How To Tell An Authentic NFL Jersey From A Fake

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LAST UPDATED ON JUL. 9, 2021 AT 12:22 PM | 13 MINUTE READ

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As an average NFL fan, it’s important to be able to tell an authentic NFL jersey from a fake.

If you’re dealing with a verified site such as NFLShop.com, it’s not an issue.

But if you’re on a limited budget, chances are you’ll look elsewhere in order to save a few bucks.

First impressions
What is an authentic NFL jersey?
What if it feels like a real NFL jersey?
The first things to look for in an authentic NFL jersey
- Nike
  - Hologram
  - Collar tag
  - Jock tag
  - NFL shield
- Reebok
  - Hologram
  - Collar tag
  - Jock tag
- Mitchell and Ness
Summary

With this in mind, let’s be clear – trying to save money on NFL jerseys doesn’t necessarily mean you’re cheap. Or that you’re intentionally looking for a fake (thereby supporting illegal counterfeiters).

In this case, it could be that:

After spending thousands on tickets, tailgating, & tv subscriptions, you want to clamp down.
You already own a $150 jersey, and don’t feel the need to spend that much on a second one.
You’re jersey shopping for your kid(s). Why spend a hundred bucks on something that he or she will outgrow by next year?

So what’s the problem? Even on “trusted” sites like Ebay and Amazon, there are over a million counterfeit jerseys in circulation.

First impressions

Ideally, you should examine any potential purchase up close, but you won’t always get the chance. In the event that you’re viewing from a distance, or checking out photos of an online listing, a brief eyeball test will have to suffice.

Here are 2 ways to spot knock off NFL jerseys in seconds:

Manufacturing country – If you’re close enough to see the collar tag and it says, “Made in China”, don’t look any further. Neither Nike nor Reebok has ever manufactured jerseys in China.
Chest numbers – If the numbers are stitched on, they should be flat, even, with a smooth, “settled-in” look (figure A), and not resemble wrinkled bed sheets (B). They should also be matte, and not glossy. Additionally, the numbers should be large enough to cover most of the front of the jersey, like figure C, and not figure D.

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Not sure if it’s the real McCoy? Then show us your jerseys!

To be sure, these are but 2 keys when it comes to authenticating football jerseys on the fly. It gets more involved when you take into consideration the different Nike NFL jersey types and the various legacy brands.

But first…

What is an authentic NFL jersey?

In plain context, an authentic NFL jersey is what the pro football players wear on the field. The Nike Elite is about as close to that as you can get, and it’s what every fan wants.

(Note: in the context of this article, authentic refers to any NFL jersey that is produced by a company that is officially licensed by the NFL. So in addition to current manufactures Nike and Mitchell & Ness, this includes legacy companies like Russell, Reebok, & Wilson.)

So then, what’s the problem? Nada, if you have $325 to blow at NFL Shop. Given that 300 bucks is steep for the average NFL fan, it’s no wonder that many of us consider not only the cheaper versions, but the fake ones as well.

To clarify – while the prospect of saving hundreds of dollars by purchasing counterfeit replica jerseys is enticing, it could cost you more in the long run.

”20 percent of the people who buy counterfeit jerseys don’t know they’re getting an illegitimate product” – npr.com

Worst case scenarios:

You buy from an illegitimate website and never receive your order. Make sure the site is legit.
You get a nice looking jersey, but it disintegrates after a few washings. Treating it as an anomaly, you order another one, and so on, until you’ve spent the cost of an NFL Nike Limited jersey before the end of football season.

What if it feels like a real NFL jersey?

For instance, let’s say you bought a jersey on Ebay (‘Jersey A’) at a really good price, and you’re comparing it to an authentic NFL jersey you already own (‘Jersey B’).

In this case, Jersey A has stitched-on numbers, while Jersey B doesn’t. In addition, Jersey A also feels heavier and sturdier.

But before you go thinking that your purchase was in fact not too good to be true, realize that counterfeiters usually try to replicate a certain model or level of jersey. In the above scenario, Jersey A is a knock-off of a Nike NFL Elite Jersey, while Jersey B is a genuine Nike Game Jersey.

”“Some people are not even aware it’s a fake. They’re just running around thinking they got a great deal”

As a result, Jersey A may seem more impressive than Jersey B, but it’s still a fake.

The first things to look for in an authentic NFL jersey

If you do get the opportunity to check out an NFL jersey up close, here’s what you should initially focus on:

Stitching – Examine the stitching on all parts of the garment. If you see a single loose or frayed thread, it could be nothing. Multiple instances, however, means there’s a good chance it’s fake. Real NFL jerseys are impeccably stitched.
Hemline tag – Aka jock tag. Although tags vary according to brand, model, & year, they should all appear clear & legible, with non-contrasting stitching. (More on jock tags to follow).
NFL shield – The NFL shield logo at the base of the neckline should be properly aligned and bear a distinct shape and font. More on that below.
Fabric quality – Pick up the jersey. Does it give the impression of being heavy & durable enough to be authentic, or does it feel flimsy? Additionally, you can hold it up against some light. If the mesh holes are large enough to give it a see-through appearance, you’ve got a problem.

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Nike

To repeat, if it says, “Made in China”, it’s as fake as a $50 Louis Vuitton handbag. Nike manufactures their jerseys in Guatemala and Honduras.

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Hologram

The garment tag should resemble the image on the right, with a hologram that has a shiny silver bottom half.

Since a genuine hologram is neither easy nor cheap to produce, counterfeit jersey makers will often omit it.

Collar tag

Start by examining the collar tag.Specifically, all genuine Nike jerseys have neckline labels that are sewn on all sides, so they do not flip up. Knockoff jersey makers have gotten better with their tags in recent years. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of real & fake neckline tags:

What’s wrong with the one on the right?

First, note the shape of the football, stars, & lettering on the NFL shield logo.
Then, there’s the erratic stitching, particularly on the left side of the tag.

Poll: Which type of Nike NFL jersey do you own?

Jock tag

Next, checkthe hemline tag. Is the material canvas or papery? Is it wrinkled?? The jock tag on an authentic NFL jersey has raised panels with embossed logos.

Examine the images below. Can you tell which ones are fake? (Navigate by using the arrows [desktop] or by dragging [mobile]).

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fake-nike-label-1

fake-nike-nfl-jersey-jocktag-sm

real-nike-jersey-label

The first one appeared on the earliest counterfeit jerseys, and the poor quality is obvious.
While the second one is much improved, it’s still obviously bogus. In addition to not appearing embossed, there’s no space between ‘NFL’ and ‘PLAYERS’, and the stitching is a contrasting color.
Note the clear stitching on the third pic, as well as the embossed look of the panels & logos.

NFL shield

Is the NFL shield at the base of the neckline black & white, or red, white, & blue? Does it have a rubbery look?

Check out the images below. Note the raised lettering in the left picture, with the stars & football having a carved in appearance. In contrast, the one on the right is flat, to say nothing of the sloppy and frayed stitching.

Pro tip: Sometimes, counterfeiters will inadvertently mix features that are distinct to individual jersey models. These mashups are easily detected. For instance, if you spot a Nike jersey that combines stitched on letters & numbers with lightweight fabric, it’s a fake.

This is why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the NFL Nike jersey types.

How to tell if it’s a fake NFL Nike Elite jersey:

SAVE UP TO 54% ON NIKE NFL JERSEYS

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Reebok

To begin with, Reebok NFL jerseys were manufactured in El Salvador, Korea, Vietnam, Guatemala, & Honduras. The exception to this rule are the custom and game-issued jerseys made in Berlin, Wisconsin by Ripon Athletic.

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