Replica Vs. Authentic Jerseys

Fans of many sports--from the NFL and NBA to World Cup soccer--show team support by wearing team jerseys. They are available for most any team and come in a variety of forms and colors, such as home and away jerseys, all-star jerseys and with special insignia for games such as the Super Bowl. The biggest choice when buying a jersey is whether to buy an authentic jersey or a replica.

  1. Authentic Jerseys: Look and Feel

    • Authentic jerseys are made from a “durable quick-drying polyester metallic StretchAir fabric,” according to a jersey retailer. Authentic jerseys are officially licensed, which means a portion of the profits from the sale of the jersey go back to the league. The jersey will have reinforced double shoulders and elbows. All of the logos, names and patches on the jersey are sewn on and a manufacturer’s label and jersey size with team logo can be found on the outside bottom corner of the jersey.

    Replica Jerseys: Look and Feel

    • Replica jerseys are more common in stores and are made from a polyester or nylon weave mesh. They are not as durable as authentic jerseys and may come in more colors and sizes, such as a pink women’s jersey for a team that does not have the color in its scheme. The logos, names, patches and sleeve stripes on a replica jersey are screen printed. The jersey also includes a manufacturer’s tag on the outside bottom corner but does not show a team insignia, according to the NFL.

    How to Buy

    • Both types of jerseys can be bought at a variety of retailers. Professional sports leagues have stores that you can buy from directly and the NFL and NBA offer a third jersey type—premier and swingman, respectively—that is made to look like an authentic jersey but does not have the same fabric weight or level of detailing. Jersey sizes may run a bit larger than standard clothing or in sizes other than small, medium and large. Authentic NFL jerseys, for example, are sold by chest size.

    Price Differences

    • Authentic jerseys are more expensive than replicas and can cost up to twice as much per jersey, according to retailers. Authentic jerseys start at about $200. Special and limited edition authentic jersey prices can climb much higher. Replica jerseys typically retail between $50 and $100. The mid-level jerseys are about $25 more than replicas.

    What the Players Wear

    • Most professional sports teams have a contract with a company to provide team gear. The jerseys worn by these athletes are just like the authentic jerseys you can buy. The only difference is sizing; some leagues such as the NBA, size up jerseys for players to make buying easier for consumers. Authentic jerseys are also popular with collectors--when purchased or given out by a player or team--if autographed, according to a jersey retailer. College team jerseys are also sold the same way, although not as many teams have contracts with one company to provide uniform gear.