An ice hockey jersey is an important piece of equipment worn by each player representing a team. The jerseys help players and fans identify which team each player represents with jersey designs, colors, stripes, numbers, and patches. Every team has a different jersey set and design that differentiates them from other hockey teams.
See Ice Hockey Jerseys
Table of Contents
- What are jerseys used for in hockey?
- Things To Consider
- Types
- Materials
- Brands
- Considerations
- FAQ
What are jerseys used for in hockey?
Hockey jerseys are shirts worn over the pads by players to show which team they are representing in a competitive game of ice hockey. The jerseys help players, coaches, scouts, fans, and other personnel identify players during a game.
The jerseys are used to differentiate teams from one another with various unique stripes, colors, shoulder designs, and patches. Each jersey has a team-specific logo on the front of the jersey and a player-specific name and jersey number on the back.
Each player’s unique nameplate and jersey number can be used to scout and track in-game statistics like goals, assists, faceoffs, penalties, and more.
Hockey jerseys are commonly referred to as ‘sweaters’ because the game is traditionally played in low temperatures, and the jerseys help keep the players warm.
Things To Consider
When looking for a hockey jersey, you'll want to consider the following:
- What size jersey do you want?
- How much do you want to spend on a jersey?
- What type of jersey are you looking for?
- What team’s jersey are you looking to get?
Types
There are a variety of types of hockey jerseys to choose from, but the most notable jerseys are either authentic, replica, or retro style.
Authentic
Authentic hockey jerseys are the same jerseys professional hockey players wear during their games. Authentic jerseys are typically far more expensive than other jersey types because they have professionally stitched logos, jersey numbers, and patches. The jerseys are also much larger around the shoulders because they include space for shoulder pads. These types of jerseys are the most comfortable, durable, and weighty.
Replica
Replica jerseys are based on professional ice hockey jerseys, but they are designed specifically for fans. While they have many similarities in terms of look and style to the authentic jerseys, the logos, designs, and jersey numbers are not as precisely stitched. These jerseys are also smaller around the shoulders and much lighter because they do not include the same fabric reinforcements as authentic jerseys.
Retro
Retro jerseys are a modern version of a hockey team’s classic jersey. These jerseys come in either authentic or replica styles that were inspired by a jersey formerly worn by the team. These classic jerseys are typically fan favorites and are brought back because of high demand from the fans.
Practice Jerseys
Practice jerseys are cheaper and made with lighter materials than authentic, replica, and retro jerseys. Some teams use multiple different colors of jerseys during practice to designate different positions. Practice jerseys can also include logos and numbers, but typically are left blank as these features are not necessary during practice and raise the overall cost.
Materials
Ice hockey jerseys consist of many materials like lycratalic, polyester, spandex, and twill.
- Lycratalic: Lycratalic is the type of collar used in hockey jerseys. These necklines can come in a variety of shiny colors that make the collar stand out.
- Polyester: Hockey jerseys are made out of 100% polyester. The polyester material makes the jerseys durable and easy to take care of, but they can also make you feel hot.
- Spandex: Spandex is a type of synthetic fiber used in hockey jerseys to make them stretchable and elastic.
- Twill: Twill is the type of fabric used for the letters, numbers, and crests on hockey jerseys.
Brands
Hockey jerseys are manufactured by many different brands that incorporate different designs and styles for their jerseys.
- Adidas: Adidas is the most popular hockey jersey manufacturer. As of 2017, Adidas is the official apparel provider and uniform manufacturer for the NHL. Adidas manufactures authentic, replica, and retro jersey designs for all 32 NHL teams.
- Bauer: Bauer is another common hockey jersey provider that creates breathable and lightweight jerseys. They specialize in practice jersey equipment that allows for custom team designs.
- CCM: CCM is a hockey jersey manufacturer that creates affordable practice jerseys and classic NHL jerseys. Their jerseys come in a variety of colors and are available for anybody on a budget.
- Reebok:Reebok is the former official uniform and apparel provider of the NHL.
Considerations
When looking to purchase a hockey jersey, you want to take into account the jersey’s durability, cost, and size.
Durability
Different styles of hockey jerseys have varying levels of durability. The most durable jersey brand is Adidas, which manufactures authentic and replica jersey types. Authentic Adidas hockey jerseys can last a long time because of their advanced fabric stitching that can withstand on-ice contact. Replica jerseys can last several years until the stitching comes undone.
Cost
The price of a hockey jersey can range anywhere from $15 to $300,depending on the style and quality. Authentic NHL jerseys are by far the most expensive and cost anywhere from $200-300.The prices on authentic jerseys change based on the jersey design, player, and jersey patches. Replica NHL jerseys are slightly less expensive and cost in the ballpark of $100-175. Practice hockey jerseys are the most affordable and cost anywhere from $15-60. Bauer and CCM have similarly priced jerseys, but the prices change depending on the design presets. If you are looking for a regular hockey jersey expect to pay at least $15, but if you want an NHL jersey you will have to pay anywhere from $100-300 depending on the quality and design.
Sizes
Hockey jerseys have a unique size system. Replica and practice jerseys come in the typical small through XX-large youth and adult sizes. Authentic hockey jerseys only come in adult men’s sizes and use a numerical size system from 42-60 (even numbers only).Authentic jerseys come in much larger sizes than other styles, so it is best to choose a jersey a size smaller than your normal one.When selecting a jersey, you want to find one that is loose, flexible, and hangs past your waist because hockey jerseys are normally worn like a sweater.
FAQ
How much does a hockey jersey cost?
Hockey jerseys can vary in cost, but official NHL jerseys can be pretty expensive.Authentic jerseys are by far the most expensive and cost upwards of $200 because of their professionally stitched designs. Replica-style jerseys are the second most expensive. They normally cost between $100-$175. The price varies on these jerseys based on their players, patches, and designs. Practice jerseys by Bauer and CCM cost around $15-60 based on their design presets.
What are the kinds of hockey jerseys?
Hockey jerseys come in four main forms: authentic, replica, retro, and practice.Authentic jerseys are the same jerseys hockey players wear during the game. This jersey type is the most expensive because they include professionally stitched logos, numbers, and patches.Replica jerseys are inspired by authentic hockey jerseys. These jerseys are much lighter and affordable because they lack the same fabric reinforcements and precise stitching as authentic jerseys. Retro jerseys are a modern recreation of a classic jersey. These jerseys are typically fan-favorite styles that can come in authentic or replica types. Practice jerseys are cheaper alternatives worn during practices to avoid damaging game-worn jerseys.
What kind and brand of hockey jersey do NHL players wear?
NHL players wear officially licensed Adidas jerseys.These jerseys are made from 100% polyester with Adidas “Climalite” technology.The jerseys include the team logo on the front of the jersey, along with other unique stripes and colors. These Adidas jerseys have extra space around the shoulders for shoulder pads and durability to handle in-game action. Each player has a unique nameplate and jersey number that are professionally stitched on the back of the jersey. All NHL jerseys have team-specific logos, colors, striping, patches, and jersey numbers that represent the league’s 32 teams.
