One rule of thumb of being an avid football fan is to wear it loud and wear it proud. Football fan gear is essential to the superfan, whether one is at a game or playing armchair quarterback. With so many types of gear out there, it may be difficult to settle on a particular item, especially when buying a gift. Football season for the true fan is always just around the corner, and by learning about the apparel available and its authenticity, buyers can easily acquire the perfect gear.
Jerseys
A typical football fan uniform is the jersey on game day. Not all jerseys are alike, however, as there are different levels of quality and pricing. Some fans may demand only the highest quality jersey, while others are content to just wear their team colors for the big game.
Type of Jersey | Price | Quality |
Authentic jersey
|
Most expensive
|
Best quality
Made of the same material that professionals use
|
Premier jersey
|
Moderately expensive
|
Good quality
Still have sewn-on letters and looks authentic, but made of nylon
|
Replica jersey
|
Inexpensive
|
Fair quality
Made to look like a real jersey, but has screen-printed lettering
|
Knockoff jersey
|
Very inexpensive
|
Poor quality
Inexpensive but very easy to tell that it is not authentic
|
Replica jerseys are a great choice if one has a vast and rotating collection of jerseys that they wear every Sunday. A premier or authentic jersey is best especially when purchasing a gift, as they are made of much better quality. If, for instance, a friend or family member is a big Peyton Manning fan, they most likely will prefer a quality-stitched jersey that will last for many seasons to come.
Distinguishing Real from Fake
It can be difficult to tell the difference between fake and real jerseys, especially when buying online. A higher quality jersey will always have sewn-on letters, as opposed to screen-printing. Always look carefully at the players on the field. If the jersey looks nothing like what the players are wearing, it is most likely a knockoff. The stitching on authentic and premier jerseys is always clean, with no mistakes. Also, keep in mind that most authentic jerseys come to retail stores every August, so a claim of a brand new jersey in December is unlikely.
Other Apparel
Other apparel available for football fans includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, and footwear. There is even an "ugly sweater" line now available for the professional teams. T-shirts are probably the most popular option for apparel, as they can also prominently display a player's name on the back like jerseys do. Official T-shirts are less expensive than jerseys, and make a great gift.
Children and Women's Wear
Every professional football team has football apparel lines available for both women and children. You can find a wide array of gifts ranging from an infant 49ers jersey to a pair of Ravens earrings. The female fan base in the U.S. is huge, and women like to be dressed up for the big game as well. There are jerseys designed specifically for women, as well as T-shirts. When searching for an item for a female fan, always shop the women's section first.
Back-to-School
For the football fan that is heading back to class, there are a variety of back-to-school items available such as lunchboxes and backpacks. Folders, calendars, gym bags, and tote bags are also great gifts for the returning student. As with apparel and jerseys, it is always best to look for official merchandise before buying replicas.
Authentic Autographed Items
Any gear item, such as a jersey, that claims to have an autograph from a professional football player, should come with a COA, or Certificate of Authenticity. Many autographed items are authentic and available for purchase, but if they do not include the accompaniment of a certificate, they may be fake. Be very careful when purchasing autographed memorabilia.
How to Buy Football Gear on eBay
Once you have decided on the type of gear that you would like to buy, use the basic and advanced search functions found on any eBay page. Look for an experienced seller with positive feedback in order to ensure a quality transaction. Ask questions of the seller, such as photographic evidence to prove that a jersey is real. When purchasing autographed items ask for the COA. Keep in mind sellers closer to you may provide better shipping options.