Basketball is one of the most popular sports globally, and with its popularity comes a lot of merchandise. There are more than 20,000 stores that carry NBA jerseys in North America alone. This includes department stores such as Macy’s, JCPenny’s, and Dicks Sporting Goods, to name a few. With so many options, it can be challenging to know what size you need or which store has the best deals on your favorite team jersey.
We’ve all been there. You’re at the store, and you are faced with a wall of NBA jerseys. Which one should you buy? Fear not, we have compiled this helpful guide to help you find the perfect size for your needs!
How Do You Want To Wear Your NBA Jersey?
We all have our own personal style when it comes to clothes. Some people like the t-shirt and jeans look, while others may prefer a dress shirt tucked in with slacks or khakis. And then there are those of us who wear their favorite team’s jersey as an everyday outfit!
The way you want your basketball jerseys to fit will depend on what kind of look you’re going for: If you play often enough that they get dirty quickly, tight is probably best because loose fabric can trap sweat. If casual wearing, lounging around watching games with friends is your thing, you might want a more ample fit.
What Are The Different Types Of NBA Jerseys?
The Authentic
For the hardcore superfan, authentic uniforms are a must-have. These high-quality sports apparel options can have high-quality fabrics for fit and comfort while featuring stitching rather than screen printing (that will last longer). Numbers and lettering may be in different styles based on what team jersey you chose. These jerseys are, of course, available in a wide range of sizes like any other pro-rated gear.
The Swingman
This more affordable replica option from Nike is very popular among fans. A new Swingman jersey was launched by Nike recently, with a casual style that will now be the staple for many basketball fans. These are not as expensive as an authentic, but they still feel like you’re wearing what your favorite players wear on game day.
The Replica
It’s a common misconception that replica basketball jerseys are the same thing as knock-offs. When you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, replica basketball jerseys can be just what the doctor ordered. While not as durable as other options, these replicas still offer quality materials and similar features like numbers and lettering to higher-end NBA uniforms.
How To Measure Yourself?
Okay. So, if you want to find out what size is right for your NBA jersey, don’t worry about it too much. Just go ahead and put on the nearest one that matches in brand/style. If you know how loose or tight a fit you like, then try going down at least two sizes from there.:
You can measure your chest by wrapping a soft measuring tape around it, just under the armpits.
If you want to size the length, you want to measure from the top of shoulder down to the hip to get an idea of how jerseys will fit on you.
NBA Jerseys Sizing Charts
Nike Authentic
| Nike Authentic | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 3XL |
| Numeric Size | 40 | 44 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 58 |
| Chest (Inches) | 35 – 37.5 | 37.5 – 41 | 41 – 44 | 44 – 48.5 | 48.5 – 53.5 | 53.5 – 58 |
| Length (Inches) | 29.2 | 30.6 | 31.3 | 32.1 | 32.9 | 33.3 |
Swingman Jerseys
| Men’s | S | M | L | XL | XXL | 3XL |
| Numeric Size | 40 | 44 | 48 | 52 | 56 | 58 |
| Chest (in.) | 35 – 37.5 | 37.5 – 41 | 41 – 44 | 44 – 48.5 | 48.5 – 53.5 | 53.5 – 58 |
| Length (in.) | 29.7 | 28.1 | 28.9 | 29.6 | 30.4 | 31.2 |
| Women’s | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
| Bust (in.) | 29.5 – 32.5 | 32.5 – 35.5 | 35.5 – 38 | 38 – 41 | 41 – 44.5 | 44.5 – 48 |
| Waist (in.) | 23.5 – 26 | 26 – 29 | 29 – 31.5 | 31.5 – 34.5 | 34.5 – 38.5 | 38.5 – 42.5 |
| Hips (in.) | 33 – 35.5 | 35.5 – 38.5 | 38.5 – 41 | 41 – 44 | 44 – 47 | 47 – 50 |
| Length (in.) | 25.5 | 26 | 26.5 | 26.75 | 27 | 27.5 |
Youth Jerseys
| Boys | S | M | L | XL |
| US Size | 8 | 10/12 | 14/16 | 18/20 |
| Chest (in.) | 33 | 36 | 39.5 | 42.5 |
| Length (in.) | 23 | 25 | 27 | 29 |
| Hips (in.) | 33 | 36 | 39.5 | 42.5 |
| Girls | S | S | M | L |
| US Size | 7/8 | 10/12 | 14 | 16 |
| Chest (in.) | 30 | 33.5 | 35 | 36.5 |
| Length (in.) | 21.75 | 23.5 | 24.5 | 25 |
| Hips (in.) | 31.5 | 34.5 | 36 | 37.5 |
What About Vintage Jerseys?
When buying vintage jerseys, it can be hard to know what size will fit you. If you go through an internet seller, ask them for measurements of your desired jersey before purchasing it. That should save some time/money in returning items back when they are too big or small.
When shopping at second-hand stores or collector’s shops with old-school memorabilia like this, I would recommend trying anything out before buying!
Additional Fitting Tips
Shopping for a jersey can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be. Aside from the standard sizes that are available in stores, you’ll want to know about the “Tall Size” option.
If you’re tall and looking for something with more length, a size 48/2 (or 48+2) is 2”/5cm longer than regular fit. Length is to be adjusted proportionately depending on your silhouette, so make sure you take those measurements before picking up your jersey!
The Last Quarter
NBA jerseys are a must-have for any basketball fan. The best way to find the perfect fit is by trying on your jersey, but if you can’t make it into a store, there’s no need to worry! Our sizing chart will help determine which size of NBA jersey should suit you just right. That’s it, folks; you should have everything you need to show off those team colors and support your favorite players!
