Types of Hockey Jerseys

During hockey’s infancy, players donned sweaters to identify themselves as members of a team. As the game progressed, the sweaters were replaced with nylon or polyester jerseys more akin to the attire worn in other team sports, although some old timers still refer to jerseys as sweaters. Jerseys are essentially divided into three distinctions: authentic, practice and replica versions, differing in construction and sizing, but still available for purchase for collectors and recreational players alike.

  1. Authentic

    • Officially licensed hockey jerseys are the real deal; the actual product worn by the players on the ice. As of 2010, authentic jerseys are exclusively licensed to Reebok Hockey, a branch of the athletic apparel and shoe giant. These jerseys are usually double layered; the outer polyester layer takes the bumps and scrapes of the game while the inner layer is made of a moisture-wicking breathable material to keep the player cooler and dryer. Usually retailing for about $300, these jerseys can be customized (generally) with any number or current player that plays for that particular team. Authentic jerseys also feature double-stitched elbows for extra padding and a sewn-in “fight strap,” a strip of fabric on the tail that, when tightened, makes it difficult for opposing players to pull the jersey over the player’s head in a fight.

    Practice

    • Practice jerseys are all about being basic: stripped down without the “bells and whistles” of the authentic, a simple jersey that covers the player during practice times. Practice jerseys come in a variety of colors, not just the team’s colors, so players can choose their own color(s). Practice jerseys are divided into both light and dark colors so the coach can split the team into scrimmage squads according to their color. Like all the jerseys, practice jerseys can be customized with any number or player name. Practice jerseys also feature slightly smaller team chest crests and are usually much less expensive than the authentic.

    Replicas

    • As far as price goes, replicas fall in between authentic and practice jerseys, usually retailing for about $100. Replicas are similar to authentic, although these jerseys don’t feature the moisture-wicking layer or fight strap, and usually have the smaller team crests found on the practice jerseys. Due to their affordability, practice jerseys are immensely popular among fans who not only wear the jersey to support their team during a game but also play hockey in the jerseys for recreation. Replicas can be customized in any number or name (even the wearer’s own) and weigh about half of an authentic.