Basketball shorts: the inch number is the leg length

Basketball shorts come in very different lengths, and the name tells you which one you are getting. The number is the inseam in inches: Nike lists its Jordan Sport Diamond 4-inch shorts with an inseam of about 10 cm.

The range here runs from 4 to 11 inches. The Nike DNA comes in 6 and 8 inches, the Under Armour Zone Pro in 7, the Jordan Sport Diamond in 9, and the Nike Dri-FIT Icon in 11. The bigger the number, the longer the leg, so an 11-inch Icon sits far lower than a 6-inch DNA.

Jersey, tank or tee: what to wear up top

A basketball jersey is a sleeveless tank, which leaves your arms free. Nike says the cut of its Icon Dri-FIT jersey is made for moves like reaching for rebounds and shooting jumpers, and its DNA jersey uses breathable mesh in a relaxed fit.

Tees split into two groups. Dri-FIT tees, like the Jordan Sport Dri-FIT, mix a soft cotton blend with sweat-wicking tech for playing. All-cotton tees, like the Jordan Air, are made for everyday wear. The Nike Basketball T-shirt goes for the modern court look, with dropped shoulders and longer sleeves.

Reversible jerseys and shorts: two colours in one

Reversible pieces flip inside out to show a second colour. Nike says this lets you change your team colours any time, which helps when you play pick-up games and need to split into teams. You will find the adidas 3G Speed reversible shorts, the Under Armour Baseline reversible jersey, and reversible jerseys for older kids from Nike and adidas.

If you are building your first basketball kit, start with a Dri-FIT tee or a mesh jersey and 8-inch shorts. Add a reversible jersey for team games, and finish with a pair from basketball shoes.