Basketball Referee Pants Buyers Guide

Nov 19th, 2024

You would think the decision for basketball pants would be easy - black in color and a fit so that they do not fall to your ankles when running up and down the hardwood. Considering these two factors, let us look at a few others so you can achieve your most professional appearance when on the court.

Which Fit is best?

There are 3 styles of fit currently when discussing basketball referee pants; Athletic, Tapered, or Modern. From most room to most slimming, read which will match your desired fit.

Athletic
This fit is the most accommodating to all shapes and sizes of referees. These pants will have the highest rise and have the widest pant leg. These are the least form-fitting and slightly baggy.

Tapered
This fit has reduced the pant rise with a more slim fit in the seat and thighs. The legs are tapered to be less baggy and a middle ground for referees wanting a more slimming look.

Modern
This is an ultra-tapered fit for the most fitted appearance on the market. These will have a short rise and be very slim through the thigh and legs.

Pleated or Flat Front?

Pleated
These are pants with vertical folds or "pleats" that start at the waistband. Pleats will provide more room in the waist and hip area. A pleat will initate the main crease that will run the length of the pant leg. Pleated pants are what you think of when you see traditional dress pants.

Flat Front
These pants are exactly as they sound - flat on the front. These are made without folds, just like a pair of blue jeans. Being flat, this style will lay flat and reduce the profile of the referee. If you are a smaller frame and can get by without the more space provided by pleated pants, flat front pants will be more slimming.

Slash or Western-Cut Pockets?

Slash Pockets
The pocket style of dress pants where the opening will be vertical and your hands will enter from the side.

Western-Cut Pockets
The pocket style of blue jeans. This opening will be horizontal and start at the base of the waistband.

A WORD ON TAILORING

All referee pants come un-hemmed. Before your assignments, have your referee pants hemmed to the appropriate length.

More Details

CARE

While dry cleaning is not required, you will want to give your referee pants the proper care they deserve. Wash them as infrequently as possible as repeated washing and drying can degrade your pants over time as much as wear can. Wash inside out in cold water and dry in low heat.

High performance materials like poly spandex are easily susceptible to damage or shrinking when exposed to a high concentration of heat such as the dryer. Hang Poly Spandex pants, or any referee pants when drying to help your pants last longer, preserving color longer and fit.

Stay wrinkle free with our video Crew How-To: Pressing and Ironing Your Umpire & Referee Pants.

YOUR TURN

Comment below. Which referee pants do you prefer to wear?

Marketing Specialist, HS & College Umpire Ty Unthank

Ty Unthank has been with us since 2017. He started in our order fulfillment department in our warehouse, then worked his was up to customer service specialist before landing the role as Marketing/Communications & Service Specialist in early 2020. Ty oversees our social media accounts where we have seen substantial audience, activity and engagement growth. You've probably seen him most in our library of videos on site and YouTube channel. He is a current college and high school umpire. He and Kristi (former employee) married in the summer of 2020. In August of 2022, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Audrey to the world with much joy!