Do NFL Nike Football Jerseys Fit Big or Small? [Sizing Guide w/ Photos]


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In this article we discuss NFL jersey sizing, using photos. Nike produces both the authentic and the replica NFL jerseys. Sizing and fit will vary depending on what style you choose (photos of all in this article). Mitchell & Ness makes the throwback jerseys. Quickly, here’s what you need to know regarding the fit of NFL jerseys:

  • Nike Elite Jersey This is the authentic jersey, made just like the jersey the players wear. Has all the premium finishes, including elastic sleeves. Because it is just like the players jerseys, it has a tighter, athletic fit. If you prefer a loose fit, you probably should size up. Click here to view the Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com.
  • Nike Limited Jersey — This is my favorite type of jersey. The limited is a sort of hybrid between replica jersey and authentic jersey. It is a replica jersey, but also has some premium finishes like embroidered graphics (but is cheaper than an authentic jersey). I found this jersey to have a regular true-to-size fit. Click here to view the Nike Limited jerseys at NFLShop.com.
  • Nike Game Jersey — This is Nike’s NFL replica jersey. It does not have embroidered graphics, but is more affordable than other options. In my experience, it has a looser, relaxed fit. Click here to view the Nike Game jerseys at NFLShop.com.
  • Nike Legend Jersey — The Nike Legend Jersey is more like a shirsey – a cross between a shirt and a jersey. It fits much like a regular t-shirt. It will be more affordable than the authentic, premium options. Click here to view the Nike Legend jerseys at NFLShop.com.
  • Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jersey — These are the authentic throwback jerseys. The sizing may vary slightly depending on the era of the jersey, but I have found these Mitchell & Ness Authentic jerseys to have a looser fit. They use numerical sizing. Click here to view the Mitchell & Ness Authentic Throwback jerseys at NFLShop.com.
  • Mitchell & Ness Replica Jersey — These are the replica throwback jerseys. In my experience, these Mitchell & Ness Replica Throwback jerseys have a more regular fit that runs true to size. I would recommend ordering normal sizing. Click here to view the Mitchell & Ness Replica Jerseys at NFLShop.com.

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

In this article, I will use sizing photos of the NFL jerseys that I own.

If you don’t want to read through the entire article, you can watch the video below which just quickly compares the NFL jersey sizing photos I took:

How Do NFL Jerseys Fit?

NFL jersey sizing will depend on what type of NFL jersey you choose. The Nike Elite jerseys have a tighter, athletic fit, the Nike Limited jerseys have a more regular fit, and the Nike Game jerseys have looser, more relaxed fit.

Then you also have the Nike Legend jersey, which is more like a shirsey (a mix between a shirt and a jersey), and fits very similar to a t-shirt.

Mitchell & Ness makes the throwback jerseys, which I have found to fit relaxed, but true-to-size (photos below).

NFL Jersey Sizing Photos

nike-elite-nfl-jersey-sizing
nike-limited-nfl-jersey-sizing
nike-game-nfl-jersey-sizing
nike-legend-nfl-jersey-sizing
mitchell-and-ness-authentic-nfl-jersey-sizing
mitchell-and-ness-replica-nfl-jersey-sizing

In the sections below, we will discuss NFL Jersey sizing in more detail by examining each specific jersey type. I will also link to our other material on these jerseys so you can read more about a certain jersey type if you so choose.


Nike Elite NFL Jersey Sizing

What is a Nike Elite Jersey?

The Nike Elite jersey is the authentic NFL jersey, which means this is the most premium NFL fan jersey you can buy. It is made with the exact specification of what the players wear on the field.

But because it is authentic, it does cost more than other options. This is the current price of Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Here are some of the most important features of the Nike Elite Jerseys:

  • On-field premium fan jersey
  • Stitched on names, numbers, and logos
  • Stretch fabric for increased mobility
  • Tighter fit than other fan jerseys
  • Fitted sleeves
  • Metallic-effect NFL shield at collar
  • Mesh paneling at the front neck line to mimic player jerseys

To read more about the Nike Elite jersey, visit my article that discusses What is a Nike Elite Jersey?

How do Nike Elite Jerseys Fit?

Nike Elite jerseys have an athletic fit that will fit tighter than other jerseys. The Nike Elite Vapor jerseys also have shorter, elastic sleeves to mimic the jerseys the players wear.

nike-elite-nfl-jersey-sizing

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Nike Elite Jersey Sizing Compared to a T-Shirt

The photo below compares a size 40 Nike Elite jersey (medium equivalent) to a size medium (unshrunk) Hanes t-shirt:

nike-elite-jersey-vs-t-shirt

Nike Elite Jersey Size Chart

Below is the Nike Elite Jersey Size Chart (source). To read more about Elite sizing, visit my Nike Elite Jersey Sizing Guide.

NIKE SIZE404448525660
EQUIVMLXL2XL3XL4XL
CHEST (in)4447.2551555963
LENGTH (in)3131-3232.533.253435

Nike Limited NFL Jersey Sizing

What is a Nike Limited Jersey?

The Nike Limited Jersey is my favorite type of NFL fan jersey. Think of it as a sort of hybrid between replica jerseys and authentic jerseys. It has some premium finishes (like embroidered graphics), but is more affordable than authentic Nike Elite jerseys, and is also a more regular, comfortable fit in my opinion.

This is the current price of the Nike Limited jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Here are some of the details for the Nike Limited Jersey:

  • Stitched-on names and numbers
  • Mesh Grill panel at the front neck line (to mimic real on-field jerseys) with NFL shield metallic logo in Vapor version.
  • Nike Dri-Fit Technology (Vapor versions)
  • Stretch-resistant, tagless collars
  • Medium-fit (not extremely loose, but not as fitted as the Nike ‘Elite’ on-field jerseys)

To read more about the Nike Limited jersey, visit my article that discusses What is a Nike Limited Jersey?

How do Nike Limited Jerseys Fit?

The Nike Limited Jerseys have a regular fit that isn’t too tight or too baggy. In my experience, it fits true to size.

nike-limited-nfl-jersey-sizing

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Nike Limited Jersey Sizing Compared to a T-Shirt

The photo below compares a size medium Nike Limited jersey to a size medium (unshrunk) Hanes t-shirt. It is worth mentioning that this jersey does not fit quite as long as some of the other options.

nike-limited-jersey-vs-t-shirt

To read more about Limited sizing, visit my Nike Limited Jersey Sizing Guide.

Nike Limited Jersey Size Chart

Below is the listed Nike Limited Jersey Size Chart (source). Please note that I have found these officially listed size charts to not always be 100% accurate. I explain why here.

NIKE SIZESMLXL2X3X4X
CHEST (in)41.7544.884852566063.75
LENGTH (in)3030.253131.7532.6333.534.25

Nike Game NFL Jersey Sizing

What is a Nike Game Jersey?

The Nike Game jersey is a replica jersey that is more affordable than the Nike Elite and Limited Jerseys we discussed above. Because it is more affordable, it has less premium finishes (it does not have embroidered graphics).

This is the current price of the Nike Game jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

That said, the Nike Game jersey is very popular because it gives fans a jersey option at a more affordable price point. Here are the main features and differences that the Nike Game jersey has in comparison to the more expensive jerseys:

  • Screen-printed name, numbers, and logos instead of stitched graphics.
  • Longer, loose sleeves, that will hit near your elbow.
  • Looser fit through stomach and chest than the Nike Elite sizing and Nike Limited sizing.
  • Fabric that lacks the stretch material blend or Dri-Fit technology of the more expensive jerseys.
  • Standard sizing (small, medium, large etc) instead of number-based sizing used in Elite jerseys

The Nike Atmosphere Jersey is a new type of Game jersey. To read more, visit my NFL Atmosphere Jersey Sizing Guide.

How do Nike Game Jerseys Fit?

The Nike Game has a loose fit design. If you prefer a tighter fit, you will need to size down.

nike-game-nfl-jersey-sizing

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Nike Game Jersey Sizing Compared to a T-Shirt

The photo below compares a size medium Nike Game jersey to a size medium (unshrunk) Hanes t-shirt. This Nike Game jersey also fits longer than most of the other options.

nike-game-jersey-vs-t-shirt

To read more about Nike Game sizing, visit my Nike Game Jersey Sizing Guide.

Nike Game Jersey Size Chart

Below is the listed Nike Game Jersey Size Chart (source). Please note that I have found these officially listed size charts to not always be 100% accurate. I explain why here.

NIKE SIZESMLXL2X3X4X
CHEST (in)41.7544.884852566063.75
LENGTH (in)3030.253131.7532.6333.534.25

Nike Legend NFL Jersey Sizing

What is a Nike Legend Jersey?

The Nike Legend Jersey is built like a shirsey – this means it is sort of a shirt/jersey hybrid. This will be another more affordable option.

This is the current price of the Nike Legend jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

I was actually shocked at how much I liked the Nike Legend because I wasn’t sure what to expect. It was actually one of my favorite fits of all the fan jerseys, and was comfortable to wear (made with Nike Dri-Fit technology).

Just don’t expect premium jersey finishes. The graphics are not embroidered.

To read more about the Nike Legend jersey, visit my article that discusses What is a Nike Legend Jersey?

How do Nike Legend Jerseys Fit?

The Nike Legend jersey is built and fits very similar to a t-shirt. In my experience, this jersey fits true to size.

nike-legend-nfl-jersey-sizing

Nike Legend Jersey Sizing Compared to a T-Shirt

The photo below compares a size medium Nike Legend jersey to a size medium (unshrunk) Hanes t-shirt. My recommendation would be to order your normal sizing.

nike-legend-jersey-vs-t-shirt

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).


Mitchell & Ness Authentic NFL Jersey Sizing

What is a Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jersey?

Mitchell & Ness makes the throwback jerseys for the NFL. The Mitchell & Ness Authentic jerseys are the more premium version, and have all the premium details. The actual design details of each jersey can vary a bit depending on the era of the jersey.

This is where you can view the entire selection of NFL throwback jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFL Shop.com).

These throwback jerseys have longer sleeves than the more modern Nike NFL jerseys. They use numerical sizing.

How do Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jerseys Fit?

The Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jerseys definitely run a bit bigger than normal t-shirt sizing. I would describe it as a relaxed fit that runs true to size. But if you prefer a tight fit, sizing down may be needed. These jerseys use numerical sizing.

mitchell-and-ness-authentic-nfl-jersey-sizing

These Mitchell & Ness Authentic NFL Jerseys run about an inch longer than the Mitchell & Ness Replica Jerseys we discuss later. To read more about Mitchell & Ness sizing, visit our Mitchell & Ness NFL Jersey Sizing article.

Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jersey Sizing Compared to a T-Shirt

The photo below compares a size 40 Mitchell & Ness Authentic jersey (medium equivalent) to a size medium (unshrunk) Hanes t-shirt.

mitchell-and-ness-authentic-nfl-jersey-sizing-vs-t-shirt

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Mitchell & Ness Authentic Jersey Size Chart

Below is the listed Mitchell and Ness NFL Authentic Jersey Size Chart (source).

SIZE3640444852566064
EQUIVSMLXLXXL3X4X5X
CHEST (in)3842465054586266
LENGTH (in)3031323334353637

Mitchell & Ness Replica NFL Jersey Sizing

What is a Mitchell & Ness Replica Jersey?

Mitchell & Ness makes the throwback jerseys for the NFL. The Mitchell & Ness Replica jerseys are the more affordable version. The actual design details of each jersey can vary a bit depending on the era of the jersey.

This is where you can view the entire selection of NFL throwback jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFL Shop.com).

These throwback jerseys have longer sleeves than the more modern Nike NFL jerseys. These replica jerseys use standard small, medium, large sizing.

How do Mitchell & Ness Replica Jerseys Fit?

The Mitchell & Ness replica jerseys have a regular fit that doesn’t fit too tight or too loose. I would recommend you to order your normal sizing.

mitchell-and-ness-replica-nfl-jersey-sizing

Mitchell & Ness Replica Jersey Sizing Compared to a T-Shirt

The photo below compares a size medium Mitchell & Ness Replica jersey to a size medium (unshrunk) Hanes t-shirt.

mitchell-and-ness-replica-nfl-jersey-sizing-vs-t-shirt

***NFLShop.com also has a sizing page that you can use to help you choose the right sizing. Click here to view the sizing guide available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Mitchell & Ness Replica Jersey Size Chart

Below is the listed Mitchell and Ness NFL Jersey Sizing Chart for replica jerseys (source). The main difference between the sizing chart of the replica vs authentic, is these replica jerseys are an inch shorter in length.

SIZESMLXLXXL3X4X5X
CHEST (in)3842465054586266
LENGTH (in)2930313233343536

NFL Jersey Sizing Questions

Do All NFL Jerseys Fit the Same?

No, not all NFL jerseys fit the same. As we have discussed throughout, the fit of NFL jerseys can vary significantly depending on the type of jersey you buy.

For example, here is my size medium Nike Legend jersey sitting on top of my size medium Nike Game jersey:

nike-game-legend-jerseys

NFL Jersey Size Charts

You can find officially listed size charts here.

Unfortunately, I wouldn’t put a ton of stock into officially listed size charts. Why? Well, as you can see in the link above, they list the Nike Limited and Nike Game jerseys as having the same size chart.

The Nike Game and Nike Limited Jerseys do not have the same sizing. How do I know? Well, here is one of my Nike Limited jerseys sitting on top of a Nike Game jersey:

nike-game-vs-limited-3

The Nike Game jersey definitely has a looser, longer fit.

In general, I am hoping the comparison photos used on this NFL Jersey Sizing Guide might better help you understand the fit of NFL jerseys.

How Do NFL Pro Line Jerseys Fit?

The NFL Pro Line jerseys fit very loose. If you prefer a more regular fit, you may need to size down. To see sizing photos, visit my article about NFL Pro Line Sizing.

The NFL Pro Line jerseys used to be more common. As of a few years ago, they still made replica jerseys for current NFL players.

But as of recently, the NFL Pro Line jerseys only show up online for certain throwback players. This is where you can view the NFL Pro Line jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Do NFL Jerseys Run Big or Small?

In my experience, most NFL jerseys fit true to size. The exceptions are the Nike Elite (which has an athletic, tighter fit), the Nike Game (which has a looser fit), and the NFL Pro Line jerseys (which fit very loose).

Other NFL Jersey Sizing Resources

To read more about NFL jerseys, visit our articles linked below:

Do NFL Jerseys Ever Go On Sale?

Yes, there will be times throughout the year that the NFL shop offers unique discounts and offers. This may not apply to all types of jerseys. If you read our article here we cover some of the ways you can save money on jerseys.

You also might regularly check the clearance section at NFLShop.com, which you can view by clicking on this link (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). Perhaps a jersey you are interested in is on clearance and it doesn’t hurt to check.

Can Football Jerseys Go In The Dryer?

Obviously, check the tag on your jersey, but as a general rule, you should never machine dry your jerseys on high heat. If you are going to machine-dry, make sure you use a low heat setting.

Hang-drying your premium jerseys may be the best bet. Some of the Nike jerseys do recommend a line-dry.

How Do NFL Jerseys Fit for Women?

Yes, they do make women’s NFL jerseys in both the Nike Limited, Nike Game, and Nike Legend versions. This is where you can view the women’s jerseys available at NFLShop.com (paid affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

Women’s jerseys are not as big and box as the men’s jerseys. They are built to have more of a tapered design. If you prefer a looser fit, you may need to size up.

Where Should You Buy NFL Jerseys?

Because there are potentially fake jerseys on the re-sale market, I always recommend people to buy from a reputable source like NFLShop.com (which is the official online shop of the NFL). This is where you can shop for jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).

You can also shop at local retail stores, although not all types of NFL jerseys are offered in local retail stores, so your selection may be limited. NFL pro shops located inside of stadiums will also have a wide selection of jerseys.

Paul Johnson

Paul has been with us from our beginnings. He focuses on a wide range of sports, including NFL, NBA, MLB and golf.

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