MLB Jersey Buying & Fitting Guide

Complete MLB Jersey Fit Guide

If you're a real fan, then you need a real MLB jersey in your collection. Whichever Windy City baseball team you support - and even if you prefer to cheer for another team - owning a good jersey is important.

Both the North Side and South Side can agree there's no substitute for a comfortable, durable and genuine jersey. As an authorized retailer of official Major League Baseball apparel, Clark Street Sports is here to assist you with finding the perfect Chicago Cubs jersey or White Sox jersey.

Who Makes Licensed MLB Jerseys?

The baseball jersey world saw a major change in 2020. Nike has replaced Majestic Athletic as the official licensed manufacturer of modern MLB jerseys with a contract that runs through 2029. Mitchell & Ness remains an official throwback MLB jersey manufacturer.

Together, these companies offer several types of jerseys for fans. Here's some more about each MLB jersey style and why they may be right for you.

Authentic MLB Jerseys

Nike authentic jerseys - also known as on-field MLB jerseys - are exactly like the ones your favorite players wear on game day. These jerseys are made using 100% polyester material with twill graphics and a full-button front. The moisture-wicking fabric, mesh paneling and athletic cut keep you cool on hot summer days while allowing freedom of movement. Official MLB lettering, sleeve patches, team-specific patches and locker tags are all embroidered on the jersey. Authentic jerseys also have an MLB Batterman logo sewn onto the top center of the jersey back just below the neckline. They typically cost around $270 and up. (An older Majestic jersey will likely cost much less.)

Replica Baseball Jerseys

If you're on a smaller budget, a replica MLB jersey is an affordable option. These fully-licensed jerseys are also made of 100% polyester with a great look and feel plus features such as a rounded hem. However, replica jerseys have the letters, jock tags and patches are heat-sealed on instead of embroidered. They also don't have the sleeve and team-specific patches, and the cut is more for everyday wear. A replica costs around $115 to $155, so you can show your dedication with pride for less.

Nike Cooperstown Collection

The Cooperstown Collection is a subset of Nika replica jerseys that feature vintage logos and all-time great players, such as this Ernie Banks Throwback Jersey. Like the modern replica jerseys, they are made of lightweight polyester with a heat-sealed team logo and lettering. Available at roughly the same price point as well, it's an affordable way to stand out and pay tribute to past greats. It's also worth mentioning that all three series of Nike baseball jerseys are machine-washable (follow the provided care instructions).

Vintage MLB Jerseys

Mitchell & Ness makes Chicago throwback-style baseball jerseys based on the original designs with a patch that notes the year the original jersey was worn. A vintage jersey is a timeless way to pay tribute to past greats or enduring fan favorites - think Ryne Sandberg, Frank Thomas and Bo Jackson. It's also the "safe" option in case a current player you like gets traded or doesn't pan out. If that player is in the Hall of Fame, a commemorative "Cooperstown Collection" patch will note its authenticity.

The Mitchell & Ness throwbacks are distinct from the Nike Cooperstown Collection. Their batting practice throwback jerseys are made of mesh fabric and cost around $100. Conversely, an authentic vintage jersey is crafted from premium polyester and starts at about $300. Both the BP and authentic jerseys have embroidered graphics.

Baseball Jersey Size Charts

Whatever style of MLB jersey you buy, the proper fit is part of a good look. Here is the baseball jersey size chart for men's, women's and youth baseball jerseys based on official information from Nike and MLB. If you plan to wear layers beneath your jersey or like a looser fit, order one size up. All measurements are in inches.

Nike Men's MLB Jersey Size Chart

	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL	4XL
Chest	35-37	37.5-41	41-44	44.48.5	48.5-53.5	53.5-58	58-63
Waist	29-32	32-35	35-38	38-43	43-47.5	47.5-52.5	52.5-57
Hip	35-37	37.5-41	41-44	44-47	47-50.5	50.5-53.5	53.5-57
Length	29	30	31	32	33	34	35

Nike Women's MLB Baseball Jersey Sizes

	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL	3XL
Size	0-2	4-6	8-10	12-14	16-18	20	22
Chest	29.5-32.5	32.5-35.5	35.5-38	38-41	41-44.5	44.5-48.5	52.75-56.5
Waist	23.5-26	26-29	29-31.5	31.5-34.5	34.5-38.5	38.5-42.5	46.75-50.25
Hip	33-35.5	35.5-38-.5	38.5-41	41-44	44-47	47-50	54.25-58.25

Youth Nike Baseball Jersey Size Chart

	XS	S	M	L	XL
Size	6-7	8-9	10-12	14-16	18-20
Age (yrs.)	6-7	8-9	10-11	12-13	14+
Chest	25.5-27	27-29	29-31	31-33.5	33.5-36.5
Waist	23.5-24	24-25	25-27	27-28	28-29.5
Hips	27-29	29-31	31-33	33-35	35-37
Height	47-51	51-55	55-59	59-63	63-67

Mitchell & Ness Men's Jersey Size Chart

	S	M	L	XL	2XL	3XL	4XL	5XL
Size	36	40	44	48	52	56	60	64
Body Length	30	31	32	33	34	35	36	37
Body Width	19	21	23	25	27	29	31	33
Sleeve Length	8	8.5	9	9.5	10	10.5	11	11.5

How to Spot Fake MLB Jerseys

An officially licensed jersey carries real credibility in the sports world. Unfortunately, many companies try to undermine that with bootleg MLB jerseys. Here are some easy ways to spot a knock-off:

1. Pricing. An "authentic" jersey for a player currently on the team selling at a price way below market value is probably a fake. However, low pricing is less suspicious if the player has recently been traded.
2. Construction. The materials and stitching on knock-off MLB jerseys are usually of poor quality. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for.
3. Misspellings & Misaligned Elements. This is the biggest giveaway. Misspelled player and team names, numbers not being centered and other design errors mean a fake nearly 100% of the time.
4. Missing Tags or Logos. Authentic jerseys have a tag embroidered on the bottom front and the aforementioned MLB logo below the back neckline. Check that these things are in the right spot and are sewn on.
5. Evasive Sellers or False Claims. A legitimate seller will answer all questions and won't dance around or ignore requests for information. Also, if a seller claims the jersey is factory-sealed, it's a fake - MLB doesn't wrap jerseys individually.

Wear Your Jersey with Pride

Shop at Clark Street Sports throughout the Greater Chicago area for authentic Chicago MLB jerseys or get free shipping on qualifying online orders. Whether you want a home, road or alternate jersey, we have one of your favorite player at a size and price that fits. Call us at 1-773-831-4030 seven days a week with any questions!