reach for it instead.
This guide covers why bibs exist in the first place, how they differ from an actual match kit, and what a set actually costs in South Africa right now.
Why Do Soccer Players Wear Bibs?
Soccer players wear bibs to split a squad into visually distinct teams during training without needing two full sets of match jerseys on hand. A coach running a five-a-side scrimmage inside one team's regular training kit can hand half the players a bib and instantly create two sides an assistant can tell apart from the sideline.
Bibs also protect the actual match jersey from unnecessary wear. Training happens far more often than matches do, so putting a lightweight bib over everyday kit typically saves the real jersey for game day rather than running it through months of extra washes.
Training Bibs vs Match Kit: What's the Difference?
This is not the same garment worn in a different colour. A training bib is a lightweight, sleeveless overlay with open sides, designed to slip over whatever a player is already wearing, while a match jersey is a fitted, sleeved top built to be worn on its own.
Bibs also skip the details a match kit needs, sponsor branding, club crest, and a tailored cut, since their entire job is quick visual separation rather than representing the club on match day.
How Much Do Soccer Bibs Cost in South Africa?
A set of 10 training bibs typically costs around R389 in South Africa. Ronex's training bib set covers both junior and senior sizes in the same pack, which matters for a club running age-group sessions back to back on the same afternoon.
At roughly R39 per bib across a set of 10, the cost is a small fraction of what 10 matching match jerseys would run, which is exactly why clubs buy bibs separately rather than repurposing spare match kit for training splits.
What to Look for in a Durable Training Bib
A bib that survives a full season of training needs taped edges, not raw-cut fabric, since an untaped edge typically frays after repeated pulling on and off between drills. Ronex's set uses 100% polyester with taped edges and bartack-stitched joints, a reinforcement method built specifically for high-stress points on sports garments.
Breathability matters more for a bib than it looks, since it sits as a second layer over existing kit. A breathable performance fabric typically keeps players cooler than a basic non-breathable overlay would during a hot training session.
Can You Get Bibs in Different Colours or With Printing?
Yes. Ronex's bib sets are available in multiple colours, which is the main way most clubs tell training groups apart in the first place, and they can also be printed for customisation.
A school or club wanting position numbers or a badge on the bib should ask about printing before ordering, since a plain bib and a printed one are typically priced differently and printed runs often need more lead time than an off-the-shelf plain set.
Where to Buy Soccer Bibs in South Africa
You can buy Ronex's soccer training bibs online, covering junior and senior sizing in a set of 10, or in person at Ronex's Johannesburg store on Main Reef Road, Crown Mines, open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm.
FAQs
Why do soccer players wear bibs at training?
Bibs let a coach split a squad into visually distinct teams without needing two full sets of match jerseys, and they protect the actual match kit from extra wear during frequent training sessions.
How much do soccer bibs cost in South Africa?
A set of 10 training bibs typically costs around R389, covering both junior and senior sizing in the same pack.
What is the difference between a bib and a soccer jersey?
A bib is a lightweight, sleeveless overlay designed to slip over existing kit, while a jersey is a fitted, sleeved top built to be worn on its own with club branding.
Can soccer bibs be printed with numbers or a logo?
Yes, Ronex's bibs can be printed for customisation, though a printed run is typically priced differently and may need more lead time than a plain off-the-shelf set.
Where can I buy soccer bibs in South Africa?
You can buy soccer training bibs online through Ronex's soccer bibs collection, or in person at Ronex's Johannesburg store on Main Reef Road, Crown Mines.
The Real Question Before You Buy Training Bibs
Choosing a set of training bibs usually comes down to how many training splits you actually run each week, not chasing the cheapest set on the page. A durable, taped-edge bib bought once typically outlasts several cheaper sets bought back to back, so the higher-quality option often works out cheaper over a full season.
