How to Choose a Kids NBA Jersey

Do you want to make sure your kids are repping their favourite team and player in style? Or maybe you’re looking to buy a gift for a young basketball fan and you’re not sure where to start. Whatever the case may be, the stakes are super high since you don’t want to disappoint that little rascal.

Truth be told, shopping for a junior basketball jersey isn’t all that different from picking one out for yourself. But even so, picking out the perfect NBA jersey requires careful consideration to ensure you’re making the best possible choice.

How Do You Choose a Kids NBA Jersey?

There are several factors that you should lean on when deciding on a kids basketball jersey, with each one playing an important role in the outcome.

Team and Player Name

All basketball fans have their favourite team, and kids are no different. If your child’s allegiance lies with a particular squad, then you’ll want to get them a jersey that reflects that. Different teams have different designs and colour schemes, so it’s important to take that into account when making your purchase.

The same goes for the player name. Every kid has a favourite player, and they’ll want a jersey that sports their name on the back. Whether it’s LeBron James, Steph Curry or somebody else entirely, wearing their name with pride is a must for any young fan.

Special Editions and Retro Kits

Special edition jerseys are often used to commemorate important moments and players in a team’s history. They normally feature unique designs and memorabilia to honour past success. If your kid is a big fan of their team’s history, then this might be the route for you.

Retro kits are another popular option for young fans. These jerseys harken back to an older era in the NBA and often feature classic designs. Back in the day, jersey designs were much simpler and didn’t feature as much flashiness or embellishments. Plus, they’re associated with some of the greatest names in basketball tradition, which makes them all the more appealing.

Size and Fit

As with any piece of clothing, it’s important to make sure that the junior basketball jersey you’re picking out is the right size. There’s nothing worse than ill-fitting clothes, so you’ll want to take care on this front.

Fortunately, most manufacturers make it easy to find the right size by providing size charts that you can use as a reference. All you need are your child’s measurements and you’ll be good to go.

How to Spot a Fake NBA Jersey

Unfortunately, not all jerseys on the market are genuine. There are plenty of knockoffs and fakes out there, which is why it’s important that you know how to spot them. While it’s unlikely that children will take note of these things, there’s no harm in being extra vigilant. Here are some key things to look out for:

Single Layer Prints

One of the easiest ways to spot a fake is to take a closer look at the printing. On genuine jerseys, the names and numbers will be printed on multiple layers of fabric. This gives them a raised, 3D effect that features intricate details.

Fakes, on the other hand, will often have single-layer prints that look flat and wash out easily. This is a direct result of lower-quality printing materials being used in the manufacturing process. So if you notice that the printing looks suspicious, it’s best to steer clear. This is particularly important for kids’ clothes since the rough-and-tumble nature of their playtime can be hard on the fabrics.

Misplaced Logos

This is a more minor detail, but it’s still worth mentioning. On authentic jerseys, the team’s logo will be placed on the right side of the chest, opposite the NBA logo. On fake jerseys, however, the team logo is often positioned on the left side.

This might seem insignificant, but it’s actually a big no-no for diehard fans. So if you want to make sure you’re getting the real deal, be sure to check where the team logo is located.

Mesh Outline

The mesh outline is another key area to inspect. On authentic jerseys, the mesh fabric will be stitched down on all sides. This gives it a clean, finished look without any loose threads or fraying.

On fake jerseys, however, the mesh outline is often sloppy and unfinished. You’ll notice stray threads and loose fabric, which is a clear sign that it’s not the real deal. These jerseys also tend to fall apart quite easily, so it’s not worth the risk.

Low Prices

As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. And when it comes to jerseys, that couldn’t be more accurate. If you come across a jersey that’s priced way below the competition, chances are it’s not the real thing.

So even though it might be tempting to go for the cheaper option, you’re better off spending a bit more to get a good quality product. It might be a heftier investment initially, but it’ll definitely be worth it in the long run. You won’t have to worry about it falling apart after a few washes, and you’ll know that your child is wearing the real deal.

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