There are 5 main types of NFL fan jerseys, and they all fit a bit different. This is my favorite (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). If you wear a size medium t-shirt, quickly, here are my sizing suggestions for each type of jersey:
- Nike Legend – The Nike Legend is unique compared to other NFL jerseys. It fits almost like a standard t-shirt, and is more affordable than other jerseys. I was a bit shocked how much I liked the fit. True to size. Lightweight, and easy to wear. If you wear a medium t-shirt, my recommendation is to order a medium Nike Legend. Click here to view the Nike Legend jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Game – The Nike Game jerseys are popular fan jerseys due to price point. They have the true look of a jersey, but are replicas, which means they are a bit more affordable than premium jerseys. Relaxed fit, that fits larger than a t-shirt. I personally did not size down, but it’s close. Definitely expect the size medium Nike Game to be looser than a medium t-shirt. If you prefer a tighter, slim fit, you will probably need to order a small. Click here to view the Nike Game jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Limited – The Nike Limited Vapor jerseys are my favorite jersey. Vapor style has a lay-flat front with seams converging in the back. The Limited jerseys have stitched numbers and graphics. Awesome jersey that has a regular, true-to-size fit. If you wear a medium t-shirt, my recommendation is to order a medium Nike Limited. Click here to view the Nike Limited jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- Nike Elite – These are the authentic NFL jerseys, and the closest you can get as a fan to wearing what the players wear on the field. The fit will be slimmer than other jerseys, mimicking the athletic fit of the players’ jerseys. These jerseys use numerical sizing. A size 40 is a medium equivalent, but expect a slimmer fit. If you prefer a baggy, loose fit, you’ll probably need a size 44. The Elite jerseys have all the premium finishes, including stitched graphics and authentic paneling. Click here to view the Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
- NFL Pro Line Jersey – The NFL Pro Line Jersey is not made by Nike. It is a more affordable replica jersey, which might be a nice option if you are on a tight budget. This jersey has a baggy, loose fit. This is the loosest NFL jersey. Unless you prefer an extremely baggy fit, you will need to size down. My recommendation if you wear a size medium t-shirt is to order a size small NFL Pro Line jersey. Click here to view Pro Line jerseys at NFLShop.com(affiliate link take you to NFLShop.com).
In the sections below, we will take a closer look at each jersey type, and how it needs to be sized if you wear a medium t-shirt. Again, the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys are my favorite jersey type, and they fit true to size. Click here to view the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
Nike Legend Sizing
The Nike Legend is unique in that it is sort of a shirt/jersey hybrid. It is polyester, so it feels like a jersey, but it fits much like a t-shirt. This is an affordable entry-level jersey that gives you something that is easy and comfortable to wear.
The Nike Legend fits true to size. As I said, it fits much like a standard t-shirt. If you wear a size medium t-shirt, I recommend ordering a size medium Nike Legend.
Here are the measurements for the Nike Legend per the official size chart (source):
Here I am wearing a size medium Nike Legend (6’3″ 200):
Where to Buy Nike Legend
Click here to buy the Nike Legend jersey at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). If you want to read more about this type of jersey, visit our Nike Legend Jersey Review.
Nike Game Sizing
The Nike Game is an affordable replica jersey. It has screen-printed graphics, which help keep the price point down. This is a nice entry-level fan jersey.
The Nike Game jersey has a relaxed fit. It definitely fits baggier than a t-shirt. To me personally, it wasn’t so loose that I recommend sizing down, but it was close.
If you wear a medium t-shirt, expect the medium Nike Game to fit somewhere between a medium and large. If you prefer a slimmer fit, you may need to order a small.
Here are the measurements for the Nike Game per the official size chart (source):
***It’s important to note that those measurements are basically identical to the Nike Legend we covered first. I’m here to promise you this: expect the Nike Game jersey to be bigger and baggier than the Nike Legend, despite what the size charts say. Want proof?
Here is my medium Nike Legend sitting on top of my medium Nike Game:
Again, expect the medium Nike Game to be baggier than a normal t-shirt. Here I am wearing a size medium Nike Game (6’3″ 200):
Where to Buy Nike Game
Click here to buy the Nike Game jersey at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). If you want to read more about this type of jersey, visit our Nike Game Jersey Review.
Nike Limited Sizing
The Nike Limited is a step up from the Nike Game. It has some premium design features, including stitched graphics. This is my favorite jersey type, in large part due to its combination of price and design.
The Nike Limited jerseys have what I describe as a regular fit. It doesn’t fit too loose or too slim. If you wear a size medium t-shirt, then I would recommend ordering a size medium Nike Limited jersey.
Here are the measurements for the Nike Limited per the official size chart (source):
***It is important to note that the official size chart for the Nike Limited is the exact same as the official size chart for the Nike Game. But these jerseys are not the same size.
As I said earlier, expect the Nike Game to have a baggier fit, and the Nike Limited to have a more regular fit. Do not expect these jerseys to fit the same even though they’ve been assigned the same generic official size chart.
Here is a look at my medium Nike Limited sitting on top of my medium Nike Game:
As you can see, the Nike Game (on the bottom) is a baggier fit. I consider the Nike Limited to be true-to-size. Here I am wearing a size medium Nike Limited (6’3″ 200):
Where to Buy Nike Limited
Click here to buy the Nike Limited jersey at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). If you want to read more about this type of jersey, visit our Nike Limited Jersey Review.
Nike Elite Sizing
These are the authentic jerseys. This is the closest you can get as a fan to wearing what the players wear on the field. Expect premium design features, including stitched graphics and authentic paneling.
There are two different types of Nike Elite jerseys (regular and vapor). The Vapor Elites are usually listed as “Nike Elite Vapor Untouchable”. To read about the differences, visit our article Elite vs Vapor.
Here’s what you need to know: both have an athletic fit. I don’t recommend sizing up, but expect a slimmer fit. If you prefer a baggy fit, you probably should go up a size.
The Elite Vapor jerseys fit slimmer than the regular Elite jerseys, and will have a lay-flat front with the seams converging in the back. The regular Elite jerseys will have front-side paneling.
The Elite jerseys use numerical sizing instead of small, medium, large. A size 40 is a medium equivalent per the official size chart.
If you wear a size medium t-shirt, my recommendation is to order a size 40 Nike Elite jersey. But if you prefer a very loose, baggy fit, you may need to go to a 44.
Here are the measurements for the Nike Elite per the official size chart (source):
You’ll notice that the Elite jerseys do not have a “small” sizing. Size 40, to my knowledge, is the smallest sizing you can get for the Nike Elite jerseys (medium equivalent).
You’ll also notice that the sizing for the Elite jerseys in the chest and waist matches the sizing of the Nike Game and Nike Limited. Again, my advice is to just understand that these are generic size charts. These three jerseys types DO NOT fit the same.
Expect the Nike Elites to fit a bit slimmer and more athletic than the other jersey types. Again, there are two types of Elite jerseys – here is a regular Elite (Luck) and a Vapor Elite (Barkley)
As you can see, the Elite Vapor jerseys have cuffed sleeves. The Elite Vapor jerseys do fit a bit slimmer than the regular Elite jerseys. Here is my size 40 Vapor Elite sitting on top of my size 40 regular Elite:
If you wear a size medium t-shirt, I recommend ordering a size 40 Elite. That said, the Vapor jerseys are slim, so if you are in-between sizes, you may need a size 44. It likely comes down to personal preference on fit.
Here I am wearing a size 40 regular Elite and a size 40 Vapor Elite (6’3″ 200):
Where to Buy Nike Elite
Click here to buy the Nike Elite jersey at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). The version offered may vary team to team. If you want to read more about this type of jersey, visit our Nike Elite Jersey Review.
NFL Pro Line Sizing
The NFL Pro Line jersey is another affordable replica jersey. It is not made by Nike. This is a good option if you are operating on a tight budget. It is an entry-level fan jersey with printed graphics.
The Pro Line jerseys are very baggy. I recommend sizing down at least one size unless you prefer a loose fit. If you wear a size medium t-shirt, I recommend ordering a size small NFL Pro Line jersey.
How baggy is it? Here is my size medium Pro Line jersey sitting underneath my size medium Nike Legend jersey:
As you can see, there is a significant difference in fit. And remember, the Nike Legend fits true to size much like a t-shirt would fit.
If you go to the Pro Line product page on NFLShop.com, and click on size chart, a generic size chart pops up. I’m not even going to list it here because it’s exactly what it says: “generic”. It is, in my experience, not applicable to the Pro Line jerseys.
The Pro Line Jersey is very loose and very baggy. Here I am wearing a size medium NFL Pro Line jersey (6’3″ 200):
As with all things, it may come down to personal preference. If you prefer a baggy fit, this may work perfect for you. If you prefer more of a standard fit, you will either need to choose a different jersey type, or size down.
Where to Buy Pro Line
Click here to buy the Pro Line jersey at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). My recommendation is to size down unless you prefer a baggy fit. If you want to read more about this type of jersey, visit our Pro Line Jersey Review.
Other Resources
- If you are trying to decide what jersey would be best for you, visit our article Best NFL Jersey to Buy.
- For more sizing advice, visit our article about NFL Jersey Sizing Tips.
- For all our other NFL Jersey articles, visit our NFL Jersey Resource Page.