A Simple Guide to Buying NBA Jerseys

Basketball is easily one of the most popular sports today, with large numbers of fans flocking to arenas for a chance to catch a glimpse of their favourite teams. Some go so far as to try their skills out firsthand while others prefer to marvel at a distance, admiring the hard work and dedication that goes into it. Regardless of where you’re at in these categories, there’s no doubt that basketball has a special ability to bring people closer together in search of a common cause.

Basketball supporters have many ways to show their love and admiration for their favourite players. Getting a front row seat at the games is a luxury not everyone can afford while keeping a close eye on the game from the small screen at home is a more common sight. Either way, everyone is eager to don their favourite basketball jersey as the ultimate way to show their support. That one never gets old.

How Do You Choose the Right NBA Jersey?

allen iverson jersey
source: slamonline.com

While this isn’t rocket science per se, there are a couple of aspects you’ll have to get right for the best outcome. It’s much easier to make an informed decision once you’ve got all the details down and know what you’re looking for.

Team and Player Name

This one should be a no-brainer for avid basketball fans. Regardless of whether you’re new to the scene or have been in the game for a while, you’ll likely have favourites. Some are more than willing to go for classic options such as Kobe Bryant or LeBron James whereas other prefer a vintage NBA Iverson jersey as an exemplary throwback. Whatever your pick is, make sure you wear your favourite player’s name with pride as the ultimate way to show your respect.

Size and Fit

Once you’ve settled the debate on whether to get a Kobe Bryant or an Allen Iverson jersey, your next step will be to consider the size and cut of your outfit. Despite the seemingly uniform design of sleeveless jerseys and knee-length shorts, there are subtle differences in each model.

As basketball is a game of high intensity, players need a lot of room to move around. With these convenient features, it’s no wonder that basketball jerseys are staples of any modern streetwear guide in recent years and it doesn’t seem like this is coming to an end anytime soon.

women wearing bulls jersey
source: hypebae.com

This inherently makes all NBA jerseys, including the iconic NBA Iverson jersey, quite roomy and comfortable by default. Some give you the option to choose between a v-neck or a u-neck top, depending on your preferences. Similarly, you’ll likely notice differences in the length of the shorts too, which is also determined by how you intend to wear them.

Materials

Most NBA jerseys are made of lightweight and breathable materials with exceptional moisture-wicking properties. This means that the fabrics won’t stick to your skin and trap all the moisture whenever you start to sweat. Instead, fresh air will flow freely, allowing your skin to breathe properly.

Colours

This goes without saying but it’s a good idea to match the colour of your top with your bottoms. If you’re buying the jersey as a set, you won’t have to do any additional work on the matter. But if you’re buying them as separate items, you should look for a matching piece to complete the puzzle. For example, let’s say you get an NBA Iverson jersey top, your next step should be looking for a suitable bottom part for a cohesive look.

fans wearing jerseys
source: heavy.com

How Do You Spot a Fake NBA Jersey?

As much as no one wants to admit it, the world is swarming with convincing replicas of authentic basketball jerseys. To avoid falling into the trap, keep an eye out for these telltale signs of fake jerseys.

Suspiciously Low Prices

While everyone loves a good deal, sometimes it’s just too good to be true. Let’s say at some point you run into an ‘original’ Iverson jersey with a price way below its intended market value. But turns out, it’s much more than just a steal – it’s a really good copy of the authentic version. So next time you see a jersey that’s priced under $100, it’s probably fake.

Rough Materials and Edges

fake vs original jersey
source: reddit.com

Original NBA jerseys are made of quality stretch materials, with fine stitching on all ends. These are the kinds of qualities you should be looking for while shopping for your own. If the material feels rough or has loose strings and frayed ends, chances are it’s made of low-quality fabrics. In cases like that, it’s highly unlikely that you’re dealing with a genuine model. For this reason, you should always do a close inspection of the edges and get a good feel of the material.

Misplaced Elements

This one’s quite obvious but copycats tend to have a lot of faults in their design. This includes misplaced or missing team logos, misspelled player names and even irregular fonts if they’re really sloppy. Make sure you check that all of these features are exactly where they’re supposed to be before you make a purchase. This will definitely save you a lot of headaches in the future.