introduction
construction
weight
contrast
colour
stripes
measures

In order to try to impress the opponent, very bold typefaces are often used for shirt numbers. The problem with these overweight typefaces is that the counter, the space enclosed by the figure, becomes very small. Seen from a distance this counter vanishes and all that remains is a spot that is hardly recognised as a figure.

So, figures that are used for shirt numbers shouldn’t be too fat. The counter should have at least the same width as the thickest stroke.

Of course the figures should neither be too lean; otherwise the whole figure vanishes in the background.

Figures with overweight and little counters

Big counters are important for legibility from great distance; as can be seen below, little counters disappear when the size of the figures is decreased