Comprehensive Baseball Jersey Buying Guide

What is the difference between the different types of baseball jerseys?

The jersey, a knitted garment distinctively worn by players or fans, is the most important piece to a baseball uniform. A baseball jersey often includes the competitor's team logo, name, and number stitched in a team colored theme. Baseball teams have several versions of jerseys for home, away, and alternate conditions. At Sports World Chicago, we want to provide buyers and collectors the information needed to support their baseball jersey purchasing decision. Each type of jersey should be carefully considered before purchasing.

When it comes to identifying teams and fans, few things are more iconic than a baseball jersey. They're a timeless piece of clothing that combines fashion and team allegiances. But when it comes to buying an MLB jersey, there are a lot of options. These choices can be confusing and, for some, overwhelming.

What's the difference between an authentic jersey and a replica? Why do some jerseys cost less than $50 while others are cost hundreds? How can you spot a fake? These are some of the questions you should be asking when you consider the jersey you're going to buy.

Below we highlight some of the most popular types of baseball jerseys and what to look for. If you're shopping for a specific team, we've included some handy links at the end of the article.

Authentic Baseball Jerseys

Presently, authentic baseball jerseys are made by Majestic in the USA. These are just like the ones players wear in MLB games. Made of polyester double-knit material, authentic jerseys are more durable than replica jerseys.

Patches, locker tags and lettering are all sewn directly onto the jersey. Unlike replica jerseys, they also come with sleeve patches and other team-specific patches.

A quick way to identify an authentic jersey versus a replica can be found on the back. Authentic jerseys have an MLB logo sewn on the top-center, just below the neck line.

The latest MLB jerseys use something called Nike technology, which is meant to help keep players cool in the summer. It makes the material lighter and offers venting under the armpits. Authentic MLB jerseys have a Nike tag.

Knockoff counterfeit jerseys often do not have all the tags. Knockoffs are not licensed by MLB. They can be found much cheaper but aren't the real thing. It's similar to buying a fake Rolex or a faux Gucci bag-- they have some of the same features but not the prestige.

Authentic MLB jerseys generally cost $175 and up. Sometimes deals can be found when a player is traded. If you see a current player advertised for significantly less, it could be a sign that it's fake.

Jerseys aren't sized by the traditional S, M and L and labels. Rather, they're sized numerically. Here's what they roughly translate into:

• M - 40
• L - 44
• XL - 48
• XXL - 52

Replica MLB Jerseys

If authentic jerseys are too expensive, replicas are the next best thing. Still fully licensed, they cost a lot less. However, they're not quite the same quality. Here are some things to expect with replica MLB jerseys

• They are made of less durable fabric.
• Patches and letters are ironed on instead of sewn on.
• They don't have the MLB logo on the back like authentic jerseys do.

Replica baseball jerseys still let fans show their allegiance. Unless you look closely, there's really not that much difference. However, replica jerseys cost about half the price.

Batting Practice Jerseys

Batting practice jerseys are worn while players practice their hitting. They're much plainer than authentic game jerseys, but they're still fully licensed. Made of lightweight polyester, they have a team logo on the front, the latest versions have Cool Base technology like authentic jerseys do.

Throwback Baseball Jerseys

Throwback baseball jerseys are designed to look like the ones players used to wear. Covering the history of the game, Mitchell & Ness is the exclusive manufacturer of vintage-style jerseys. Each is designed to the exact specifications of the original jerseys, including patches. They're noted with a Cooperstown Collection tag sewn on to the front.

Throwback jerseys have timeless appeal as they often highlight past greats and fan favorites.

Spotting Fake MLB Jerseys

Collectors should be careful with bootleg or fake MLB jerseys. These are not licensed or official in any way, even if they look legit at first glance. Here are some signs that can help tip you off that a jersey might be fake:

• Poor stitching or materials.
• Lack of proper tags. All authentic jerseys have a tag sewn on the front, normally at the bottom. If there's no tag, it's definitely fake.
• The seller is saying the jersey is factory sealed. MLB does not wrap individual jerseys.
• A ridiculously low price.
• If the images provided aren't very good, ask for higher resolution shots. If the seller doesn't provide them or dances around the fact, it could mean that they're hiding something.
• It may sound basic, but sometimes fakes can have major giveaways like spelling mistakes or player names for a team that only uses numbers.

Sometimes people choose to buy bootleg jerseys because of the lower prices. The important thing is that you're aware of exactly what you're buying.