Updated on: 2025-11-01
Table of Contents
- A practical guide to buying football shirts without making a mistake
- Key advantages of authentic and replica football shirts
- Football jerseys, complete kits and NFL jerseys: a quick overview
- Summary and next steps for your football shirts
- Frequently asked questions about football shirts
Whether you're looking for football shirts for the stadium, your collection, or training, this guide helps you make a safe and comfortable choice. We review the key points for buying football shirts that suit your budget, style, and body type. You'll also see how to compare an authentic version and a replica, find the right size without stress, and confidently spot genuine football shirts for sale online.
A practical guide to buying football shirts without making a mistake
Determine your use of the football jersey
Before choosing a jersey, clarify its primary use. If you'll be wearing it every day (lifestyle), prioritize comfort, a regular fit, and soft, breathable fabrics. If you're going to the stadium or collecting, attention to detail (badges, patches, colors) is crucial. For training, aim for breathability, a sporty cut, and quick-drying materials. This first step will prevent you from paying for unnecessary features and will guide you toward the right type of jersey.
Choosing between an authentic jersey and a replica
The question often comes up: what's the difference between an authentic jersey and a replica? An authentic jersey replicates the players' cut (more fitted), advanced technical fabrics, and premium finishes (heat-sealed patches, strategic perforations). A replica, on the other hand, prioritizes everyday comfort with a straighter cut, durable fabrics, and a more affordable price. If you want the "on-the-field" feel, the authentic jersey makes sense. For versatile, everyday wear, the replica is perfectly suitable.
In terms of budget, authentic models generally cost more due to the technologies and finishes. Ask yourself the right question: do I need a performance fit or everyday comfort? This answer will guide 80% of your purchasing decision.
Finding the right size football shirt
How do you choose the right size football shirt? Start with your measurements (chest and waist) and compare them to the manufacturer's size guide. If you're between sizes and the fit is snug (often the case with authentic shirts), choose the larger size for a more relaxed fit. For replicas, your usual size will usually fit. Also consider how you'll be wearing it: if you'll be wearing a t-shirt underneath or prefer a looser fit, choose accordingly.
Practical tip: check the length of your jersey, especially if you're tall or if you tuck it into your shorts during training. A good length will prevent it from riding up during exercise.
Compare materials and technologies
Brands offer breathable fabrics, micro-perforated panels, and moisture-wicking technologies. These are very useful for training or hot climates. For urban use, look for a pleasant feel and good colorfastness after washing. Patches and decorative elements can be embroidered (more durable) or heat-sealed (lighter, with a more rugged look). It's up to you to prioritize performance, style, and durability.
Personalize a youth jersey with name and number
Personalized youth football shirts with name and number make a fantastic gift and help strengthen a child's connection to a club. For a clean, long-lasting look, choose official flocking and follow the care instructions (see below). Double-check the spelling of the name, number, and size before finalizing the personalization: as this is a personalized product, returns are often limited. Finally, if the child grows quickly, consider going up a size to extend the shirt's lifespan.
Where to buy authentic football shirts online
Choose reputable shops with detailed product descriptions, clear sizing, and crisp photos. A good sign is a transparent shipping and returns policy and responsive customer service. You can explore the full range to compare styles and budgets via All Jerseys , check shipping details on the Shipping page, and ask questions via Contact . When you're ready to browse new arrivals and classic styles, start on the Planet Foot homepage.
Key advantages of authentic and replica football shirts
- A choice suited to the use: authentic for performance, replica for everyday use.
- Comfort and breathability: fabrics that wick away moisture and remain lightweight.
- Faithful finishes: logos, badges and details close to the match versions.
- Controlled budget: wide range of prices, from replica models to high-end models.
- Personalization possible: name and number for a unique gift, especially for young people.
- Durability: reinforced seams and stable colors with proper care.
Football jerseys, complete kits and NFL jerseys: a quick overview
Club and national team jerseys
Whether you support a European club or a national team, football shirts are available in several ranges (authentic, replica, sometimes "stadium"). Home, away, and third kits allow you to express your style without compromising your team colors. If you're a collector, keep an eye out for special or anniversary editions, which highlight historical details.
Complete outfits (kits) for training and matches
If you're looking for more than just a jersey, consider complete football kits (jersey + shorts + socks). Sets make it easy to coordinate sizes and colors, and often, buying them together is cheaper than buying them separately. For regular training, having two alternating kits allows you to rotate them without waiting for an urgent wash.
A quick look at NFL jerseys
NFL jerseys are a different category altogether, with a looser fit and sometimes thicker fabrics, and highly visible numbers. If you're an American football fan, check the size chart specific to this category (it differs from that of European football jerseys). Here too, there's a distinction between authentic versions and replicas, with corresponding differences in finish and price.
Summary and next steps for your football shirts
To recap, start by defining your primary use, choose between authentic and replica items based on your priorities, take your measurements for sizing, and then compare materials and finishes. Consider personalization for a unique gift, especially for younger people, and prioritize reputable shops with clear policies and accessible customer service.
Ready to find your next jersey? Browse the selection, filter by club or team, read the descriptions, and double-check the size before finalizing your purchase. This way, you'll be confident when your package arrives and proud to wear your team colors, both at the stadium and in everyday life.
Frequently asked questions about football shirts
How to choose the right size football jersey?
Measure your chest circumference and compare it to the manufacturer's size guide. If the fit is snug and you're still unsure, go up a size for a more relaxed fit. For everyday wear, your usual size often works well. Remember to consider wearing base layers if you'll be playing outdoors.
What is the difference between an authentic jersey and a replica?
An authentic replica adopts the cut and fabrics used on the field: closer to the body, lighter, more breathable, and usually with heat-sealed patches. A replica prioritizes comfort and durability, with a straighter cut and a more affordable price. The choice depends on your priority: performance or everyday versatility.
How to care for and wash a football jersey without damaging it?
Wash inside out, at a low temperature, without fabric softener, and avoid tumble drying. Do not iron directly on logos or flocking. Air dry, flat if possible. These simple steps will prolong colorfastness and maintain the quality of the finish.
Supporters' shops created in 1997, we specialize in the physical and remote sale of sporting goods intended for supporters and practitioners.
