In this post, I’ll show you where you can buy AUTHENTIC soccer jerseys and how to identify them.
Soccer jerseys have grown in popularity among fashion enthusiasts over the past several years.
They’ve become an integral part of streetwear and even casual wear (apart from wearing them while playing soccer).
But it’s important to make sure that you’re buying the best quality jersey. That’s why authenticity is important.
Authentic jerseys are made with superior materials and craftsmanship. This ensures they last longer and withstand regular wear and tear.
So, you can enjoy your jersey for years to come.
In this post, we’ll go through all the best options where you can buy authentic soccer jerseys. I’ll also tell you how to differentiate a fake jersey from a real one.
So, if you’re in the market for a new soccer jersey but don’t know where to buy it from, you’re in the right place.
Best Places To Buy Authentic Soccer Jerseys
| Where to Buy | Examples |
|---|---|
| Official Club Stores | Manchester United Megastore, Real Madrid Store |
| Authorized Retailers | Adidas, Nike, Soccer.com, World Soccer Shop |
| Specialty Stores | Classic Football Shirts, Soccer Village, Upper 90 |
| Online Marketplaces | eBay, Amazon |
Official Club Stores
If you want to buy an authentic jersey, what better way than to get it from the official club store?
Pros
- Guaranteed Authenticity: You can be 100% sure that the jersey you’re purchasing is genuine and not a counterfeit.
- Exclusive Merchandise: Official club stores often carry exclusive items like limited edition jerseys and special player versions.
- Support for the Club: Purchasing directly from the club ensures that a larger portion of your money goes directly to supporting the team you love.
Cons
- Higher Prices: Official club stores often have higher prices compared to other retailers.
- Limited Selection: The selection might be limited to the team’s current jerseys and a few classic designs.
- Limited Accessibility: For fans who live far from a team’s home city or country, accessing an official club store might be inconvenient.
Examples
Some well-known official club stores include:
How to Find Them
You can usually find official club stores:
- Online: Through the club’s official website.
- Physically: At stadiums, in city centers (especially in the team’s home city), or sometimes at major airports.
Authorized Retailers
Beyond official club stores, a wider range of retailers are authorized to sell authentic soccer jerseys.
These include major sportswear brands, dedicated soccer retailers, and general sporting goods stores.
Pros
- Wider Selection: Authorized retailers often carry a more extensive selection of jerseys like jerseys from different seasons and special editions.
- Competitive Prices: You can often find better deals and discounts at authorized retailers.
- Convenience: Authorized retailers are more widespread and accessible than official club stores.
- Additional Merchandise: They offer a wider range of soccer-related merchandise including shorts, socks, training gear, and accessories.
Cons
- Verification Required: It’s crucial to verify the authenticity of jerseys purchased from authorized retailers. Not all retailers carry 100% authentic merchandise.
- Less Exclusive Merchandise: You might not find the same exclusive items available at official club stores.
Examples
Some well-known authorized retailers for soccer jerseys include:
- Major Sportswear Brands: Nike, Adidas, Puma
- Dedicated Soccer Retailers: Kitbag, Pro:Direct Soccer, World Soccer Shop, Soccer.com
- General Sporting Goods Stores: Decathlon, Sports Direct
How to Verify Authenticity
- Look for Official Licensing: Check for official tags, labels, and holograms that indicate the jersey is licensed by the club and league.
- Check Retailer Reputation: Choose reputable retailers with a proven track record of selling authentic merchandise.
- Read Reviews: Before purchasing, read online reviews from other customers to gauge the retailer’s reliability.
Specialty Soccer Stores
For the ultimate soccer fan experience, specialty soccer stores are a treasure trove.
These stores are dedicated exclusively to the beautiful game. They’re often run by passionate enthusiasts with deep knowledge of the sport and its history.
Pros
- Expert Knowledge: The staff at specialty soccer stores are often experts in their field, able to provide detailed information about everything.
- Curated Selection: These stores often have a carefully curated selection of jerseys, including rare or vintage items that you won’t find in mainstream stores.
- Community Atmosphere: Specialty soccer stores foster a sense of community among fans. They may host events, screenings, or discussions to get the soccer fans together.
- Personalized Service: You can expect personalized attention and recommendations tailored to your interests and preferences.
Cons
- Higher Prices: Due to their unique offerings and specialized knowledge, specialty soccer stores may have higher prices compared to other retailers.
- Limited Locations: These stores are smaller and less widespread than larger retailers, making them less accessible for some fans.
Examples
Some notable specialty soccer stores include:
- Classic Football Shirts (UK)
- Pro Direct Soccer (UK)
- Soccer Village (USA)
- Upper 90 (USA)
- 11teamsports (Germany)
How to Find Them
- Online Search: Use search engines or online directories like SoccerRetailers.com to find specialty soccer stores in your area.
- Ask Fellow Fans: Connect with other soccer fans online or in your community for recommendations.
- Social Media: Follow soccer-related social media accounts and groups for updates and recommendations.
Online Marketplaces
Online Marketplaces have become popular destinations for buying soccer jerseys.
They offer a vast selection and the potential for great deals, but they also come with significant risks.
Pros
- Vast Selection: Online marketplaces offer the widest selection of soccer jerseys, including rare, vintage, and hard-to-find items.
- Potential for Deals: You might stumble upon great deals on authentic jerseys.
- Convenience: Who doesn’t love the convenience of shopping online from the comfort of their homes?
Cons
- High Risk of Counterfeits: The biggest drawback of online marketplaces is the prevalence of counterfeit jerseys.
- Requires Vigilance: You need to be extra vigilant when shopping on online marketplaces. You’ll need to do your due diligence before clicking that ‘Buy’ button.
- Potential Scams: Unfortunately, scams are not uncommon on online marketplaces.
Examples
How to Avoid Fakes
- Choose Reputable Sellers: Look for sellers with high positive feedback ratings and a history of selling authentic merchandise.
- Check Seller Feedback: Read reviews from other buyers to gauge the seller’s reliability and authenticity of their products.
- Scrutinize Product Descriptions and Photos: Look for detailed descriptions and high-resolution photos that clearly show the jersey’s details, tags, and labels.
- Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask the seller questions about the jersey’s authenticity, origin, and condition.
Tips for Identifying Authentic Jerseys
With the prevalence of counterfeit jerseys, it’s crucial to know how to differentiate the real deal from the fakes.
So, as promised, here are some key tips to identify authentic soccer jerseys.
Check Tags and Labels
- Hologram: Authentic jerseys usually have a holographic sticker on the tag with a unique serial number. Counterfeiters will try to replicate these, but the quality is usually inferior.
- Stitching: Examine the stitching on the tags and labels. It should be neat, even, and secure.
- Official Logos: Look for official logos and trademarks on the tags and labels. These should be clear, sharp, and correctly positioned.
Examine Materials and Details
- Fabric Quality: Authentic jerseys are made with high quality materials that feel soft, breathable, and durable. Counterfeit jerseys will feel rough or flimsy.
- Logos and Badges: Authentic logos and badges are typically heat-pressed or embroidered with precise stitching. Counterfeit ones might be poorly printed or glued.
- Details: Also pay attention to small details like buttons, zippers, and stitching patterns. Counterfeit jerseys often have flaws or inconsistencies.
Compare Prices
- Be Realistic: Authentic jerseys rarely come at heavily discounted prices. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Research Average Prices: Check the average prices of authentic jerseys from reputable retailers to get an idea of what to expect.
Ask for Proof of Authenticity
- Receipts: If buying from an individual seller, ask for a receipt from an authorized retailer as proof of purchase.
- Certificates of Authenticity: Some brands or retailers also provide certificates of authenticity with their jerseys.
Thank You For Reading
I hope you had fun learning about the best places to buy authentic soccer jerseys. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
I’d also like to hear what you have to say…
Where do you purchase your soccer jerseys from? How was your experience?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!
And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
Also, check out the article on 41 Coolest Soccer Jerseys of All Time.
