How to Buy a Hockey Jersey (2024)

Hockey players need jerseys, but hockey fans buy them, too. So, whether you’re in the game or watching it, knowing how to size and fit a hockey jersey is important before you make the mistake of ordering based on your shirt size. Some hockey jersey styles run big, and others run small. Fortunately, there’s a standard rule of measurement to help you find the right size. This guide on how to buy and how to size a hockey jersey offers detailed instructions on sizing, fitting, and cleaning as well as insider information about some of the history and features of hockey jerseys.

What Size Hockey Jersey Should I Buy?

The right hockey jersey size is roomy enough to fit loosely over your shoulder pads or chest protector. Getting an accurate size isn't difficult—all you need is a tape measure and a sizing chart. Also, try on the jersey while you’re wearing your pads, instead of without them.

Be aware that different manufacturers may size their jerseys differently. Spend a moment researching the sizing chart for your desired jersey manufacturer.

How to Measure for a Hockey Jersey

To determine hockey jersey size, you’ll measure your chest/width, length, and sleeve length—corresponding to the letters A, B, C in the graphic below.

How to Buy a Hockey Jersey (1)

CHEST/WIDTH

For an accurate chest measurement, dress as you would for the game: Wear your undergarments and shoulder pads/chest protector. Then measure around the fullest part of the chest, just under the armpits. Usually, chest/width is the A measurement you'll see on a general or brand-specific sizing chart.

LENGTH

Next, measure from the top of your shoulder pad to the hip. This number is your length, typically the B measurement on a size chart. Players tend to know whether they prefer a longer jersey, but this B measurement is also an important one for fans to consider: Do you want your jersey to hang below your waist? How far? For example, some women like to wear a hockey jersey like a short dress and thus will want a long "B" measurement, though a similarly ultra-long jersey might look silly on someone else.

Pro Tip: If you’re new to the sport, know that nobody tucks in a hockey jersey. NHL players are not allowed to (see NHL item 9.5, the "tuck" rule) so fans don’t do it either. Leaving the shirt untucked is part of hockey culture.

SLEEVE LENGTH

Finally, obtain your hockey jersey sleeve length. With arms extended to the sides, measure from the center of the back of your neck to the wrist. This number is the C measurement on most sizing charts. If you're buying your own jersey for team play, make sure you know whether your team uses a ¾ or full-length sleeve.

Now that you have your measurements, compare them to those on the manufacturer's sizing chart and make your selection. If you're buying a jersey for fashion, the measuring process is the same, but you'll make adjustments for the look you want.

How Should a Hockey Jersey Fit?

For the player, a team jersey is part of the overall equipment package: It should fit loosely over the protective gear and be baggy enough to provide unrestricted movement. The sleeves are supposed to be short if your team requires ¾ sleeves, but the sleeves will be regular length otherwise.

For fans, purchasing an NHL jersey to represent their favorite team is more about personal preference, so fit is more subjective. If you’re headed to your first game at the rink and you’re unsure about what to wear under a hockey jersey, remember that layering is key. Start with a T-shirt, and then wear a looser, long-sleeved shirt over that. If two layers don’t feel like enough, finish with a hoodie or lightweight jacket.

What Do the “C” and “A” Letter Patches Mean on a Hockey Jersey?

A few players on the team wear "C" or "A" patches on the top-left or top-right front of their jerseys.

The "C” stands for captain—the team captain. In hockey, the team usually elects the captain, who is allowed to speak to the referees and ask for rule interpretations, which he relays to the coaches and other players on the bench. The captain is the only player on the team with this authority. The "A" stands for alternate captain. This player performs the same role if the captain is on the bench. There may be more than one alternate captain.

Both patches are earned, so you won’t find them on practice or team jerseys you buy off the rack.

How to Customize a Hockey Jersey

Creating a custom hockey jersey is easy, whether you want just one for a special event or you need to outfit an entire team. Pure Hockey offers several jersey customization options at different price points for adding logos, names, numbers, or other graphics.

  • Sublimated:This method infuses dye directly into the fabric—the design isn't a top layer that can crack or separate.
  • Embroidery:Custom-embroidered jerseys with tackle twill offer an undeniably high-quality, professional look and feel.
  • Silkscreening:Fast and relatively inexpensive, this method makes it a snap to customize your hockey jerseys with names, numbers, and logos.
  • Heatpress:Often the least expensive option, vinyl heatpress is a popular choice.

What to Wear to a Hockey Game if You Don’t Have a Jersey

If you don’t have a jersey, there are other ways to stay warm and show support for your team. For new fans, knowing what to wear to a hockey game gives you confidence to fit in as you head to the rink. Dress warmly in layers repping your team colors, or add a team hat or specialized spectator jacket for hockey to your wardrobe. If you’re a player without a jersey, check with your coach or captain about the appropriate garment to wear over your pads.

How to Clean a Hockey Jersey

Throw your jersey into the washing machine and use special detergent formulated for removing stains and odors without damaging synthetic fabrics. Wash on the gentle cycle in warm water. Never use bleach or detergents with bleach. If you wash your jersey with other gear, make sure you close any velcro tabs so they don’t snag your jersey during the cycle.

Hockey Jerseys vs. Hockey Sweaters

During hockey’s early days, players wore store-bought sweaters in the same color or pattern as their team uniform; ergo, the “hockey sweater.” The term “jersey” evolved as hockey gained popularity and new fabrics emerged, and so the word came into common parlance to describe the shirt part of hockey, football, and basketball uniforms. But hockey “sweater” remains the default term where the sport originated, so you’ll hear jerseys referred to as sweaters in Canada and Minnesota.

Are you in the market for a new hockey jersey? Shop our full selection of player and fan jerseys online, or visit a Pure Hockey store to shop in person.

If you’re shopping for other gear, check out our hockey equipment buying & fitting guides and purchase with confidence.

How to Buy a Hockey Jersey (2024)

FAQs

How do I know what size hockey jersey to buy? ›

How to measure for Hockey Jersey Sizing. Measure around the fullest part of your chest under the arms for your total chest circumference. For the length, measure from the top of the shoulder pad to the hip. For the sleeve, measure from the center of the back of the neck to the wrist with arms extended to the sides.

Can you wear 69 in NHL? ›

Fun fact: Desjardins and forward Melvin Angelstad (two games with the Washington Capitals in 2003-04) are the only players in NHL history to wear No. 69.

Can you wear 0 in NHL? ›

Beginning with the 1996-97 season, the NHL decreed that Nos. 0 and 00 could no longer be worn since they confused the League's digital database; today, only No. 1 through No. 98 are allowed, No.

What does the A in hockey stand for? ›

The captain is the only player on the team with this authority. The "A" stands for alternate captain. This player performs the same role if the captain is on the bench. There may be more than one alternate captain.

Should I size up when buying a jersey? ›

In general, NFL Jerseys will fit a little larger, but that depends on the jersey type. We recommend buying the next size up jersey if you plan on wearing clothes underneath (hoodies, t-shirts, etc).

Should I size up for a hockey jersey? ›

How to wear a hockey jersey depends on several factors. For the Adidas jerseys, the NHL recommends ordering one size smaller than what you normally wear for everyday use. Conversely, if you will be wearing equipment or multiple clothing layers beneath your jersey, order a size larger than normal.

Who wore 00 in the NHL? ›

The number 00 has only been worn twice in NHL history. Martin Biron wore 00 for the 1996 season with the Buffalo Sabres, but only appeared in three games and had an 0-2 record. The only other time the number appeared on an NHL surface was by goaltender John Davidson in his 1977-78 campaign with the New York Rangers.

Why did Gretzky pick 99? ›

It was with the Greyhounds that Gretzky first wore the number 99 on his jersey. He originally wanted to wear number 9—for his hockey hero Gordie Howe—but it was already being worn by teammate Brian Gualazzi. At coach Muzz MacPherson's suggestion, Gretzky settled on 99.

Why can no one wear 99 in NHL? ›

Wayne Gretzky's No. 99 is retired throughout the NHL not only because he is considered the greatest player in League history, but because the number and his name are synonymous. Though there is no debate over who the best player to wear that number is, there are 98 other numbers with more than one worthy candidate.

What does 11 and 7 mean in hockey? ›

Advantages of the 7-11 Scheme

Teams typically run seven defensem*n with 11 forwards to accommodate an injury.

Why do NHL players not shave? ›

The Stanley Cup playoff beard has been an NHL tradition since the early 1980s, when the shaggy New York Islanders won four straight championships. It represents the players' singular focus, as if even personal hygiene is sacrificed in pursuit of hockey's holy grail.

What is the rarest number in the NHL? ›

What's even rarer than the double-zero is the single zero in the NHL. Only one man has worn this number, and most likely you've never heard of him. Neil Sheehy wore the No. 0 in 1988 with the Hartford Whalers.

What does GF mean in hockey? ›

GF – Goals for – Number of goals the team has scored. GA – Goals against – Number of goals scored against the team. OTW - Overtime Win. SOW - Shoot Out Win. ROW - Regulation plus Overtime Wins, not including shootouts.

What are 4 goals in hockey called? ›

Scoring four goals in a hockey game is much less common than a hat trick. If a player scores four goals in a single game, it is sometimes referred to as a “Texas hat trick.” This term is less commonly used than a hat trick, and its origins are uncertain.

What does P mean in hockey? ›

The P in hockey stats stands for Points. A player gets one point for each goal or assist that they score and Points are the cumulative total of all the goals and assists that a player accumulates.

Should jerseys be tight or loose? ›

Always go one size bigger

They're not meant to be a tight fit, especially if your physique is more Vince Wilfork than Matt Ryan. Leave plenty of room so you can fit the jersey over a sweatshirt, which obscures your gut and keeps you warm.

How should hockey jersey fit? ›

All NHL jerseys have a loose, baggy fit. If you prefer a tighter fit, you will need to size down. My recommendation is to expect NHL jerseys to be sized much like a pullover jacket. They are sized larger than normal clothes so that you can layer them over the top of other clothes.

What do you wear under a hockey jersey? ›

Start with a T-shirt, followed by a loose-fitting, long-sleeve shirt. Wear your hockey jersey over that. If you don't think all that's enough to keep you warm for a couple of hours, bring a lightweight jacket or a hoodie. If you need to remove a layer or two, you'll be good to go.

What frame size jersey is best? ›

The typical jersey-size frame is 40-inches by 32-inches. Choose a frame that is stained or painted a color that matches your jersey, and the décor in your home.

What is a size 52 jersey equal to? ›

27-1/2"

What numbers are not allowed in hockey? ›

80, 84 and 94 are the three numbers not worn by any player that would be available.

Who wore #1 in the NHL? ›

1 – Johnny Bower. Many goalies wore the number one but the late Johnny Bower takes the top spot. As a four-time Stanley Cup Champion, a two-time Vezina Trophy winner, an all-star and a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Bower will forever remain a symbol of excellence for the Toronto Maple Leafs organization.

Can you wear 99 in hockey? ›

99 – The Great One

Unless you are the Great One, this number is completely off limits to any hockey player anywhere in the known universe. It is retired in the NHL, and pretty much around any hockey leagues in North America, and quite likely in the whole world.

Who was the fastest NHL player to reach 1000 points? ›

The fewest NHL games required to reach the mark was 424, set by Wayne Gretzky. Second quickest was Mario Lemieux, achieving the mark in his 513th game.

Who wears 87 in the NHL? ›

RELATED: Vadim Shipachyov, 8 fun facts
PlayerTeamYears Wearing No. 87
Sidney CrosbyPittsburgh Penguins2005-Present
Donald BrashearPhiladelphia Flyers, Washington Capitals, New York Rangers2002-10
David MusilEdmonton Oilers2015-2015
Liam O'BrienWashington Capitals2015, 2017
2 more rows

Who is the youngest NHL player to score 100 points? ›

The youngest player to achieve a 100-point season is Sidney Crosby, at 18 years, 253 days old. He scored his 100th NHL point on April 17, 2006, the Pittsburgh Penguins' 81st game of the 2005–06 season, his rookie season.

Will 87 be retired from the NHL? ›

It is the rarest of honors for Sidney Crosby. Rimouski Oceanic raised his No. 87 to the rafters before its game against Sherbrooke on Friday, and the QMJHL announced it will be retiring Crosby's number leaguewide during the 2020-21 season.

Why does Connor Mcdavid wear 97? ›

After that I always played up, always one year behind. And I definitely took a lot of pride in being the youngest in the league, so much so that I decided to wear 97, and that's stuck with me.

Who wore 88 in hockey? ›

Patrick Kane is the best player to ever wear No. 88 in NHL history, according to an NHL.com panel.

What does 🍎 mean in hockey? ›

What Is The Definition Of An Apple In Hockey? 1. This is another word used to describe an assist in ice hockey.

What is Rule 56 in hockey? ›

In 1922, the NHL introduced Rule 56, which formally regulated fighting, or "fisticuffs" as it was called in the official NHL rulebook. Rather than ejecting players from the game, as was the practice in amateur and collegiate hockey, players would be given a five-minute major penalty.

What does AAA mean in hockey? ›

USA Hockey designates four skill levels: Tier 1: The highest level of competition, also called "AAA", following the Canadian system. Tier 2: also called "AA" or "A". Tier 3: may also be called "A", the lowest level of competitive hockey.

Can NHL players chew? ›

The National Hockey League has a similar tobacco policy as well: Smokeless tobacco cannot be used at the arena and players cannot endorse it.

Why can't NHL players tuck in their jerseys? ›

Some reporters suggested that enforcing uniform rules was the National Hockey League's attempt to reduce freak accidents where a player's body was cut by skate blade while others said the league was laying down rules for eventually selling advertising space that would display prominently on the entire jersey.

Do NHL players skate barefoot? ›

Are skate socks necessary to play hockey? Absolutely not! Many players, including myself, go barefoot in their skates for a variety of reasons. I choose not to wear skate socks because I like my skates to fit as tight as possible.

Why does no one wear 66 in NHL? ›

66 isn't retired League-wide like No. 99 is for Wayne Gretzky. Two players have worn it since Lemieux retired from the NHL in 2006: Ho-Sang and Calgary Flames defenseman TJ Brodie in 2010-11. Ho-Sang has seven points (three goals, four assists) in 11 games this season.

Who wore 77 in NHL? ›

Plus, Bourque had 938 points (231 goals, 707 assists) in 1,005 games after switching to No. 77.

Is number 9 retired in the NHL? ›

9 worn by his idol, Gordie Howe, brought it into the NHL; it became so identified with him that the NHL has retired it throughout the League. Other players also became identified with their numbers -- for example, Mario Lemieux with No. 66, Martin Brodeur with No. 30 and Sidney Crosby with No.

What does TB mean in hockey? ›

Tournament Bound VS Non Tournament Bound VS MOHL - What does that mean? TB or Tournament Bound is for 2nd year players of an age divsion, which are designated as Major, but only the organization's top team.

What does xGA mean in hockey? ›

xGA. Expected Goals Against (total expected goal value of all Fenwick shots)

What is F in ice hockey? ›

F. Forward (ice hockey)

What is the 7 hole in hockey? ›

'Six and Seven Hole': the six and seven holes are relatively new terms to identify the areas under either armpit of the goalie. Goaltenders who hold their trapper high or blocker further out to the side of their body are said to have six and seven holes.

Who scored 7 goals in one match? ›

The last player in these leagues to score seven goals in a match was László Kubala in 1952 for FC Barcelona.

Who scored 7 goals in one NHL game? ›

In addition to being first, Joe Malone holds the overall record with five five-or-more goal games, including the NHL record seven goals in a game, as well as a six-goal game and three five-goal games – all in the first three seasons of the NHL's existence.

What does CC mean in hockey? ›

Cross Check Match 8.2(e) 5 min C.C.-MATCH Cross Check Minor 8.2(a) 2 min C.C. Delay of Game 2 min D.G. Elbow Major 6.6(a/b) (5 pim + GM) 5 min ELB Elbow Minor 6.6(a) 2 min ELB Fighting 6.7(a) (5 pim + GM) 5 min FI Game Ejection (stick infractions) (0 pim) 0 min G.E. Game Misconduct 4.6 (10 pim) 10 min G.M.

Can a goalie be captain? ›

Yes. However, the goalkeeper cannot exercise the privileges of the Captain during the game as outlined in this rule. Rule Reference 202(a).

What is RW in hockey? ›

The right wing in hockey is an offensive position in which players primarily stay to the right of the center forward player in the offensive and defensive zones.

What size is 42 in men's hockey jersey? ›

NHL Jersey Size Chart (Adidas)
42XX-Small31.5"
44X-Small32.25"
46Small33.0"
50Medium33.25"
6 more rows
25 Apr 2022

What size hockey jersey is medium? ›

Although the size 50 is listed as a medium equivalent, expect the size 50 to fit much larger than a medium t-shirt. As we discussed earlier, NHL jerseys run bigger than normal clothes. If you don't want a loose fit, you will likely need to size down.

What size hockey jersey for my child? ›

A youth S/M is like a size 10-14 and a youth size L/XL is like a 18-20. An average size 6-8 yr. old would take the s/m and an average size 9-11 yr. old would wear the l/xl.

How do I know my jersey size? ›

To get the right fit for your jersey you will want to take a shirt that fits the way you want your jersey to fit, lay the shirt flat, and measure across the chest from armpit to armpit. That will be the chest or width measurement.

Is a 42 A XL? ›

These are inside leg measurements and are a guide only. The actual lengths will vary according to the style.
...
Menswear.
Tops, Knitwear, Casual Jackets and Shirts
UK/European/USA SizeInches (Chest)CM (Chest)
LTo Fit 40-42101-106
XLTo Fit 42-44106-111
XXLTo Fit 44-46111-116
4 more rows

What size is a XL in men jersey? ›

Men's Size Chart
SIZECHEST (in.)WAIST (in.)
L41–4435–38
XL44–48.538–43
XXL48.5–53.543–47.5
XXXL53.5–5847.5–52.5
3 more rows

Do hockey jerseys usually run big? ›

Yes, NHL jerseys run big. Expect them to fit approximately 1-2 sizes larger than your normal clothes. As I mentioned earlier in the article, it is best to think of NHL jerseys in a similar way you think of a pullover jacket.

Is size 48 large or medium jersey? ›

These jerseys use numerical sizing. A size 48 is a XL equivalent, but expect a slimmer fit. If you prefer a baggy, loose fit, you'll probably need a size 52.

Are hockey jerseys baggy? ›

In general, hockey jerseys tend to run a little bit big. In fact, many hockey jerseys will fit around a size or two larger than your normal clothing. Think of these a little more like a jacket or sweater, as they can often be slightly wider and even longer than you might have expected.

How big is an XL kids jersey? ›

SIZE CHART
ALPHA SIZENUMERIC SIZECHEST (cm)
S8-966–69
M10-1269–75
L14-1675–81.5
XL18-2081.5–88.5
1 more row

How big is a youth XL hockey jersey? ›

Youth
SizeChest Size
Youth S30-32"
Youth M32-34"
Youth L34-36"
Youth XL36-38"

How do starter hockey jerseys fit? ›

Starter Replica Sizing and Other Observations

These jerseys fit mostly true to size, if not every so slightly baggy. The sleeves are on the shorter side.

Is size 52 large or XL? ›

There are two essential components when it comes to buying menswear: fit and size.
...
Men's Walking Suit Size Chart.
SIZECHEST SIZE (INCHES)WAIST SIZE (INCHES)
L40 TO 4234 OR 36
XL44 TO 4638 OR 40
2XL4842
3XL50 TO 5244 OR 46
3 more rows

Do jerseys fit the same as T shirts? ›

In general, NFL Jerseys will fit a little larger, but that depends on the jersey type. We recommend buying the next size up jersey if you plan on wearing clothes underneath (hoodies, t-shirts, etc).

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