NBA Jerseys Guide: Authentic or Knockoff

These days, basketball fans have a ton of ways to show off their undying support for their favourite NBA teams and players. From head-to-toe gear, to home and office décor, there’s something in it to tickle everyone’s fancy. Some even take it a step further by trying out the sport themselves, which is a great way to get some exercise while also having fun.

But for those who want to keep it simple, the classic and ever-reliable NBA jerseys are always a great option. Not only are they comfortable and stylish ways to upgrade your streetwear wardrobe, but they’re also great conversation starters. Who knows, you might even make a few new friends along the way. With that said, let’s jump right in and take a look at everything you need to know about NBA jerseys, including how to pick the right one and how to spot a fake.

How Do You Pick the Right NBA Jersey?

The long-standing debate between NBA fans is whether it’s better to go with an authentic or replica jersey. While both are great options and show support for your team in unique ways, they each come with their own set of pros and cons that you should take into consideration before making your purchase.

Player and Team Name

Do you have a favourite player that you’ve had your eyes on for years? How about paying homage to some of the most popular players in the league? Or maybe you’re just eager to show your support for a team that’s been killing it lately? Whatever your case may be, the first thing you need to do when picking an NBA jersey is to decide which player or team name you want to have emblazoned across the front.

If you want to stick with the classics, you should go for a vintage Shaquille O’Neal jersey from his time with the Lakers. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little more contemporary, a Kyrie Irving jersey from the Brooklyn Nets would be a great choice. There are also jerseys available for all-star teams and retired players, so you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

Season

Once you’ve figured out which player and team name you want, it’s time to take a look at the season. NBA clubs have a tendency to switch up their designs from season to season, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a jersey from the same year that your favourite player was active.

For example, if you want an authentic Shaquille O’Neal jersey from his Lakers era, you’ll need to make sure you’re getting a jersey from the 1996-1997 season or later. His stint at the club ended in 2004, so anything beyond that wouldn’t make sense.

Size and Comfort

NBA jerseys are known for their loose-fitting and comfortable design, which allows you to move around and show off your support without feeling restricted. That being said, it’s still important to make sure you choose the right size.

Most size ranges for NBA jerseys start at small and go up to 5XL, but it’s always best to check the size chart before making your purchase. This is especially true if you’re ordering online, as you might end up with a jersey that’s too big or small if you’re not careful.

Materials

By far the most common material used for NBA jerseys is polyester, as it’s both lightweight and breathable. This means that it won’t stick to your skin like some other materials, making it a great choice for those who tend to get a little sweaty when cheering on their team. It’s also got great moisture-wicking properties, which allows it to quickly dry off any sweat or water that it comes into contact with.

So, let’s say you’re really into a particular Shaq jersey, but it’s made of cotton instead of polyester. In that case, you might want to think twice before buying it. Not only will it be less comfortable, but it won’t wick away sweat as effectively, making it a less than ideal choice for those who tend to break a sweat every now and then.

How Can You Tell If an NBA Jersey is Fake?

Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for counterfeit jerseys to find their way into the market. While they might look like the real deal at first glance, there are a few tell-tale signs that you can use to spot a fake NBA jersey.

Pricing

One of the easiest ways to spot a fake NBA jersey is by looking at the price. If the jersey you’re looking at is being sold for significantly less than its retail value, there’s a good chance that it’s not an authentic product. It might seem like a steal at first, but it’s not worth risking your hard-earned money on a non-genuine jersey.

Rigid Materials

Most counterfeit jerseys are made of rigid materials like plastic or nylon, which makes them less breathable and more irritating. If the material feels more like a costume than a piece of clothing, it’s probably not an authentic NBA jersey.

Rough Stitching

Authentic models are made with hard-wearing stitching that can withstand a fair amount of wear and tear. In contrast, fake jerseys often have loose stitching that’s likely to come undone after a few washes. This is usually one of the first things to fall apart on a counterfeit jersey, so it’s definitely something to look out for.

Misplaced or Misspelled Details

When it comes to NBA jerseys, even the smallest details matter. So, if you notice that the name or number on the jersey you’re looking at are misplaced or spelled incorrectly, it’s a good indication that you’re dealing with a fake.