Nike NFL Jersey Real vs. Fake Guide 2025: How Can I Tell If It Is Real?

Which Nike NFL Jersey Is Authentic?

Nike now offers three versions of your team's jerseys: Elite,Limited and Game Jerseys. 

Nike Elite NFL Jersey

The Nike Elite NFL Jersey is Nike's version of the premium game day jersey, it's the actual jersey that players wear on the field. This gives you an opportunity to own a true authentic piece of NFL fan apparel.If you’re an absolute die-hard enthusiast the Elite jersey can not be beaten in quality since it contains all the best features the experts gain from on the area. Nike Elite jerseys have authentic materials, ventilation, sewn-on twill letters and numbers, and every teeny-tiny detail of the official jerseys.

Nike Limited Jerseys

The next level of Nike NFL Jerseys is the Limited Jersey which offers the look of the premium Elite jersey including flexible premium twill numbers and tactical ventilation in key zones but with a few less features and a significant amount less of money. The Limited Jersey is the Nike version of the old Reebok authentic jerseys. 

Nike Game Jersey

The Nike NFL Game Jersey replaced the Reebok replica jersey and comes in at the lowest price point so you can show off your team pride at every game. Nike improved this version with silicon print numbers for a lighter feel and a tailored fit for better movement.They feature breathable mesh side panels and screen-printed graphics (including the name and number). However, they don't use the same high-quality materials as the performance jerseys.Game jerseys have a loose, relaxed fit, perfect for watching the big game from your couch. 

All of these jerseys are considered authentic—none of these are fakes.Limited and Game jerseys are a more affordable choice and should do the trick for most football fans who plan on just getting rowdy in the racks in their jerseys, not handling people inside them. 

Where To Buy Authentic NFL Jerseys?

You can purchase authentic NFL jerseys from the NFLshop.com, any team's official website or stores.However, expect to pay a higher price tag—that's the cost of authenticity:

• Nike (up to 3% super cash back)

• NFL Shop (2% super cash back)

• Fanatics (2% super cash back)

• Lids (2% super cash back) 

• Dicks Sporting Goods

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Loads of websites out there promote “authentic” jerseys for cheap, but in reality, they are far from authentic or official.There are many ways to get a cheap jersey online, but if you're looking for quality and authenticity, it's good practice not to buy from knockoff sites.Here are the most common places you'll find fakes:

• eBay

• Amazon

• Etsy

• Facebook Marketplace

• Walmart Marketplace

• Craigslist

• Alibaba

• Scam websites

• NFL Shop imposters

If you discover you've purchased a fake, take immediate action.The steps you'll need to take depend on where you purchased the jersey:

Amazon: File for an A-to-Z Guarantee with Amazon's customer service team.

eBay: Reach out to eBay's customer service to see if you qualify for a money-back guarantee.

Walmart Marketplace: Visit Walmart's Marketplace Promise to request a refund for your purchase.

Craigslist: Craigslist has no protection for buyers. However, it's important you contact Craigslist to report the fraud to prevent others from getting scammed.

Facebook Marketplace: No protection for buyers.

How To Spot A Fake Nike NFL Jersey?

Fake NFL jerseys are scammer-made clothing that mimics the style and details of any of these authentic NFL jerseys. They're often made with low-quality and non-durable materials but promise the performance and professionalism of original jerseys.Often, they'll use the wrong shades of colors and even print the wrong player number on the back. In addition, these cheap jerseys usually have sizing issues, and some will fall apart after a single wash.

1. The NFL Logo of Neckline

The most notable difference between an authentic and knockoff NFL jersey is the NFL logo on the front of the neckline.Nike introduced a new rubberized NFL shield onto the collars which counterfeit jerseys haven't been able to copy yet. Knockoff jerseys will likely have a cloth NFL logo sewn onto the front of the neckline or some sort of vinyl. If it is not made of a thin rubber, it is not a Nike authentic jersey.

Pay attention to the inside of the collar too. Jersey sizes are printed inside the neckline on the back of authentic jerseys.Depending on what jersey you are after, sizing will either be printed or stitched directed on the collar.Nike NFL Jerseys feature a no tags in the collar that can flip up or irritate you, they are either printed or completely sewn down into the jersey.

2. Letters and Numbers

Most fans know what their team's font looks like and this will help them spot fakes as most counterfeit jerseys use the wrong font for the team which is very noticeable.

Pay special attention to the numbers on the jersey, if they appear shiny, don't lay evenly flat and contain bubbling, you're looking at a fake jersey. Fakes will often have folds and creases and low-quality material. However, this isn't always noticeable at first glance—often, you'll begin to see the folds and creases as the jersey goes through the wash.Fakes also use a shiny, metallic-like material. Authentic NFL jerseys do not.

But keep in mind that during the early 80's, some of the jerseys had more of a thick screen printing style to them so not all were stitched numbers and names. You could very well find a Joe Montana jersey that has a glossy and thick screen printing on it and assume it is a fake. It may actually still be an authentic. 

3. The Price Tag

Real NFL tags have a crisp NFL logo. You'll be able to make out the dark blue gradient across the logo, and it should have a slight sheen to it.

Real jersey tags should have a hologram on a green field background and yard markers on the back of the hologram. 

Brand-new jerseys will feature NFL tags and a Universal Product Code (UPC). The UPC tag will also include the sizing and retail price—fake jerseys will sometimes forget this detail.

4. The Panel Colors

Since it's a different material, the fake NFL jersey cannot match up the panel colors to match the jersey exactly.The mesh ventilation of an authentic NFL jersey is the same base color as the rest of it. If you notice discrepancies, it's not a team styling choice or a variant jersey—it's a fake.

5. The Jock Tag

Genuine woven NFL Nike jock tag ensures authenticity.The jock tag on an authentic NFL jersey has raised panels with embossed logos.The second one appeared on the earliest counterfeit jerseys, and the poor quality is obvious.While the third one is much improved, it’s still obviously bogus. In addition to not appearing embossed, there’s no space between ‘NFL’ and ‘PLAYERS’, and the stitching is a contrasting color.

6. Sizing

The sizing on inexpensive jerseys is typically far off from the typical sizing chart too. There are loads of examples available online that compare a genuine size large jersey to a size large bought from a discount jersey store, and the difference is shocking. Not only are the jerseys much larger than they should be, but the hem could be trimmed unevenly or feature a fall tail in the back which is not consistent with authenticity.

7. Price

Authentic NFL Game jerseys sell for around $100, Limited jerseys sell for $150, and Elite jerseys sell for $295. Yes, you'll find discounts from time to time, but if you find jerseys on sale for significantly less than these price tags, be on high alert.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the old Reebok and the new Nike NFL Jerseys?

Overall, the main difference in the jerseys is the material and construction of them. Nike is known for cutting-edge technology in their sportswear and they didn't disappoint when it came to redesigning what the NFL would wear. Instead of focusing on major changes in the way the uniforms look they focused on changing the way the jerseys fit and feel. Using lighter fabric with a more contoured fit and four-way stretch for optimal movement the jerseys are made to help players move. 

The new Nike NFL Jersey is approximately 20-30% lighter than the old Reebok one while boasting added functionality like flywire technology in the collar for a better fit, stretch twill numbers, zoned mesh ventilation and customizable base layer padding. All of these improvements add up to a more comfortable uniform that fits each player's needs.

Are all NFL jerseys made by Nike?

Nike is the official licensed manufacturer of NFL jerseys that players wear.The jerseys fans wear will have the Nike swoosh, but they will no longer be made by Nike. Fanatics to make Nike fan jerseys.

Are NFL jerseys made in China?

Yes, NFL Real jerseys are manufactured in China. If you have a chance to look at the label of an NFL jersey, no matter the real one or a fake, the first way to find out if it's made in China is if the jersey is written: “Made in China”. Even the NFL's real jerseys are written this “Made in China”.

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