Which NFL jersey should you buy?
Which NFL jersey should you get?
Currently, there are a handful of different Nike NFL jerseys available for purchase if you go to the NFL shop. With Tua Tagovailoa already having the #1 and #2 highest selling jersey, many Dolphins fans will be in the market for the new quarterback’s jersey. With that being said, this article may be useful to fans from any NFL team regarding which jersey is right for them.
There are four jerseys that will be covered here:
- Nike Game jersey
- Nike Legend jersey
- Nike Limited jersey
- Nike Elite jersey
Game Jersey – $99
The first is the game jersey. The name may be a little misleading, because the jersey itself is fairly from far what the players wear on game day. The game jersey features screen-printed graphics and mesh side panels. The game jersey is also the second least expensive option available. With that note, it makes it typically one of the higher sellers, but not my personal favorite choice.
The jersey has a baggier look, comparable to those generic jerseys that you will see actors wear in commercials where they are portraying fans. Given that the numbers are screen-printed on, they may peel off over time by washing them, which has been my experience with these jerseys. While the loose fitting mesh fabric may provide for comfort, others may associate that feeling with the material being of lesser quality.
Verdict: for casual fans, or someone who is only looking to wear a jersey for one event, or on rare occasions, this is a solid choice. The price point is hard to argue with, especially when players are traded or cut so often and the jersey could lose its value.
Legend jersey – $79.99
The legend jersey features a dri-FIT fabric and sublimated numbers, letters and team graphics. It is probably the most interesting one of all the jerseys.
The numbers are “sublimated” on the jersey, so there’s no worry when it comes to the numbers peeling or wearing away with time. They are part of the jersey, which is good in terms of durability and comfort, but does give it more of the characteristics of a “shirsey”, which is a t-shirt with the players name and number. With that being said, I personally am a huge fan and I think this will become a more popular choice over time due to it fitting more like a shirt and less like a massive article of clothing.
(per Dick’s Sporting Goods) Jersey showing “sublimated” team decal.
Verdict: This is a great option for all fans. The price makes it extremely appealing. You can wear this jersey in more situations without feeling over the top, or out-of-place by repping your team. It’s more breathable, fitting to the body, and still looks pretty good. It’s the cheapest on the list too. Frankly, there’s a lot to love about this option, but if you want the traditional look of a jersey, this probably won’t appeal to you at all.
Limited jersey $149.99
The limited jersey features embroidered twill numbers and lettering (stitched) and a slender modern fit. It is essentially a small step right below the elite jerseys, but a pretty significant step above the game jersey.
Verdict: Probably the best option on this list overall. It doesn’t look as casual as the legend jersey and it isn’t as baggy as the game jersey. It isn’t quite the on-field jerseys like the elite, but it’s way higher quality than the game jerseys. They are durable, but come at a bit higher price point. But the extra $50 to upgrade to a limited jersey from a game jersey is a no brainer if you plan on wearing your jersey often.
Elite jersey $243.74 – $325
This is what’s considered the on-field jersey. With that being said, it’s no surprise that it is the most expensive on this list. Per the Nike website, the jerseys feature “everything that players benefit from on the field: durable performance materials, strategic ventilation, elastic sleeve bands, sewn-on twill letters….”
Verdict: Unless you’re planning on getting a jersey signed and framed, I can’t get behind spending that kind of money for this jersey. It’s definitely the highest quality, but the fit, to me, looks odd in most settings. It is significantly more bulky, heavy and rigid, which is good from a durability standpoint but bad in many other ways. While I love having the stitched numbers, that just makes the vapor limited jersey that much more of an appealing option. I too thought getting one of these was the only choice to prove I’m a super fan, but after trying it on, I was severely disappointed. Combine that with the price, the elite jersey may actually be my least appealing option on the list.