Basketball is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports of all time. Fans use any opportunity they get to flock to the arenas to watch and cheer for their teams firsthand, but even those who don’t can still show their undying love and support with the apparel.
While many may speculate whether jerseys should be part of a grown man’s public looks, even classics like Jordan or Shaq O’Neal, the union of sportswear and streetwear put an end to this by making them trendy staples. Why shy away from expressing your love for the Vinsanity Toronto Raptors era when you can simply wear your finest Vince Carter jersey with your comfiest pair of jeans and sneakers? It’s a perfect combo that needs no corrections.
What Goes Into Choosing the Perfect Jersey?
Truth be told, it’s quite difficult to find the precise combination of all the elements that make up an excellent jersey. If you want to get it just right, you need to consider a few things before diving in headfirst. Knowing what these are might make the whole process a tad bit easier for you.
Authentic, Replica or Swingman?
The main debate is whether to choose an authentic jersey like those NBA players wear, or a replica, and this is the first step you should take when on the quest for the ideal NBA jersey. While not that long ago replica was something considered unacceptable for the die-hard fans because of how cheap it looked, today’s situation is much different.
Nowadays, replicas are of a higher grade and you can’t spot them that easily as before so it’s more of a matter of how much you’re willing to spend rather than having to sacrifice your budget to get something of quality. As long as there’s no spelling error like Drew’s fake Gretzky jersey that Julius got him, you’ve got nothing to fear.
Just remember, non-genuine jerseys are made from nylon instead of the more breathable polyester so they tend to have lesser durability which means you might not get to wear them as long as you planned to. A little maintenance and proper care can be of help in this case.
Still, if you can’t choose between the two, there’s the middle ground for you called swingman jerseys famous for the typical lettering and twill numbers. The difference is they are as nice looking as the authentic, and are made from polyester also, yet they come at a more reasonable price and standard sizing instead of numbered sizes. This being said, no one would be able to tell if your Vince Carter jersey is a swingman or authentic!
Team and Player Name
This is where you narrow down your options by giving your main focus a thought. What is it you’re mostly interested in when shopping for jerseys? Is it making a collection of all-stars legends, some of the most popular players of NBA history, latest talents, or just a team you’re most fond of? It should give you an idea of the names you’d like to proudly wear.
Seasons and Special Editions
Deciding on the team and player leads to deciding on the season given that NBA tends to change some details and colours with the jerseys from season to season. Vince Carter remains one of the most popular players that truly made an impact on the Raptors so if you’re looking for one of the best jerseys of that era of the late 90s and early 00s you’re going to need the iconic Vince Carter jerseys with purple front and black back.
Don’t Overlook the Size
Although streetwear is forgiving in case you choose something much bigger than what you normally wear, as baggy shirts and shorts are acceptable staples, still getting the proper size is necessary for your optimal comfort. The specific sizing, be it in letters or numbers, depends on whether you buy authentic or replicas – either way, you ought to choose the size you usually wear for proper fit.
More on the matter, you have differences in the collars which can be both v and crew neck so the choice depends on what you find more comfortable. Lastly, if you plan on matching the jerseys with shorts, it’s imperative to consider their size and fit too.
Finishing Thoughts
Having a keen eye for detail and getting acquainted with certain features is what it takes to get the ideal NBA jersey. It’s not always about how much you spend on the jersey, but more about getting something of quality that would last you for a while.
More often than not, people tend to forget about the sizing and focus on the player or team name which is a mistake you should avoid if you want to enjoy wearing your jersey to the fullest. Make sure to try it on before making the purchase, and if you’re buying online, be sure to check the size chart beforehand.
