Pelipaita

Pelipaita is a Finnish term for the playing shirt or jersey worn by athletes in team sports. The word combines peli (game or match) and paita (shirt). In everyday sports language, pelipaita refers to the official uniform worn during competition, typically displaying the team’s colors, crest, sponsor logos, and the player’s number on the back. It is used across sports such as football (soccer), ice hockey, basketball, handball, and volleyball. The goalkeeper’s pelipaita is usually a distinct color to distinguish the goalkeeper from field players.

Modern pelipaidat are usually made from lightweight, moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics, such as polyester. Earlier versions were often cotton. Design and production are commonly regulated by leagues to avoid color clashes and to ensure visibility, and most teams have home and away versions.

In addition to performance use, pelipaita has cultural and commercial significance. Fans frequently buy replica pelipaidat as part of club merchandise, signifying support and affiliation. In contrast to training tops, which may be called harjoitus- or trainingpaita, pelipaita denotes the competitive uniform worn during official matches.