**This is an NFL jersey buying guide.**
In this article we discuss the best NFL jersey to buy. I own and review all the NFL jersey types, and one thing is for sure: they have significant differences in size and fit.
This is the jersey type that I recommend as best NFL fan jersey to buy due to its combination of fit, comfort, style and price (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
There are several types of NFL jerseys, and having that many different choices may make things difficult for you when you are trying to decide which one is the best NFL jersey to buy. The good news is I own and review all the different NFL jersey types so that I can give you real advice on which one is best.
In my opinion, these are the 4 best NFL jerseys to buy:
- Nike Limited Vapor
- Nike Legend
- Nike Elite Vapor
- Nike Game
One major issue when buying NFL jerseys is sizing. The sizing is extrememly different depending on which jersey type you buy.
Again, this is the jersey that in my opinion has the best combination of fit, style, comfort, and price point, and is my choice for the best NFL jersey to buy in 2019 (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
In this article we will discuss different NFL jersey types and I will give you an idea of what you can expect as far as fit and comfort to help you decide which one is the best NFL jersey to buy. These are the different NFL jersey types to choose from:
- Nike Elite
- Nike Elite Vapor
- Nike Limited
- Nike Limited Vapor
- Nike Game
- Nike Legend
- NFL Pro Line
After owning and reviewing all the NFL jerseys pictured above, my favorite jersey is the Nike Limited Vapor jersey. It has premium finishes with a nice tailored fit that runs true to size and is my recommendation for best NFL jersey to buy in 2019.
If you want to read more about each of those individual jersey types, you can view our article that covers the different types of NFL jerseys. We also have a size guide article that will help you determine how each individual jersey fits – visit our article How Do NFL jerseys fit?
In the sections below, we will discuss what the best NFL jersey to buy is, breaking it down into different scenarios. The truth is there are many different types of jerseys, that all vary in style, fit, and price point. In this article we will discuss:
- Best NFL jersey to buy for those who prefer slim fit
- Best NFL jersey to buy for those who prefer loose fit
- Best NFL jersey to buy on a budget
- Best NFL jersey to buy if you want a premium jersey
- Best Women’s NFL Jersey to buy
Again, price is very different on each of these jerseys. Some can be quite expensive depending on the design. Price also fluctuates due to time of year and discount sales. I will provide a link whenever possible so that you can price check the jerseys at NFLShop.com.
To view our entire collection of NFL jersey review and comparison articles, visit our NFL jersey resource page.
Best NFL Jersey to Buy: Buying Guide
As I mentioned above, the Nike Limited Vapor jersey is (in my opinion) the best NFL jersey to buy due to its true-to-size fit in combination with the quality and comfort of the jersey itself.
It’s one of those jerseys that doesn’t run too small or too big so, generally, most everyone likes how it fits. And the price point is reasonable in comparison to other jerseys. This is the current price of the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
The sizing and fit of NFL jerseys can vary significantly depending on which type of jersey you buy. Want proof? Here is a medium Nike Legend I own sitting on top of a medium NFL Pro Line jersey I own (again, yes, both size mediums):
SLIM FIT
Buyer’s Guide for Slim Fit NFL jerseys
If you (or the person you are buying for) prefer a slimmer, more tailored fit for your clothes, then there are 3 NFL jersey types that may work for you:
- Nike Legend
- Nike Limited Vapor
- Nike Elite Vapor
Let’s discuss these 3 slimmer-fitting jerseys in more detail so you can get an idea on how they differ.
Nike Legend
The Nike Legend jersey has a great fit, and is also one of the most affordable jerseys. If you are looking for a slim fit jersey on a budget, the Nike Legend is a great option. Here is my Nike Legend jersey:
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
But here’s what you need to know about the Nike Legend: it is more of a jersey/shirt hybrid, almost like a shirsey. It is made out of polyester, so it still has the feel of a jersey. Because it is more of a shirsey, it doesn’t have the premium finishes (stitched-on numbers and names) like some of the other NFL jerseys, but that also helps keep the price down.
I was honestly shocked at how much I liked the Nike Legend. It is comfortable and has a tailored fit, much like a t-shirt, and gives you an affordable way to rep your favorite player or team.
This is the current price of the Nike Legend jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). NFLShop.com is the NFL’s official online shop, so you can buy with confidence from them knowing you are not getting scammed.
Nike Limited Vapor
As I have mentioned throughout the article, the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys are my favorite fan jerseys. They have a nice, comfortable fit combined with premium finishes, but overall are cheaper than the Nike Elite jerseys. Here is my Limited Vapor jersey:
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
The Nike Limited Vapor jersey, to me, is the perfect universal jersey that isn’t too loose or too slim, so most everyone will like how it fits. To read more about how this jersey fits, visit our article about Nike Limited Jersey Sizing.
The Vapor edition means that the jersey is made in such a way that makes the seams converge in the middle of the back, which allows the jersey to lay clean and flat in all other places. The Nike Limited Vapor is made with Nike Dri Fit technology and is very comfortable to wear.
The Nike Limited Vapor is perfect for you if you are looking for a jersey that has some of the premium finishes that the Nike Elite jerseys have, but are hoping to save a bit of money too.
This is the current price of the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys at NFLShop.com. Again, they are my favorite jersey and I think they are the best NFL jersey to buy.
Nike Elite Vapor
The Nike Elite jerseys are the authentic on-field jersey of the pros, which means it has all the premium finishes. The Nike Elite Vapor version is my final recommendation if you prefer a slim, athletic fit. This jersey has the slimmest fit of any NFL jersey.
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
As you can see in the first photo, the Nike Elite Vapor fits flat and tight through the chest, and has fitted, elastic sleeves. This is a vapor version which, again, means that the jersey is made in such a way that makes the seams converge in the middle of the back, which allows the jersey to lay clean and flat in all other places.
Price can fluctuate, but when I bought my Nike Elite Vapor jersey, it was the most expensive jersey type available. If you are looking for a premium jersey in a slim fit, this is the jersey type for you.
This is the current price of the Nike Elite Vapor jerseys at NFLShop.com. If you are looking for a slim, athletic fit, this will be the jersey for you. To read more about how this jersey fits, visit our article about Nike Elite Jersey Sizing.
***Also, if you want to read the individual reviews we did of these jerseys, and visit our size guide, you can go to our NFL jersey resource page to find links to all our jersey review and comparison articles.
Relaxed Fit
Buyer’s Guide for Relaxed Fit NFL jerseys
If you (or the person you are buying for) prefer a loose, relaxed fit for your clothes, then there are 2 NFL jersey types that may work for you:
- Nike Game
- NFL Pro Line
Of course, you could always just size up the other jerseys (for example, sizing up the Nike Limited Vapor from above will give you a loose fitting jersey). In the sections below, let’s discuss these 2 looser-fitting jerseys in more detail so you can get an idea on how they differ.
Nike Game
The Nike Game is the loosest jersey that Nike makes. So if you are wanting a Nike jersey with a loose fit, the Nike Game will be the jersey for you. Here is a look at the Nike Game jersey that I own:
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
As you can see, the Nike Game has longer, baggier sleeves than the jerseys we previously covered, and it has extra room built in through the chest and stomach.
This is the current price of the Nike Game jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). NFLShop.com is the NFL’s official online shop.
This jersey is perfect if you are looking for a Nike jersey that you can layer underneath for cold weather games. You can comfortably fit a couple layers underneath this jersey. The Nike Game is also one of the more budget-friendly jerseys on the market today.
NFL Pro Line Jersey
The NFL Pro Line jersey is not made by Nike, so do not expect a Nike logo. The NFL Pro Line is by far the baggiest jersey on the market, and I normally recommend people to size it down unless you prefer a loose-fitting jersey. Here is a look at my NFL Pro Line jersey:
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option that has a relaxed, loose fit with room to layer if needed, then this jersey will be a great option for you.
This is how much the NFL Pro Line jerseys cost at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). The Pro Line jerseys are one of the most affordable options on the market, so if you want a baggy jersey, check them out.
***Also, if you want to read the individual reviews we did of these jerseys, and visit our size guide, you can go to our NFL jersey resource page to find links to all our jersey review and comparison articles.
Budget-Friendly
Buyer’s Guide for Budget-Friendly NFL jerseys
Prices can change at any time for jerseys depending on many factors, including time of year and discount sales. To check for discounted jerseys that NFLShop.com, click on this link (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
In this section I want to cover the 3 most budget-friendly NFL jersey options. Again, this is based off when I bought them – click through the links below to get current prices off of NFLShop.com.
The 3 most budget-friendly NFL jerseys are:
- Nike Legend
- Nike Game
- NFL Pro Line
Nike Legend
As we discussed earlier in the article, the Nike Legend is a slim-fitting jersey/shirt hybrid (almost like a shirsey). I was pessimistic when I first bought the Nike Legend jersey, but it is actually my second-favorite NFL jersey, behind the Nike Limited Vapor.
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
The Nike Legend fits very comfortably, and allows you to rep your favorite player on a budget:
This is how much the Nike Legend jerseys cost at NFLShop.com. NFLShop.com is the NFL’s official online shop, so you can buy with confidence from them knowing you are not getting scammed.
Nike Game
The Nike Game is an actual jersey (in comparison to the Nike Legend above which is a jersey/shirt hybrid). The Nike Game has a loose, relaxed fit, which gives you space to layer underneath if you are in a cold weather environment:
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
The Nike Game is a great budget-friendly option for those who want a Nike jersey, but don’t want to have to spend up for the Nike Limited and Elite options.
This is the current price of the Nike Game jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). Nike Game is one of the most affordable jersey options that Nike offers.
NFL Pro Line
The NFL Pro Line is the one NFL jersey not made by Nike. As we discussed above, it is a very loose-fitting jersey that you may need to size down.
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
Premium Jerseys
Buyer’s Guide for Premium NFL jerseys
If you (or the person you are buying for) wants a premium, authentic jersey that is a true replica of the on-field version that the pros wear, then there are 2 NFL jersey types for you to choose from:
- Nike Elite
- Nike Elite Vapor
The Nike Elite jerseys are authentic replicas of what the player’s wear. The Vapor version is an alternate jersey that Nike created in large part to reduce the amount of grab points on the jersey (source). To do this, Nike constructed the vapor version in a way where the seams converge in the middle of the back, which allows the jersey to fit flat against the skin in all other areas.
From a buyer’s perspective, the vapor version fits smoother against the body than the regular Elite version does. Both Nike Elite jerseys will have premium finishes, including sewn-on names, numbers, and logos. The main difference between these two jerseys comes down to fit.
The regular Nike Elite has a looser, more standard fit than the slimmer Nike Elite Vapor jersey. The Elite Vapor jersey has a very athletic fit that will hug your chest. It also has fitted, elastic sleeves that will show off the arms.
Nike Elite vs Vapor
(6’3″ 200 pounds – jersey size medium)
As you can see, the sleeves are much shorter on the Nike Elite Vapor, and the chest and stomach areas are slimmer. Although these jerseys are both premium jerseys, when I bought my jersey, the Nike Elite Vapor was actually a bit more expensive.
This is the current price of Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). Because Elite jerseys are so valuable, there are fakes out there, so buying from a respected source like NFLShop.com is recommended.
If you want to read more about how these two jerseys compare, visit our article that compares them: Nike Elite vs Vapor Jersey
Women’s Jerseys
Buyer’s Guide for Women’s NFL jerseys
If you are looking for a women’s jersey, you do have several options. The following jersey types do have a version for women:
- Nike Legend
- Nike Game
- Nike Limited
- NFL Pro Line
- Nike Legend – Remember, the Nike Legend jerseys are more of a jersey/shirt hybrid. The Nike Legend is made of soft material and is more of a budget-friendly option than some of the other jerseys. You can browse the Nike Legend women’s jerseys at NFLShop.com by clicking on this link (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Game – NFLShop.com describes the women’s Nike Game fit like this: “Women’s Nike Game Jerseys have an athletic-cut and are fitted in bust, shoulders and arms. Jersey does not fit or feel like a T-shirt. If you are in between sizes, we recommend ordering one size larger than you normally wear.” You can browse the Nike Game women’s jerseys at NFLShop.com by clicking on this link (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Limited – The Nike Limited is a more premium option, with higher-quality finishes than the other women’s jerseys. Again, the Nike Limited Vapor version will lay flat and smooth due to the seams converging in the middle of the back. The Nike Limited fit description on NFLShop.com does say: “We recommend ordering one size larger than you normally wear for a looser fit. For a more generous fit or if you plan on layering underneath the jersey, we recommend ordering two sizes larger.” You can browse the Nike Limited women’s jerseys at NFLShop.com by clicking on this link (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
- NFL Pro Line – NFL Pro Line jerseys are not made by Nike. These jerseys tend to fit a bit looser than Nike jerseys, and may be perfect if you are hoping to layer underneath. You can browse the NFL Pro Line women’s jerseys at NFLShop.com by clicking on this link (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
Best NFL Jersey to Buy: Summary in 200 Words
The best NFL jersey to buy (in my opinion) is the Nike Limited Vapor jersey. It has a more-tailored fit than other jerseys, and is that perfect size that doesn’t run too big or too small so most everyone likes how it fits.
If you are looking for budget-friendly options, check out the Nike Legend, Nike Game, and NFL Pro Line jerseys. I love the Nike Legend jersey, but please understand it is more of a jersey/shirt hybrid.
If you are wanting an authentic jersey, you will need to buy either the Nike Elite or the Nike Elite Vapor. They are the true replicas of the on-field jerseys of the pros. My recommendation is the Nike Elite Vapor – it lays smoother against your body.
For those who want a slim-fitting jersey, you will want to buy either the Nike Elite Vapor, Nike Limited Vapor, or the Nike Legend.
For those who want a baggy jersey, you will need to choose either the Nike Game or the NFL Pro Line jersey. They run bigger than the other jerseys (especially the NFL Pro Line).
My top 4 favorite jerseys ranked:
- Nike Limited Vapor
- Nike Legend
- Nike Elite Vapor
- Nike Game
If you are interested in throwback jerseys, visit our Mitchell & Ness NFL Jersey Size Guide.
Buying NFL Jerseys
To browse these jerseys at NFLShop.com to compare styles and prices, click on this link.
***Also, if you want to read the individual reviews we did of these jerseys, and visit our size guide, you can go to our NFL jersey resource page to find links to all our jersey review and comparison articles.