NFL is big business. Everybody wants a piece of the action whether it be advertising to matches or sponsorship to merchandise. For many fans this is getting their hands on an Authentic NFL Jersey, but how are you supposed to spot the genuine article from the fake copies that are on offer?
One of the first things you can do is to look at the way the sleeves are styled. Authentic jerseys come with mesh sleeves, where as bootlegs have sleeves and the body made with nylon mesh. When you buy a knockoff it looks just like the real thing but the quality of the fabric is just not there. After a few washes it will fall apart and you will be left with junk.
Another issue to consider is that the authentic NFL jerseys will usually have an autograph, photo or other collectable as part of the package, especially if bought in one of the sports outlets. As everyone says if it looks to good to be true then it probably is.
Buying an authentic NFL jersey is more than just a purchase, you are showing a commitment to your team. Whilst it seems reasonable to look around for a bargain and get the best price possible on the genuine deal, if it is just the cheapest jersey out there that grabs your attention then you are likely to end up with a replica. This isn’t as symbolic as getting the real deal to show your allegiance.
The manufacturer is one of the major differences. Authentic NFL jerseys are only made by one company and that is Reebok, so if it doesn’t have the labels then it won’t be genuine. Whilst Made in China is normal for a lot of clothing in the US, currently Reebok do not have any clothing factories in China, so if the jersey has any Made in China tags then sadly it won’t be an authentic one either, even if they claim to be made by Reebok.
Reebok makes multiple styles of the NFL jersey worn on game day. These three styles are authentic and are fully endoresed by the NFL. Reebok identified the need to produce three different styles as not everyone is going to be able to afford 0 for a jersey. The cheapest is a simple replica jersey which has the number screen printed onto it, rather than the stitching of the premier replica and the authentic.The Authentic Jersey is the actual jersey worn by players on game day. It comes with two layers of embroidery were as the Premier comes with one layer of TackleT will.
One of the safest ways to ensure you are getting the real deal is to stick to reputable dealers in malls or online stores with a proven history. There is nothing wrong for looking for a deal. Many retailers have Authentic Jerseys on Closeout especially when a player is traded or changes team. That being said if you see a new jersey eg Terrell Owens in Buffalo for there is no way it is authentic. No retailer can buy a jersey for under 0 so keep that in mind.
