It can be tough to tell a real NBA jersey from a fake one these days, as fakes are getting pretty good! But don’t worry, there are still some key things to look out for. This guide will help you spot the real deal.
Types of NBA Jerseys
Before we dive into how to spot fakes, let’s understand the different types of real NBA jerseys you can buy:
- Authentic Jerseys: These are the closest to what the players wear on the court. They have high-quality materials, stitched numbers and letters, and a very athletic, slim fit. They are also the most expensive.
- Swingman Jerseys: These are designed for fans. They use good quality materials, but the numbers and letters are often heat-pressed or a mix of stitched and heat-pressed, not always fully stitched like authentic jerseys. They have a more comfortable, slightly roomier fit for everyday wear.
- Replica Jerseys: These are the most affordable and often have screen-printed (flat, painted-on) numbers and letters. They are more casual and the quality of the fabric might not be as high.
Now, let’s talk about how to tell if you have a real one, no matter the type.
Key Things to Look For
Here’s a breakdown of what to check:
1. The Feel of the Fabric
- Real Jersey: Authentic and Swingman jerseys use good quality polyester mesh that feels smooth and breathable. It should have a bit of weight to it.
- Fake Jersey: Fakes often use cheaper, lighter materials that might feel rough, scratchy, or thin.
2. Stitching and Graphics
- Real Jersey:
- Authentic: Numbers, letters, and logos will be stitched on with great detail. You should see clear, even stitching on both the front and the inside of the jersey.
- Swingman (newer Nike): Many Nike Swingman jerseys (especially newer ones) use heat-pressed names, numbers, and logos. The edges should be clean and crisp, not peeling or bubbly. However, some special edition Swingman jerseys might have stitched elements.
- Older Adidas Swingman: These often had stitched names and numbers.
- Fake Jersey:
- Sloppy or uneven stitching.
- Loose threads or frayed edges.
- Numbers or letters that are peeling, cracked, or look like cheap iron-ons.
- Sometimes, fake Swingman jerseys will have stitched Nike swooshes, logos, or numbers, which is a big red flag because real Nike Swingman jerseys often have heat-pressed ones. This can be tricky, so always check what the real version of that specific jersey should have.
3. Tags and Labels
This is often one of the biggest giveaways!
- Jock Tag (Bottom Left of Jersey):
- Real Jersey: This tag should be well-made and securely attached.
- Authentic: Will have a tag that says “Authentic” and usually includes details like the player’s name and the year. The sizing is typically numeric (e.g., 44, 48, 52).
- Swingman: Will have a tag that says “Swingman.” The sizing is usually numeric as well, but sometimes also includes letter sizes (S, M, L).
- NikeConnect Logo: Older Nike jerseys might have a NikeConnect logo with a plus sign. Newer ones usually don’t.
- Fake Jersey:
- The tag might be poorly sewn, flimsy, or have a different font.
- Incorrect wording or misspellings.
- The sizing might be off (e.g., a “size 46” which isn’t a standard authentic size).
- The “Logoman” (the NBA logo on the tag) might look thinner or have awkward angles.
- Some fakes use a common serial number starting with “THM431” on their lower tag – a major red flag!
- Real Jersey: This tag should be well-made and securely attached.
- Inside Neck Tag:
- Real Jersey: The size and manufacturing info should be printed smoothly onto the fabric, or on a high-quality tag that is sewn securely. It should include English and other languages.
- Fake Jersey: Might have a cheap, heat-transfer print that peels off easily, or look like it was just sewn on top of other tags. Often full of Chinese text.
4. NBA Logo
- Real Jersey: The NBA logo (Jerry West dribbling) should be sharp, clear, and often embroidered with different colored layers of stitching on authentic jerseys. On some Swingman jerseys, it might be heat-applied, but it should still look perfect. The colors (red, blue, white) should be bright and distinct.
- Fake Jersey: The logo might be thin, disproportionate, have blurry edges, or use dull colors. Sometimes fakes add an unnecessary white border.
5. Fit and Cut
- Authentic Jerseys: These are made for performance, so they have a slimmer, athletic fit. They might be slightly shorter to avoid being too long for normal wear.
- Swingman Jerseys: These have a more relaxed, but still somewhat tailored, fit for everyday comfort.
- Fake Jerseys: Can have an awkward fit, sometimes too boxy, too wide, or with strange proportions in the armholes or collar.
6. Price and Seller
- Real Jersey: Authentic NBA jerseys are expensive, usually starting around $250. Swingman jerseys are less, typically around $110. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Trusted Sellers: Buy from official NBA stores, the team’s official website, Nike.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, or other reputable sports merchandise retailers.
- Red Flags: Be wary of websites using only stock photos, incredibly low prices, or sellers from suspicious locations (like Hong Kong for Mitchell & Ness jerseys, as mentioned in one search result).
Here’s a quick summary of key differences:
By paying close attention to these details, you’ll be much better at telling if your NBA jersey is the real deal!
Sam, a dedicated blogger, has immersed himself in the world of content creation for the past five years. His journey reflects a profound passion for storytelling and insightful commentary. Beyond the digital realm, Sam is a devoted NBA enthusiast, seamlessly blending his love for sports with his writing pursuits.