Football jerseys can use different panel and seam constructions, with the Two-Piece Front Cut and Raglan Cut being two recognizable examples. A Two-Piece Front Cut divides the front body with a visible upper-panel seam, while a Raglan Cut extends the sleeve toward the neckline through a diagonal seam.
These construction methods affect how the body, shoulder, sleeve, and neckline panels connect, while fabric selection and graphic methods such as stitching or sublimation are separate design considerations. This guide explains the structure, terminology, fabric relationships, and visual characteristics of both football jersey cuts.
A Two-Piece Front Cut is a football jersey construction in which a clearly visible seam across the chest divides the front body into two sections. This prominent horizontal panel line is the defining visual feature of the cut, making a Two-Piece Front Cut easy to recognize on a finished football jersey. The upper section is commonly referred to as the Yoke Panel.
The two sections—the Yoke Panel and the lower Body Panel—do not necessarily use different fabrics. Some jerseys use the same fabric throughout the front, while others combine fabrics according to the functional or visual requirements of each panel. Tricot, for example, can be used for the Yoke Panel because its denser construction provides greater structure and durability in an area subject to repeated wear. Polyester mesh may be used for the lower Body Panel to provide greater airflow and breathability. Manufacturers can also use the same fabric across both panels when a consistent construction is preferred.
The Two-Piece Front Cut is also a classic football jersey construction associated with traditional uniform design. Many NFL jerseys from earlier eras, including numerous designs from the Reebok era, featured this recognizable two-section front construction.
A Raglan Cut is a football jersey construction in which the sleeve extends upward toward the neckline, replacing the conventional shoulder seam with a diagonal seam that runs from the underarm toward the neck. This construction is also commonly referred to as a Saddle Yoke.
The cut changes the relationship between the sleeve, shoulder, and body panels, with the sleeve forming part of the upper shoulder area. The diagonal seam continues toward the neckline, creating the characteristic Raglan panel arrangement.
Raglan jerseys often use a consistent fabric across the body and sleeve panels, rather than separating the shoulder area into a distinct fabric section. Tricot is a common choice for this type of football jersey construction because its smooth, durable knitted surface works well across the connected panels. The same fabric can also be used throughout the garment when a uniform surface and construction are preferred.
Raglan Cut predates Nike's NFL uniform partnership and is a longstanding garment construction. When Nike became the NFL's official uniform provider in 2012, it introduced new approaches to fit, cut, and performance construction across NFL uniforms. However, Raglan Cut itself should not be considered a Nike-era invention.
The main difference between the two constructions is how the shoulder and sleeve connect to the body. A Two-Piece Front Cut uses a separate upper front or Yoke Panel, while a Raglan Cut extends the sleeve upward toward the neckline. This creates different seam directions and panel relationships even when the same fabric is used.
| Feature | Two-Piece Front Cut / Yoke Panel | Raglan Cut / Saddle Yoke |
|---|---|---|
| Main structure | Front divided into two sections | Sleeve extends toward neckline |
| Shoulder construction | Separate upper panel | Integrated with sleeve |
| Main seam | Front / upper-body panel seam | Diagonal sleeve-to-neck seam |
| Common visual treatment | More structured panel appearance | Continuous athletic sleeve line |
| Tricot surface | Often striped-looking side | Often plain-looking reverse side |
Yes. Jersey construction and fabric selection are separate design decisions. A Two-Piece Front Cut or Raglan Cut can use the same fabric throughout the garment, or manufacturers can combine different fabrics when the design or performance requirements call for it.
The difference is primarily in the panel and seam arrangement, not the number or type of fabrics used.
Both Two-Piece Front Cut and Raglan Cut can be used with stitched or sublimated football jerseys. The cut determines how the fabric panels are shaped and assembled, while stitching or sublimation determines how the graphics are applied.
For stitched jerseys, panel construction can be combined with different fabrics and stitched graphics to create additional texture and structure. For sublimated jerseys, the artwork is typically transferred to the fabric before the panels are cut and assembled.
These constructions can be used for different types of football jerseys. If you are looking for a jersey with a specific cut, fabric, or custom graphic design, see our Custom Football Jerseys collection.
Yes. Two-Piece Front Cut describes the construction, while Yoke Panel refers to the upper panel created by that construction. The terms are closely related but describe different aspects of the jersey.
Yes. Raglan Cut is the construction in which the sleeve extends toward the neckline through a diagonal seam. Saddle Yoke is another term used for this shoulder and sleeve arrangement.
Not necessarily. The Yoke Panel and Body Panel can use the same fabric, or manufacturers can combine fabrics when differences in structure, durability, texture, or breathability are desired.
A Two-Piece Front Cut has a visible seam dividing the upper Yoke Panel from the lower Body Panel, while a Raglan Cut extends the sleeve toward the neckline through a diagonal seam.
Yes. Two-Piece Front Cut and Raglan Cut describe garment construction, while stitching and sublimation describe graphic application methods. Either cut can be used with different decoration methods.
Comments will be approved before showing up.