If you are shopping for an authentic NFL jersey, you might feel overwhelmed by the choices. Nike has several different types of fan jerseys available, and you might be confused trying to figure out which styles are the best. Which Nike NFL Jersey is authentic?
The Nike Elite jerseys are the authentic NFL jerseys. Click here to view the Nike Elite jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate links take you to NFLShop.com).
Although the Nike Elite jerseys are the authentic jerseys in the NFL, the Nike Limited jerseys also share many of the authentic features, and are offered at a reduced price point. In this article let’s take a closer look at the Nike Elite and Nike Limited jerseys so you can choose which one will be best for you.
Authentic Nike NFL Jerseys
Which Nike NFL Jersey is Authentic?
As we just discussed, the Nike Elite jerseys are the authentic NFL jerseys. There are two different version of this jersey. Let’s take a closer look at the Nike Elite jerseys so you know what to expect.
Nike Elite
The Nike Elite jersey is made with the exact specifications of what the players wear on the field. This gives you an opportunity to own a true authentic piece of NFL fan apparel.
The Nike Elite jerseys are offered in two versions (regular and vapor). Most NFL teams offer one or the other to fans, but not always both. Here’s where you can check to see what version your team offers at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
What’s the difference?
First of all, both versions are authentic jerseys and have embroidered graphics. But there are significant differences in design.
The standard Nike Elite jerseys have a more traditional construction. The jerseys have paneling on both the front and back of the jersey, and the sleeves push down the arm. Here is a picture of a traditional Nike Elite jersey:
The Nike Elite Vapor Untouchables are a re-design of the original Nike Elite jerseys. One major design change is (with input from the players) Nike designed the Vapor jerseys so that all the seams converge in the middle of the back. This reduced the amount of grab points on the players’ jerseys.
From a fan perspective, what is nice about the Vapor version is it lays flatter against the body. That is probably the biggest drawback to the original Elite jerseys is the paneling (which is authentic) causes the jersey to not lay flat against the skin in all areas. Here is a look at the Nike Elite Vapor Untouchable:
Again, one main takeaway here is the Vapor versions have the seams converge in the middle of the back. Here is a look at a Vapor version of a Mahomes jersey, and as you can see, the seams all come together behind the numbers on the back of the jersey (allowing the rest of the jersey to lay flat):
Another obvious design difference when considering Elite vs Elite Vapor is the sleeves. The Nike Elite Vapor Untouchable sleeves are fitted, and the traditional Nike Elite jerseys have standard sleeves. Here is a look at the Elite Vapor sitting on top of the Elite (same sizing):
As you can see, not only are the sleeves fitted on the vapor version, but the overall fit is slimmer. To read more about how NFL jerseys fit, visit our NFL Jersey Sizing Guide.
Again, not all teams will offer both Elite versions to fans. Click here to see what version is offered by your favorite team at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). To read more about how the Nike Elite compares to the Vapor, visit our article Nike Elite vs Vapor.
Nike Limited
The Nike Limited jerseys are not authentic jerseys. So why are they being included in this article? Because they do have some authentic features, and they are more affordable than the Elite jerseys. This is the current price of the Nike Limited jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
The Limited jerseys, just like the Elite jerseys, have both a traditional version and a Vapor version. The Nike Limited Vapor Untouchable jerseys are my favorite type of NFL fan jersey. Click here to view the Limited Vapor jerseys at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com).
What is cool about the Nike Limited jerseys is they do have embroidered graphics, so although they aren’t true authentic jerseys, they do have a premium appearance due to the stitched-on graphics. Here is a look at my Patrick Mahomes Nike Limited Vapor Untouchable jersey:
One thing I really like about the Nike Limited Vapor jerseys is the sleeves are, in my opinion, a perfect length and fit. They aren’t too short and awkward, but they also aren’t too loose and sloppy. They fit nicely and are my choice for best sleeves out of all the NFL jersey types. This jersey fits true to size.
Again, not all teams will offer both Limited versions to fans. Click here to see what version is offered by your favorite team at NFLShop.com (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). To read more about how the Limited jersey compares to the Elite jersey, visit our article Nike Limited vs Elite.
Where to Buy NFL Jerseys
Click here to shop for NFL jerseys at NFLShop.com, which is the official online shop of the NFL (affiliate link takes you to NFLShop.com). You can buy from them with confidence knowing you aren’t getting scammed.
Some other big box retail stores will carry NFL jerseys, but they often have a limited selection in comparison to NFLShop.com. You also have the option to shop in-stadium if going to a game. If you are unsure which jersey is best for you, visit our article about What NFL Jersey Should You Buy?