Buying a baseball jersey can be an overwhelming task. This baseball jersey buying guide will point you in the right direction towards making the correct decision on which type of jersey to buy. There are enough different types of baseball jerseys out there to make a buying decision more difficult than it needs to be. We will also look at the issue of fake baseball jerseys and how you should approach sizing your new MLB jersey for the best fit.
This guide looks at MLB jerseys that can be worn to the ballpark as fan apparel. It is not going to tell you which baseball uniforms to buy for your club or youth league team. If you are in the market for that type of jersey then there are other guides out there for just that purpose. We are here to help you pick out your next Yankees or Red Sox swag.
Here is the baseball jersey buying guide.
The Different Types of Baseball Jersey
Looking at the part is important if you are an MLB fan. While logo T-shirts are all well and good, there are times when you need to go all out with an official jersey. These jerseys are great for the shoulder seasons of MLB, with the spring and the fall the ideal times to wear a jersey that is going to be heavier (and warmer) than a regular shirt. The fit of these jerseys also makes them ideal for layering over a hoody come playoff time, with even fans of cold weather teams like the Tigers or Phillies able to rock their best jersey late in the year.
Nike is the current supplier of licensed MLB jerseys. The Oregon-based company won the contract for the start of the 2020 season after a deal with Under Armor that was announced in 2016 fell through. Before Nike, the league had been kitted out by Majestic since 2004. This change was met with skepticism by purists, with the Nike Swoosh branding immediately thrust on the front of some of the most classic jerseys in all of sport.
In addition to Nike, Mitchell & Ness continues to provide licensed retro and throwback MLB jerseys.
Type of Jersey
- Nike Authentic – These are the closest jerseys that you can buy to what the pros are wearing on the diamond. A premium product, these jerseys are designed to make you feel as close to the action as possible. Premium finishes include stitched graphics – think team names and player numbers – and the fabric is high-performance, meaning that the jersey will look new for longer than a replica. This is the more expensive option, but for many people, that price jump will be worth it for a true clubhouse jersey feel.
- Nike Replica – The Nike replica jersey range is a step down in quality for fans looking for a more affordable option with their jersey purchase. The major difference between the two garments is that the numbers, letters, and logos here are ironed on/screen printed instead of stitched. This makes for a lighter piece of clothing – something that clearly has its benefits in a Texas or Arizona summer – but the fabric used here will not be as durable over time.
- Batting Practice Jerseys – These jerseys are an option for any fan looking for a look that is a litter different. Made from lightweight polyester, these jerseys are the ones worn when players are warming up. They tend to be less fancy than regular jerseys and their lightweight construction makes them great fan wear.
- Mitchell & Ness Throwback Jerseys – Mitchell & Ness make a range of fully licensed throwback jerseys. These jerseys are designed exactly as they were when the jersey was worn by a Babe Ruth or a Nolan Ryan. That makes these jerseys of the highest quality, with a price tag to match. They are conversation pieces, they are pieces of history, and you will be the envy of everyone in the ballpark wearing a classic Mitchell & Ness jersey with the Cooperstown Collection logo sewn on the front.
Baseball Jersey Sizing
While not a major difference, MLB jerseys do run bigger than standard pieces of clothing. They are designed to have a looser, baggy fit because players need that extra room in the fabric to be able to hit, throw, and run.
The biggest differences are in the chest and sleeves. The jerseys run wider in the chest than a regular T-shirt and the sleeves are an inch or two longer. If you are between sizes it might be best to size down, but if you want to wear something under your jersey (especially in winter) then sizing up is the correct choice.
Jerseys are sized in numbers rather than by letter as you would expect with most shirts. The Authentic jerseys tend to fit baggier and be larger than a Replica. This is the basic size chart comparison guide for the AUthentic, but it is always recommended to go into a store and find your true fit rather than just guessing and ordering online.
- 40 = M
- 44 = L
- 48 = XL
- 52 = XXL
The MLB jerseys also fit long. This is ideal for fans that are tall or who have a long torso as they will not have to buy a size up just to get the length they want in a loose, comfortable MLB jersey.
Is it Fake or Real?
MLB jerseys are a popular, premium product that are sold at a high price. This means that MLB jerseys are an easy target for fake and counterfeit jersey makers. These jerseys are not official and they are not licensed. They should not be bought and they are not worth the material that they are printed on.
There are a number of clues that will help you detect a fake. If the price sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If you can get your hands on the jersey check the materials and the stitching to see if it looks good. Also, do some research beforehand and know what tags and logos should be on the jersey you are buying. Fakes can be of varying quality, with some being so bad a player or team name is spelled wrong.
Always try to buy from a licensed dealer and avoid potential scams on a site like eBay that uses stock photos of a jersey as opposed to showing the product in a more natural way.
FAQs
What is the difference between authentic and replica MLB jerseys?
Authentic jerseys are made with premium fabrics (usually a double-knit polyester material) and have stitched on names, numbers, and logos. Replica jerseys are lighter because they have ironed-on graphics and are made from a less premium material.
How do I find my MLB jersey size?
The best way to find your fit is to go to a store and try a jersey on. You can then order the jersey from a reputable online store like MLBshop.com if the store doesn’t have the jersey you are looking for. Alternatively, make sure to check size guides online if trying a jersey on isn’t an option.
What brand are authentic MLB jerseys?
MLB jerseys have been made by Nike since the beginning of the 2020 MLB season. Nike won the contract from Majestic who had been the official supplier since 1994. Mitchell & Ness make authentic retro jerseys featuring the stars of MLB’s past.
How do baseball jerseys fit?
MLB jerseys generally fit bigger than normal clothing. They should be worn with a loose fit, but if you want a tight jersey then sizing down is the best option. Authentic jerseys fit bigger than Replica ones. Try to find somewhere to try on a jersey before you buy it to make sure that you get the fit you are looking for.
How much should I pay for an MLB jersey?
Nike Authentic jerseys are hard to find for under $250 unless you can hit a daily deal. Some can be close to twice that price depending on team and player popularity. Nike Replica jerseys are cheaper, but a current season replica will still cost the best part of $150.
Why are baseball jerseys so expensive?
Baseball jerseys are so expensive because they are in high demand and fans consider them to be the Holy Grail of apparel. It is also a monopolized market, with only Nike able to produce the jerseys and that lack of competition means the price can be set wherever the company wants.
