In this article we discuss how MLB jerseys fit. In general, expect MLB jerseys to fit bigger than normal t-shirts. Quickly, here’s what you need to know about the main types of MLB jerseys:
- Nike Authentic Jerseys – This is the closest you can get to wearing what the players wear. Embroidered graphics and authentic paneling. This is the most premium MLB fan jersey you can buy. These use numerical sizing (44 = Large). Click here to view these Nike Authentic jerseys at MLBShop.com (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).
- Nike Replica Jerseys – These are a more affordable alternative to the Authentic jerseys. Although they look very similar, they don’t have all the premium finishes that the Authentic jerseys have. Heat-sealed graphics. Great if you are on a tighter budget. Click here to view these Nike Replica jerseys at MLBShop.com (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).
- Nike Cooperstown Collection – These are awesome throwback jerseys made by Nike. These are a great option, especially if you want to stand out a little bit. A wide variety of past superstars are available. The design features can vary a little jersey to jersey, but overall a very reasonable price point on these. Click here to view these Nike Cooperstown jerseys at MLBShop.com (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).
- Mitchell & Ness Throwback Jerseys – These are not Nike jerseys. Mitchell & Ness is famous for making classic throwback sports jerseys. They offer some of the best jersey styles from the history of baseball, and jerseys for some of the games greatest superstars. Cool way to stand out. Click here to view the entire collection of Mitchell & Ness jerseys available at MLBShop.com (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).
*Nike Update*
Nike is now the official outfitter of MLB. This is what the new Nike MLB jerseys look like (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).
A lot of the old Majestic jerseys are on clearance if you want to browse for deals. Click here to check out the clearance jerseys at MLBShop.com (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com). Majestic was the previous outfitter of MLB, so you can get some great deals on the old jerseys.
- To read about how the new Nike jerseys fit, visit our article: MLB Jersey Sizing Guide
***Again, this MLB jersey sizing guide was for the old Majestic jerseys. MLB in 2020 transitioned to Nike (instead of Majestic) as the official outfitter of MLB. To read about the new jerseys, visit our article How Do Nike MLB Jerseys Fit?
Majestic
If you are thinking about buying a Majestic MLB jersey, you are probably wondering what size you need. Jerseys on baseball players usually fit baggy and loose and so you may be concerned with fit. Do MLB jerseys run big?
Yes, MLB jerseys run big in comparison to standard t-shirts, but the fit will depend on which jersey type you buy. This is the jersey type that I recommend because in my opinion it has the best fit out of all the MLB fan jerseys (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).
It is important to understand that there are multiple types of MLB jerseys to purchase. Each has a different fit. In this article we will discuss the different types of jerseys and how they fit.
How Do Majestic MLB Baseball Jerseys Fit?
This is the jersey type that I wear because I think it has the truest fit, especially through the chest. The link (affiliate) takes you to the official MLB Shop.
Before we discuss fit, there are a few important things to understand about the current MLB jerseys. In 2016, MLB transitioned away from their traditional double-knit style jersey into a more modern, lightweight jersey type, which is the current jersey used. There are two variations of this jersey: Flex Base and Cool Base.
Flex Base jerseys are what the players wear. Majestic Flex Base is the Official MLB On-Field Jersey. These jerseys were designed, in part, from input from actual MLB players. These jerseys are lighter in weight than the previous knit jerseys, and offer more freedom of movement.
Why does this matter for you? Well, the knit jerseys of past offered a little bit of a slimmer, heavier fit than the new lighter-weight jerseys. The Cool Base jerseys are not as lightweight as the Flex Base jerseys, but they still are lighter in weight than the old knit style.
The important takeaway is that the new jerseys will not hug your body like the old knit jerseys. Does this mean you need to size down? Not necessarily. Much of it will depend on how you like a jersey to fit.
Length of jerseys will be much longer than a standard t-shirt. Let’s discuss the different types of jerseys and how they fit.
Types of MLB Jerseys
There are two main types of MLB jerseys that are available for purchase by fans:
- Authentic MLB jerseys
- Replica MLB jerseys
One main difference in fit is authentic jerseys are longer than replica jerseys.
Authentic MLB Jerseys
Authentic MLB jerseys are jerseys that are the same as what the players wear during Major League Baseball games. They are considered the best fan jersey you can buy. (Click Here to view Authentic Jerseys at MLB Shop; affiliate link)
They are made with what is called a “Flex Base” uniform system, which the provider Majestic says, “reduces overall jersey weight and enhances mobility”. Authentic jerseys when listed online are often referred to as “Flex Base Authentic Jerseys”. So, if you see “Flex Base” listed next to the authentic jersey just know it is referring to the type of fabric weight and mobility.
Authentic MLB jerseys are full-button jerseys (with some exceptions) with logos, numbers, and patches sewn on. They have official team logos on both the chest and the sleeve. They are made with 100% polyester fabric.
The Flex Base jerseys have some mesh paneling on the back near the waist line. This is so heat can escape easier, making it more comfortable for players to wear. It is noticeable so if you are wanting an authentic jersey make sure you take a look at the mesh paneling to decide what you think.
Authentic MLB Jersey Size Guide
Authentic jerseys usually are sold using a numerical sizing system instead of small, medium, large etc. The sizes (mens) range from 40-60 (size chart listed below). Note that with every size up, the length increases by a half inch and the chest and waist increase by four inches.
The length of these jerseys is much longer than a standard men’s t-shirt. A medium cotton t shirt often has a length of 29 inches for reference.
Here is the size chart pulled directly from the MLB shop for Majestic (brand) jersey apparel:
| Men’s Authentic Jersey Size Chart | |||
| Size | Length (in) | Chest (in) | Waist (in) |
| 40 | 34.75 | 38-40 | 32-34 |
| 44 | 35.25 | 42-44 | 36-38 |
| 48 | 35.75 | 46-48 | 40-42 |
| 52 | 36.25 | 50-52 | 44-46 |
| 56 | 36.75 | 54-56 | 48-50 |
| 60 | 37.25 | 58-60 | 52-54 |
Do Authentic MLB Jerseys Have Women’s Sizes?
Although MLB does make jerseys fitted for women, the authentic jersey line only comes fitted in men’s sizes so that it matches exactly what the players wear.
For women wanting to purchase an Authentic jersey, the size 40 above is similar in chest and waist to that of a men’s medium shirt. As we have discussed earlier, the length will be longer than a standard t shirt (approximately 5-6 inches longer).
Replica MLB Jerseys
Replica MLB jerseys are similar, but not exact, to what the players wear during the games. They are made with a different material than authentic MLB jerseys, and are cheaper to buy.
Replica jerseys are made with what is called “Cool Base” technology, which Majestic says is made with “interlocking moisture-wicking fabric for a lightweight, breathable feel”.
Although they may be “lightweight and breathable”, Replica jerseys are not as lightweight as Authentic jerseys. They have ironed on numbers and logos versus the Authentic jerseys that have numbers, logos, and patches sewn on. Still, Replica jerseys are quality pieces of fan apparel and may be a perfect way for you to save a little bit of money while still sporting your favorite player’s jersey.
Replica jerseys are full-button jerseys (with some exceptions) made with 100% Polyester fabric.
Replica MLB Jersey Size Guide
Replica MLB jerseys are sold using a standard sizing system small, medium, large etc. Again, it is important to remember that these jerseys will be shorter in length than Authentic jerseys.
| Men’s Replica Jersey Size Chart | |||
| Size | Length (in) | Chest (in) | Waist (in) |
| S | 31.75 | 34-36 | 28-30 |
| M | 32.25 | 38-40 | 32-34 |
| L | 32.75 | 42-44 | 36-38 |
| XL | 33.25 | 46-48 | 40-42 |
| XXL | 33.75 | 50-52 | 44-46 |
| 3XL | 34.25 | 54-56 | 48-50 |
| 4XL | 34.75 | 58-60 | 52-54 |
Women’s Replica Jersey Size Guide
The official size guides listed for women’s replica jerseys does not list a length. It is safe to assume that these jerseys will run a bit long, like 2-4 inches longer than a standard t-shirt.
Women’s replica jerseys are fitted in the bust and are described by the manufacturer as having an overall fit that is “not too slim, not too loose.” They also say that “if you are in between sizes, we recommend ordering one size larger than you normally wear.”
Women’s replica jerseys will have the sewn-on tackle twill graphics with heat sealed name and numbers on the back. The material is 100% polyester fabric. They are machine washable.
Here is the size guide for women’s replica MLB jerseys:
| Women’s Replica Jersey Size Chart | |||
| Size | Bust (inches) | Hips (inches) | Waist (inches) |
| S | 34.5-35.5 | 37.5-38.5 | 27.5-28.5 |
| M | 36.5-37.5 | 39.5-40.5 | 29.5-30.5 |
| L | 39-40 | 42-43 | 32-33 |
| XL | 41.5-42.5 | 44.5-45.5 | 34.5-35.5 |
| XXL | 44-45 | 47-48 | 37-38 |
Authentic Vs Replica: Which Should You Buy?
If you are debating on which to buy, there are a few things to consider:
- Length: Remember, Authentic jerseys are longer than replica. This may affect which one works best for you.
- Price: Replica jerseys cost about $100-$120 depending on team and style. Authentic jerseys will cost around $200-$300. Replica jerseys are much cheaper.
- Fandom: Authentic jerseys, for obvious reasons, are more revered by fans. This will be something to consider if you are buying a jersey as a gift.
Other Types of Jerseys
MLB does offer a couple other types of jerseys besides authentic and replica. They offer batting practice jerseys, and throwback jerseys.
Batting Practice Jerseys
Batting Practice jerseys are replicas of what the players (or past players) wear during batting practice. They are more of a practice jersey and offer an alternate jersey look for fans who want something other than a standard button-front jersey.
Although some batting practice jerseys are button-front, most are pullovers. Some are short sleeve while others are three-quarter sleeve.
Most batting practice jerseys are machine washable made with 100% polyester fabric. Batting practice jerseys are available in women’s sizes also.
Throwback Jerseys
Throwback jerseys are jerseys from past generations. These jerseys can be eye-catching because jersey styles and colors change over the years, and wearing a throwback jersey can help you stand out among the crowd of modern apparel.
Throwback jerseys can come in two different forms: standard team throwback jerseys from decades past, or specific player throwback jerseys called Cooperstown Replica Throwback Jerseys. The Cooperstown replica jerseys will be throwback replicas of Hall of Fame inducted players.
Throwback jerseys are not always button-up because some past generations did not have button-up jerseys.
Where to Buy
MLBShop.com is the official online shop of Major League Baseball. You can buy from them with confidence knowing you aren’t getting scammed. Click here to view the jerseys available at MLBShop.com (affiliate link takes you to MLBShop.com).