Since the advent of modern sports in the United States, passionate sports fans have collected the jerseys of their favorite players and teams. While originally a way of showing your allegiance for a team, jerseys have become a new fashion trend regardless if you know the team or not.
If you’re new to the scene and want to look at the different styles of jerseys out there to see which catch your eye, online is a great place to start. Various websites offer jerseys of different teams and styles that can set you in the right direction on your jersey journey.
Etsy
Known for its immense collection of artsy wears, Etsy has quite the stock of jerseys as well. Whether you’re searching for a football, soccer, basketball, or a different type of jersey, the site has plenty of artists and designs to get you the best jersey for you.
For a more personalized look, some sellers on Etsy let you can customize the name and number to anything you want. Whether you’re looking for Boston Bruins or Buffalo Bills jersey, Etsy has it all. The site as well as the seller will update you every step of the way from placing your order to doorstep delivery.
eBay
If you’re looking for the best item at the lowest price, eBay is the site for you. Free shipping, free returns and the freedom to list your own products at your given price. eBay also boasts incredible discounts with some items listed with over 90% off the original price.
“I bought a Philadelphia Eagles jersey off of eBay and I had a great experience,” said University of Miami senior Gavin Gibbons. “The shipping was fast and my item came in great condition for a cheap price.”
Reddit has the latest stories, memes, and threads with conversations that span from sports and entertainment to fashion and food trends. It might be harder to find a jersey to buy off this site, but the many threads might help you find a style of jersey that fits you best.
“I spent a few hours checking out the forums to find the best jersey for me. I went with the Reebok brand and put Westbrook, 36 on the back,” said Gibbons. Brian Westbrook, now 44 years old, used to be a running back for the Eagles.
Maybe you’ve looked online and you know you want to try on your jersey before buying it, you’re questioning your sites legitimacy, or you want the in-person shopping experience. Here are our some retailers close to campus that might have the jersey that’s right for you.
Sports Fan-attic
Sports Fan-attic has, well, an attic’s-worth of jerseys for buyers to sort through. The store is also known for its custom designs, allowing customers to walk in, order their jersey and often have them ready to go in under an hour. University of Miami Alumni Jean-Pierre Vilcherrez has made and accompanied friends on many purchases at this store.
“My experience is always easy and convenient,” said Vilcherrez. “I would totally recommend this store and will be getting more of their Miami jerseys in the future. Preferably UM because I love my alma mater so much.”
Sports Action
Right in the heart of Brickell, Sports Action is surrounded by countless dining, cinema and other retail choices. It serves as a more upscale but well-versed store with knowledgeable staff and a variety of options, particularly with shoes and jerseys. The wide and ever-changing selection of air forces makes for excellent pairings with any jersey and very satisfied, returning customers.
Pelé Soccer
This soccer store is famously named after the Former Minister of Sports of Brazil, Pelé. He has spearheaded three Brazilian World Cup wins and played as a forward throughout his 22-year-long career.
The store provides numerous options for cleats, equipment and, of course, jerseys to fulfill all of your soccer needs. Located right on the beautiful beaches of Miami, students and local residents can make an awesome day out of jersey shopping and sightseeing. And it’s legit, with their Messi jerseys being a customer favorite.
Styling
Now that you’ve secured your new favorite jersey, it’s time to style it. First, you’re going to want to work with the jersey itself. You can layer the jersey with a fitted shirt underneath for a more layered look on a chillier day. Or tuck it into your bottoms, scrunch up the fabric into a hair tie or leave it hanging; it’s your choice.
Next, figure out what you’re going to wear for bottoms. Jeans can often offset the bright jersey colors if you wear a pair with a neutral color, and they’re very easy to find in stores or your closet. Bell bottoms, baggy, tight, you name it — they can all fit the vibe.
“I love to tuck my jerseys into jean shorts, especially in Miami where it’s warm year-round. Otherwise, jeans are great, too,” said UM junior Rachel Davit.
“I wear skirts with everything in Miami. Especially tennis skirts, I love them in white or black,” said UM senior Emily Morrison. “The jersey and skirt gameday combination is great for pictures.”
Social media influencer and UM alumna Alix Earle was seen sporting the jersey look at a recent Miami Dolphins home game in a couple TikTok videos with Miami Dolphins wide receiver Braxton Berrios that went viral.
Finally, there are a variety of ways to style shoes with your jersey. From a sporty sneaker to cowboy boots, you really can’t go wrong with tying the outfit together.
“Pairing a jersey with Air Forces Ones, dunks, or Jordans never fails,” said Davit.
A simple black or white sneaker works for any team but for an added effect if you have any shoes that match the colors on your jersey it can make your outfit stand out even more.
Scam Avoidance
We asked the questions, and the stores gave us the answers. Here’s how to avoid getting scammed or rigged when you’re purchasing a new jersey, and some questions to ask yourself:
Look for Brand Reputation: Have you heard of the brand before? Is its website or storefront legit? Does it attract a lot of customers?
Watch the Deals: Are the discounts too good to be true? Is your credit card safe on the website or in the storefront? Do you think you might get hacked if you buy something here?
Check the reviews: Are the reviews good or bad? What do they say about the size-to-fit, the quality and the design? Are the items missing anything important, or do they look fake?
words_jamie moses. photo_cecilia intriago. design_constanza ardiles.
This article was published in Distraction’s Winter 2023 print issue.
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