If you are shopping for NHL jerseys, you may have come across a Fanatics Breakaway jersey. Fanatics is an online retailer of sportswear and currently runs the e-commerce platform for the NHL, which is NHLShop.com. They also produce the Fanatics Breakaway jersey, but are Breakaway jerseys authentic NHL jerseys?
No, Breakaway jerseys are not authentic. Fanatics Breakaway jerseys are the official replica jerseys. Adidas is currently the NHL’s official outfitter, and they make the authentic NHL fan jerseys, known simply as “Adidas Authentic” jerseys. Click here to view the Adidas authentic jerseys at NHLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NHLShop.com).
If you are interested in NHL jerseys, you have three main options. Here’s what you need to know:
- Adidas Authentic Jersey – Official Authentic Jersey. This is the closest you can get as a fan to wearing what the players wear on the ice. Stitched graphics. Loose fit, but I ordered my regular sizing. Click here to view the Adidas Authentic Jerseys at NHLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NHLShop.com).
- Fanatics Breakaway Jersey – This is the official replica jersey of the NHL. Still has nice quality even though it isn’t authentic. Stitched graphics. Loose fit also, but sleeves are a bit slimmer than the Adidas jerseys. More affordable than the authentic jerseys. Click here to view the Fanatics Breakaway jerseys at NHLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NHLShop.com).
- Adidas Practice Jersey – Alternate Adidas option. More affordable than Adidas Authentics. Practice themed jersey so it has a bit of a different look than the standard jerseys. This jersey also has a loose fit, but I ordered my regular sizing. Click here to view the Adidas Practice jerseys at NHLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NHLShop.com).
Are Breakaway Jerseys Authentic NHL Jerseys?
No, Breakaway jerseys are not authentic. As we discussed above, Fanatics is an online retailer of sportswear and currently runs the e-commerce platform for the NHL. They also have the current contract to produce NHL replica jerseys.
The Fanatics Breakaway jersey is the official replica jersey of the NHL. Adidas has the contract to produce the authentic jerseys.
Breakaway Jersey Details
The Fanatics Breakaway jerseys are replica NHL jerseys. As you probably already know, replica jerseys are fan jerseys that look very similar to the more-expensive authentic jerseys, but have a few less premium details so that the jersey can be offered to fans at a more affordable price point than the authentic jerseys.
Replica jerseys are very popular among common fans who are just looking for a cool way to rep their favorite team and player. Authentic jerseys are more popular among serious fans or jersey collectors who don’t mind paying a higher price to have a premium piece of fan apparel.
Here’s a look at my Fanatics Breakaway jersey:
The Fanatics Breakaway jerseys, in my opinion, has better quality than replica jerseys in other sports. I always recommend the Breakaway jerseys to fans because they are actually very similar to the Authentic jerseys, just lack a few of the premium details.
So if you’re wondering ‘are Breakaway jerseys authentic’? No, they’re not. But they do provide you with a more affordable alternative to the authentic jerseys, and overall, they look very similar.
If you are a fan just looking for a cool way to rep a player, the Breakaway jerseys are perfect. If you are a serious jerseys collector, pay up for the Adidas jerseys.
Breakaway Jersey Sizing
The Fanatics Breakaway jerseys use a standard small-medium-large sizing system (remember, the Adidas jerseys use numerical sizing). I ordered a size medium. Here I am wearing that size medium Fanatics Breakaway jersey (6’3″ 200):
These Fanatics jerseys do run bigger than normal clothing. Here is a look at my size medium Fanatics Breakaway jersey compared to a size medium Hanes t-shirt straight out of the package:
Although these Fanatics Breakaway jerseys do run bigger than normal clothing, they are a slight bit smaller than the Adidas Authentic jerseys.
Here is my size 50 (medium equivalent) Adidas Authentic jersey compared to my size medium Fanatics Breakaway jersey (Fanatics on top):
As you can see, the Fanatics jersey is a little bit smaller than the Adidas authentic jersey. But still expect both jerseys to fit bigger than normal clothing. If you prefer a tighter fit, size down.
To read more about how all NHL jerseys fit, visit our NHL jersey sizing guide. And if you want a look at how all types of NHL jerseys compare to regular t-shirts, visit our article NHL jersey sizes compared to shirts.
Fanatics Breakaway
Click here to buy the Fanatics Breakaway replica jerseys at NHLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NHLShop.com).