CLASSIC JERSEY
VS
PLAYER JERSEY
If you’re looking for an explanation on fabric technologies for your favorite Football jerseys or you’d just like to better understand why one jersey is more expensive than another, you’ve come to the right place. Here, Emperir Sports breaks down all the nuances that separate Classic and Player football jerseys.
What is a Classic Football Jersey?
Before we get into the detailed differences between Classic and Player Football jerseys, we need to set straight the issue with the word “Classic.”
Browse our site for a single minute and you’ll quickly notice that for most of the big clubs and national teams, we sell two of the same jersey – one an Player and the other a Classic.
Here’s what that means, and why Classic kits aren’t the shady knock-offs they sound like:
• Jersey manufacturers (Nike, adidas, etc.) and clubs produce Classic jerseys as supporter-ready “replicates” of the more technical, on-field jerseys you see on matchdays.
• Classic Football Jerseys are official, licensed apparel, produced and approved by the manufacturer and corresponding club.
• Classic's exist for those of us that are not professional athletes and are not expected to compete in intense, high-level conditions every week. Conditions like those require a different kind of jersey – the Player.
The name “classic” is a bit unfortunate, mind you, but you can rest easy knowing that Classic are officially sanctioned and approved jerseys built for supporters around the world.
The Differences: Classic vs Player Football Jerseys
There are 4 key differences between Classic and Player jerseys. Here, we’ll examine each.
1. Crests, badges, patches sponsors and more
All the things applied to your jersey – be it club crest, sponsor, brand or league/cup badges – differ between Classic and Player.
On the Classic, most of the things (barring the sponsor) are embroidered or sewn-on, meaning they have a thread-like feel and are durable, able to withstand extensive wear and numerous wash cycles.
On the Player, all the things are heat-pressed, meaning they have a smooth, synthetic feel and must be handled with care when washed. Badges like these create a premium aesthetic, as they are often raised and textured, sometimes heavier than their Clasic counterparts for clubs who have a larger crest, like Manchester United.
2. Material: Classic Vs Player
Now we get technical. Classic kits and Player kits are usually built with slightly different fabric technologies that vary by brand. They all have unique names and descriptions but can best be summed up as such:
• Classic jerseys make use of conventional, affordable fabric technology designed to keep you cool and comfortable. This material is typical fabric weight.
• Player jerseys make use of high-performance, sweat-wicking fabric. They are often laser-cut, carefully paneled and built to increase airflow and regulate body temperature. This material is ultra-lightweight.
On Classic Jerseys, you’ll find the following fabric technology:
• Adidas AeroReady Technology – lightweight and built for warm temperatures, synthetic fibers push sweat from the body to the fabric’s outer layer, keeping you dry and comfortable
• Nike Dri-FIT Technology – a high-performance, microfiber polyester fabric that wicks sweat away from the body and allows for increased airflow
Player Jerseys make use of more quality tech:
• Adidas HeatReady Technology – premium fabric technology engineered to offer cooling and breathability in areas where athletes need it most, moving sweat and heat away from the body quickly
• VaporKnit Technology – premium technology combining lightweight cooling, reduced cling and precision fit while wicking sweat from the body and drying quickly
The last important thing to note with jersey material is weight. As noted above, the Classic jersey is heavier – this doesn’t mean you’ll be wearing hell over your shoulders, it simply means the top will feel like a normal t-shirt. The Player, on the other hand, may have you feeling lighter, springier and all around like you could beat Erling Halaand in a foot race. You can’t, but you get the point.
3. Fit: Classic Vs Player
Probably the most important and notable distinction between Classic and Player Football jerseys is the way they fit.
When it comes to fit, just keep this in mind: Classic kits are built like t-shirts or polos, while Player kits are tighter, slim and form-fitting. This means there will be visible differences in the tightness of the shirts at the waist, hips and arms.
Player jerseys wear a bit tighter – on the pitch, this protects you from the opposition grabbing you and pulling you back by your jersey. There’s also an argument to be made for aerodynamics and reduced flapping when performing quick turns and pirouettes.
If you don’t like the slim fit, but still would like to wear an Player jersey, we recommend you purchase one size up from your typical shirt size. So, if you wear a large in your everyday attire, you may consider ordering a extra large Player kit.
Conclusion:
Classic Vs Player
What kit you buy will just come down to preference, style and usage.
Player kit look sharp when they fit right and they’re excellent to play in if you plan on wearing yours for a little bit of pick-up. They’re great for giving you that feeling of the real thing.
Classic kit will last you a lifetime and only those that lean in close and squint will be able to truly tell the difference between these and the Player Kit. Trusty Classic Kit will survive all the beer-spilling, expletive-shouting rough-and-tumble you put them through as you watch your club from the couch, the bar or the supporters’ section.
