Pinstripe Baseball Jerseys: Still Baseball’s Iconic Uniform
Sports Uniform and Jersey of the Month
Pinstripe baseball jersey design for Benzie Central Baseball with both pinstripe pants and jerseys.
Pinstripes are one of the most recognizable looks in not just baseball or softball, but in all of sports! Even people who don’t follow baseball recognize the pinstripe style and associate with tradition and history.
For a uniform design to survive more than a century of uniform trends? It’s obviously a popular choice. Here is where pinstripes came from, why they still matter, and how RaizedUp helps teams build custom pinstripe jerseys that look sharp and hold up all season.
Where Pinstripes Came From in Baseball
Baseball uniforms started as simple wool flannel sets in the late 1800s. The The Cincinnati Red Stockings began play in 1869 as the first professional baseball team. The white jerseys, knicker-style pants, and red socks weren’t that far from the baseball uniforms that we know today. Teams wanted their players to look unified and professional, but early uniforms were also heavy, hot, and not always easy to keep clean. As the game grew, teams began experimenting with patterns, lettering, and trim to create a unique visual identity. Jerseys also got lighter and moisture wicking material like polyester grew more common as the years went on.
The early days: stripes as a signature look
By the early 1900s, teams were trying different striping styles to stand out: horizontal striping, thick bands, and vertical patterns. Vertical pinstripes eventually became the most iconic because they looked crisp from a distance and photographed well. They also gave teams a clean “home uniform” look that felt timeless.
The Yankees effect
The New York Yankees are the most famous example of pinstripe uniforms today.
The most famous version of pinstripes belongs to the New York Yankees. While the Yankees haven’t found a World Series in a while, their brand is still as powerful as ever. Over time, the look became shorthand for legacy, professionalism, and championship culture. Other teams adopted pinstripes partly for the same reason: if you wanted your brand to feel classic and established, pinstripes did that instantly.
Why Teams Still Wear Pinstripes Today
Uniform trends in baseball have changed constantly. Fabrics got lighter, cuts got more athletic, and modern alternates pushed bolder colors and designs. Yet pinstripes never disappeared. Here is why.
1) Pinstripes signal tradition and credibility
Pinstripes feel “heritage” even when a program is brand new. They give a team a look that fans associate with the history of the sport. For high school and travel programs, that matters because a uniform is not just clothing. It is branding.
2) They look good in photos and on video
Pinstripes add texture without overpowering the jersey. In action shots, the pattern reads as detail, not noise. That is why pinstripes are popular for media day, senior banners, and social content. The jersey looks premium without trying too hard.
3) Modern production makes them easier than ever
In the past, stripes were often sewn or done as fabric patterns. Thanks to sublimation, pinstripes are easy to produce. Today, teams can get pinstripes through modern decoration methods that keep the jersey breathable and durable. The look stays classic, but the performance is current.
Pinstripes Today: Modern Takes on a Classic
The modern pinstripe jersey is not limited to “white with navy stripes.” Teams now customize pinstripes in ways that still feel traditional but look unique.
Common modern options include:
Colored pinstripes that match the primary team color
Faded or distressed pinstripes for a vintage look
Two-tone striping to add depth without clutter
Pinstripe pants with solid tops or the reverse for balance
Alternates that use pinstripes on gray, cream, or light-color bases
The key is getting the stripe spacing, thickness, and contrast right so it reads clean from the stands and in photos.
Designing Custom Pinstripe Jerseys and Uniforms
Pinstripes are easy to implement on a uniform and thanks to custom designs, we can do pinstripes on any colored jersey.
Step 1: We start with your brand, not the jersey
Reach out to us to get the process started! We gather what matters first: team colors, logo files, mascot marks, fonts, and any existing uniform rules from your league or organization. If you do not have a locked-in brand kit, we can help you build a clean, consistent look that works across hats, jerseys, pants, and fan gear. All of our uniforms match NFHS standards.
Step 2: Choose the right pinstripe style
Pinstripes have variables that change the entire feel:
stripe thickness
spacing
color contrast
jersey base color
where stripes stop (full front, full body, or partial)
We guide you to an option that fits your level. Some teams want the traditional pro look. Others want “classic with edge.”
Step 3: Lock in lettering and number layout that stays readable
Pinstripes add visual detail, so the lettering must be bold and clean. We make sure:
chest script and numbers do not get lost in the pattern
outlines and drop shadows enhance readability
back numbers and names are high contrast for visibility
Step 4: Build mockups your coaches and parents can understand
A lot of uniform orders get delayed because decision makers cannot picture the final product. We provide clear mockups that show the jersey from multiple angles, with real placement and proportion, so approvals happen faster.
Step 5: Final production built for season-long use
Pinstripe jerseys need to hold up through sliding, washing, and tournament weekends. We focus on durability and consistency so the first jersey and the last jersey in the order match and the look stays crisp.
Pinstripes Are More Than a Look
Pinstripes have lasted because they do something rare: they feel traditional, premium, and unmistakably baseball all at once. Whether you are building a youth program identity, refreshing a high school look, or leveling up a travel organization’s branding, pinstripes are one of the safest “classic” choices that still looks elite when executed correctly.
If your team is considering custom pinstripe jerseys, RaizedUp can help you design a look that feels timeless but still belongs to you.
Ready to build a custom pinstripe set?
RaizedUp can help with mockups, design direction, and a clean ordering process so your team looks sharp on day one.
