Whether it’s deceptive and unethical business practices, ruining sports merchandising, or running secondary sites that sell counterfeit merchandise, I’ve spent a lot of time calling out Fanatics. However, the time has come to direct that ire towards Adidas and the NHL. Any TealTownUSA follower knows a few of us here are jersey geeks. Hockey jerseys are simply one of the coolest things in sports. But for the love of all things NHL, it’s time for Adidas to make the pro stock jerseys players wear available for fans to buy at retail outlets. Since Adidas is readying a new jersey production process based on the 2019 All Star Parlay jersey, it’s also time to stop referring to the jerseys they currently sell in stores and online as “authentic”.
How It Started
Prior to 2007, there were only 2 types of jerseys available for fans to purchase in stores. You had the choice of an authentic, which meant the same stock as what players wear on the ice, or you could purchase a replica. This was the same in baseball, too. As you may expect, authentic jerseys are a tad roomier since they’re designed to be used with equipment whereas replicas are a little more form fitting. But when you saw the jerseys side-by-side, generally the only way to discern one from the other was authentic jerseys have a fight strap and elbow stitching. The nameplate, numbers, and patches were the same between both as you can see in the photos below. Click on the images for large versions.
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| Replica – bottom | Authentic – top | Replica – left | Authentic – right |
In 2007, after teams used a revolving door of jersey company namessuch as Maska, CCM, Koho, Nike, etc…, Reebok’s purchase of The Hockey Company led to all jerseys being Reebok branded. In 2017, that deal rolled over to Adidas despite the fact that Adidas owns Reebok. However, when that 2007 Reebok announcement was made, Reebok unveiled what’s known as Reebok Edge 1.0 and it was considered pro stock. However, two months into the ’07-’08 season, players complained that the jersey material, with its Scotchguard-like ways, soaked skates and gloves with sweat. It forced Reebok to create Edge 2.0 in Canada. However 1.0 remained available to fans and is how “Indo-edge” apparently came to exist, giving fans 3 levels of jerseys to now choose from:
- Reebok replica (aka premier)
- Reebok retail authentic (aka Indo-Authentic, due to being made in Indonesia)
- Reebok pro stock (what the players actually wear, aka MiC or Made in Canada)
The problem for jersey hounds is that the retail authentic jerseys replaced pro stock in stores. Suddenly, fans could no longer get what the players wear unless they find them on auction sites or at equipment sales.
Reebok replica vs retail authentic vs pro stock
Obvious shortcuts were taken when Reebok rolled out their replica jerseys in 2007. The beautifully embroidered shoulder patches were replaced with cheap looking plastic decals, as seen in the photo below. The material of the replicas are also noticeably lighter and thinner than the retail “authentic” and pro stock jerseys. The Reebok replica model, called “premier”, is essentially what Fanatics currently calls “breakaway”. It’s basically a nice way to say “cheap”.
Aside from the ridiculously inferior plastic shoulder markers, the Reebok premier replica jerseys are actually quite comfortable, consistent and, in my opinion, far better than the Fanatics replicas and Adidas “authentic” jerseys made today. In my opinion, Reebok replicas were better quality and fit than current Adidas “authentic” jerseys. And for half the price of a Reebok retail authentic, you got a quality jersey that you weren’t worried about spilling beer on. In the photos below, you can see the three different jersey styles. Notice how the premier material is different from the retail authentic and pro stock. However, when you compare the retail authentic to the pro stock, there’s not much difference, and all 3 have a comparable fit.
While I maintain retail authentic jerseys were, and remain, unnecessary, at least the feel and fit of Reebok is very close to pro stock.
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| Premier | Indo-Authentic | Pro Stock | Premier | Indo-Authentic | Pro Stock |
While the Reebok retail authentics were good quality, they still weren’t the same as what the players wore. It appears Reebok was trying to combine the best of both worlds, marrying the pro stock quality with replica fit. However, the $299 starting point was tough for some to stomach when it wasn’t the same as what the players wear. Especially when you could buy 2 replicas for the same price as 1 retail authentic.
Adidas vs Fanatics
A whole different story began in 2017 after Adidas took over. When Reebok was producing both the retail authentic and premier replica jerseys, the prices were $299 and $149, respectively, and the fit across all versions was consistent. Today, Fanatics produces replica jerseys for the NHL while Adidas offers an “authentic”. But now that Adidas and Fanatics are competing for your dollar, the price difference is much narrower at $129 for Fanatics and $179 for Adidas. And the quality of each jersey has dropped significantly along with those prices.
Fanatics-produced jerseys are nowhere near the same as the real deal. Some fans prefer the Fanatics replica, claiming it’s a better fit and made from a softer material. After trying one on, I can confirm it does feel softer. As for fit, there are wild inconsistencies, but that seems to be the case with nearly all Fanatics-branded apparel. The Fanatics replicas aren’t horrible as long as whoever does the heat pressing of the name and numbers knows what they’re doing. But they often look more like sweatshirts than jerseys due to their graphic sublimation process. The Fanatics replicas also don’t feature the dimples on the shoulders or the shiny chrome NHL shield on the collar.
Unfortunately, retail authentic Adidas jerseys aren’t much better than Fanatics. While the fit is generally more consistent with Adidas, the problem is the cut is nowhere near pro stock. As seen in the images below, the neck hole and waistline are far wider than pro stock and are NOT flattering to the wearer. Another issue Adidas has is material thickness. Adidas retail authentics, initially called Adizero, then Climalite, and eventually AeroReady, are about half the thickness of an actual pro stock jersey. I suppose that’s why so many of their models are wearing hoodies in their marketing images… because the neck holes are so large and the jerseys are so thin.
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| Made in Canada – top | Made in Indonesia – bottom | Made in Canada – top | Made in Indonesia – bottom |
Reebok retail authentic vs Adidas retail authentic
Adidas has also taken little shortcuts in quality in order to compete in price. Have a look at this comparison photo, the Reebok Indo-authentic on the left and the Adidas Indo-authentic on the right.
In the image, you can see the Reebok jersey features a fully embroidered patch while the Adidas jersey has a piece of twill with some detail embroidery over the top of it. In my opinion, the fully embroidered patch looks much classier and more professional. Also, while you can’t see it from the photo, the Reebok jersey is much heavier than the Adidas version and just feels to be a higher quality. It’s almost like comparing a sweatshirt to a t-shirt. During the Reebok era, the pre-made Sharks jerseys also used tackle twill names and numbers while jerseys that come straight from Adidas through their online store or NHLShop.com feature cheap vinyl kits.
Adidas retail authentic vs Adidas pro stock
Now let’s take a look at an Adidas retail authentic next to the pro stock players wear.
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| Made in Indonesia – bottom | Made in Canada – top | Made in Indonesia – left | Made in Canada – right |
You can immediately notice the difference in the shoulder dimples. The overall quality and look is so much better with the pro stock. The material and stitching of the made-in-Canada pro stock is also leaps and bounds ahead of the Indonesian-made “authentic”. Sadly, the retail authentic jerseys that Adidas sells look and feel closer to knockoffs from China than pro stock, as you can see in the comparison photo below.
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| Made in Canada – top | Made in Indonesia – middle | Fake knockoff – bottom |
Stop Calling Your Jerseys “Authentic” And Give Us Pro Stock!
I reached out to Adidas to get their response as to why the sizing, fit, and materials of the made-in-Indonesia jerseys are so vastly different from their pro stock counterparts. While politely declining to discuss these concerns, the response was “it is our standard policy to not comment on product strategy at this granular of a level”. That response seems like a cop out to me. I think fans that spend their hard-earned cash collecting jerseys deserve to know why their retail “authentic” jerseys are such poor quality when compared to Reebok and why pro stock jerseys aren’t available in retail channels.
There’s no reason Adidas can’t make pro stock jerseys available to fans just as it was prior to 2007. It’s understandable that Adidas wants to offer a jersey at a price point competitive with Fanatics, but it’s disingenuous and misleading for Adidas to call them “authentic” or “authentic pro”. At the end of the day, Adidas needs to call those jerseys what they are… replicas. And Adidas needs to give fans the option of buying pro stock jerseys again.
For another comparison breakdown between Fanatics, Indonesia-made, and Canada-made, check out these photos at Liberty Bell Jerseys.
Related TopicsadidasbreakawayccmfanaticsjerseykohonhlnikepodcastPodcastspremierereeboksanjosesharkssjsharks
FAQs
As Covington explained, although Adidas markets the jerseys as authentic, the jerseys are not identical to the ones worn by NHL players or of the same quality. There are assorted differences in the cut, fabric, stitching, neck hole and dimples, which enable air to flow through the jersey.
Is Adidas no longer making NHL jerseys? ›
Over the summer, it was announced that Adidas won't be renewing their contract with the NHL following its expiration after the 2023-24 season. The bidding process likely began sometime in August, and the League likely needs to decide on a new supplier soon.
Where are authentic Adidas NHL jerseys made? ›
The products are also made in Indonesia instead of Canada, where official NHL jerseys are manufactured, according to the complaint. “The jerseys have more in common with what is commonly described as 'replica' or even counterfeit authentic jerseys than those worn by players on the ice during games,” the lawsuit states.
How to tell if Adidas hockey jersey is real? ›
Look for the NHL hologram sticker or hangtag and a sewn-in label identifying the merchandise as "official" and authorized by the NHL. Beware of ripped tags, typographical errors, poor quality screen-printing, or irregular markings on apparel. Reebok does not liquidate genuine jerseys due to overproduction.
What is the difference between Adidas NHL jersey authentic and replica? ›
Reproductions are a considerable step down in quality from the above representations as they are made from inferior fabric and come with iron-on or screen printed numbers and lettering. They are poorly stitched, and the color of the jersey is not vibrant like the authentics.
What is the difference between Adidas and Fanatics NHL jersey? ›
Shoulder patches are probably the clearest difference on the jerseys. The Fanatics jersey has the logo screen printed on, and the Adidas one is fully embroidered. There's also a slight difference in fabric.
Why is Adidas not renewing with NHL? ›
Adidas signed a seven-year deal with the NHL in 2017 to be the league's official supplier for uniforms and apparel. The partnership, which began in the 2017-18 season, is coming to an end due to Adidas' lack of interest in renewing the contract with the league.
Why is Adidas dropping NHL? ›
The NHL announced Thursday that it will not be continuing its jersey deal with Adidas after their contract expires following the 2023-24 season.
Why is Adidas pulling out of NHL? ›
Adidas believes it will find a better bang for its buck elsewhere; not extending its relationship with the NHL says more about the sports industry than the league itself.
Why are Adidas NHL jerseys so expensive? ›
Hockey jerseys are expensive due to licensing fees. For each jersey sold, the NHL and the NHL team gets a cut of the proceeds from the sale. In addition, they are very intricately made, hand stitched using premium fabric and other materials, which increases their price. Design Hockey Uniforms online for free.
These jerseys are as good as it gets. An authentic NHL hockey jersey is the same one worn by your favorite Blackhawks players. They're made of premium performance materials with "adizero" technology and Clima fabric that improves their breathability.
What's the difference between replica and authentic? ›
While authentic refers to something that is not a copy, hence is of undisputed origin, replica refers to an exact copy or replication of original items, such as paintings as well as other products, and resemble the original in terms of appearance and shape.
What is the difference between Adidas jersey and Adidas authentic jersey? ›
Authentic jerseys are designed with the best possible technology and fabrics for the highest level of play. They are an exact match to the jerseys you see players wearing on the field. Replica jerseys are made for a fan in the stands - with excellent materials for highest levels of comfort and wear.
How do I verify my Adidas jersey? ›
Check an internal Adidas product code label
As with Nike, Adidas jerseys also have a label with the product code, and the process is very similar. The only difference is that some Adidas jerseys, especially the most recent ones, have this internal label not on the left side but near the left shoulder.
How can I tell if my Adidas are fake? ›
The tags have the size and product information on the inside of the shoe (behind the tongue). Real Adidas shoes will have tags with different serial numbers for the left and right shoe, but a fake product will have the same serial number. THAT'S THE CATCH.
Who makes authentic NHL jerseys? ›
Like many other major U.S. leagues, the NHL sells multiple tiers of jerseys as part of a complex three-way relationship with a big apparel brand (in this case Adidas) and Fanatics. The “authentic” jerseys are made by Adidas and sell for $230.
How do you know if a jersey is a replica? ›
Pay special attention to the numbers on the jersey, if they appear shiny, don't lay evenly flat and contain bubbling, you're looking at a fake jersey. Most fans know what their team's font looks like and this will help them spot fakes as most counterfeit jerseys use the wrong font for the team which is very noticeable.
Is a replica jersey official? ›
Remember, “replica” jerseys are not knockoffs. These jersey models are still properly licensed and distributed by their respective leagues. Fans choosing replica jerseys can find solace in knowing their budget-friendly apparel is still the real deal.
Are jerseys from Fanatics authentic? ›
Authentic Jerseys are available at Fanatics.com. These are the official jerseys worn by your favorite teams and players, so don't miss out on getting the ultimate authentic style. With an authentic jersey, you'll show you're serious about your fan loyalty.
Is Fanatics authentic NHL? ›
You'll love the sewn-on graphics on every NHL authentic jersey, as well as the authentic tie-down strap on every officially licensed jersey. These NHL authentic jerseys from Fanatics are available in home, away and alternate styles, so you can find just the right option to complete your collection.
Authentic Adidas MLS kits have heat-sealed logos, while the replica kits have sewn on Embroidered team crests. Authentic kits have sleeve sponsors and the MLS badge, while replica kits have not logos on the sleeves at all.
Who will replace Adidas in NHL? ›
Early speculation suggests that the NHL is ripe for Nike to make a play and become the official on-court uniform supplier after the Adidas deal dies. The Oregon based brand has been the official supplier of NBA jerseys since the 2017-18 season and has kitted out NFL teams as part of an exclusive deal from 2012.
Who will make NHL jerseys in 2023? ›
When does Adidas' contract with the NHL end? Adidas' contract with the NHL runs through the end of the 2023-24 season, meaning there are two more years left on the deal.
Why did Gatorade stop sponsoring NHL? ›
(Bloomberg) -- PepsiCo Inc.'s Gatorade is dropping its National Hockey League sponsorship to focus on women's sports and college athlete deals, its global head of sports marketing Jeff Kearney said in a LinkedIn post.
Is NHL losing popularity? ›
The research, carried out by sociologist Reginald Bibby of the University of Lethbridge and published in his new book, The Emerging Millennials, shows that since about 1990, teenage interest in the NHL has dropped from 45% to 35%. Among adults, the percentage of fans has slipped from about 35% to 30%.
Has NHL lost popularity? ›
The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen a decline in viewership in recent years. One reason for the decline in viewership may be the lack of a national broadcast deal in the United States.
Why is NHL not popular in America? ›
Many families simply cannot afford to have a child to play hockey. Some people don't have easy access to a hockey rink. Ice time can be pricey, and there may be select hours to practice. Markoulis also said the marketability of the NHL's top prospects is lagging when compared with basketball, baseball and football.
What sponsors are dropping NHL? ›
Telus Corp., Scotiabank, Esso and Tim Hortons - nearly synonymous with hockey in Canada - have all suspended support of the men's hockey programs for the 2022-23 season, including the upcoming world juniors tournament.
Why is Hockey Canada losing all their sponsors? ›
Hockey Canada sponsor fallout: Bauer cuts ties in wake of sexual assault allegations. The fallout continues for Hockey Canada in the wake of sexual assault allegations involving members of its World Junior team.
Why is NHL losing sponsors? ›
Hockey Canada is losing more major sponsorships — at least one apparently permanently — ahead of the 2022-23 season due to continued concerns from companies about the federation's handling of sexual assault allegations.
The 10 Best
- 1) Los Angeles Kings. Sometimes it is just so simple. ...
- 2) Buffalo Sabres. ...
- 3) New Jersey Devils. ...
- 5) Minnesota Wild. ...
- 6) Anaheim Ducks. ...
- 7) Edmonton Oilers. ...
- 8) Pittsburgh Penguins. ...
- 9) Washington Capitals.
The last jersey Wayne Gretzky wore as an Edmonton Oiler sold at auction on Sunday night for $1.452 million. The sale, which was through Grey Flannel Auctions, set a record as the most valuable hockey jersey ever, topping the $1.3 million paid for Paul Henderson's Team Canada jersey from the 1972 Summit Series.
What is the difference between an authentic jersey and a breakaway jersey? ›
The first thing that stands out about the Breakaway jersey is the feel. It's made with a more comfortable, flexible fabric that feels much different than a traditional hockey jersey and features a more tailored cut.
Do you wear a shirt under an NHL 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 is the difference between NHL authentic and Premier jersey? ›
What is a Premier jersey? Premier jerseys, made by adidas, are a less expensive version of the authentic jersey. It also features the NHL center ice woven neck label, as well as quality embroidery. Premier jerseys are made with 2-mesh stretch material, but fit the same as the authentic jersey.
Are authentic NHL jerseys stitched? ›
Authentic jerseys have a name bar that is stitched onto the back of the jersey with the letters of the players' last name stitched onto the name bar, not the jersey itself. The names and numbers also have several layers of stitching — two or three, depending on the team — rather than just one.
Does authentic mean real or fake? ›
The adjective authentic describes something that is real or genuine and not counterfeit.
Is it OK to buy replicas? ›
It is illegal to purchase counterfeit goods. Bringing them into the United States may result in civil or criminal penalties and purchasing counterfeit goods often supports criminal activities, such as forced labor or human trafficking.
Are replica brands illegal? ›
So, while a replica might have the same feature and functionality of a famous or branded product, it usually carries a different symbol or logo which is admittedly similar to the famous one. As a result, they are not outrightly illegal.
Why are authentic jerseys so expensive? ›
One is the quality of the material used, the detail in the copying of the real jerseys worn by players, and the popularity of the player whose name is on the back. It is often a simple function of supply and demand. For instance: It would likely cost more more an Aaron Rodgers jersey than a Dominique Dafney jersey.
You'll notice that on authentic jerseys, the logos and emblems are heat transferred, rather than embroidered like you'll find on the replica jerseys. This is to ensure the athlete's design is as lightweight as possible.
Is hockey jersey outlet legit? ›
We sell only LICENSED JERSEYS and apparel from legitimate vendors: Reebok, CCM, Adidas, Koho, Upper V/FieldSheer, Majestic – NO KNOCKOFFS! Effective Fall '20 we will stock only the Adidas On-Ice pro NHL jerseys (and NHL apparel).
How do you verify a jersey? ›
The easiest way to distinguish between Authentic, Swingman and Replica jerseys is by looking at the tag on the bottom right side of the jersey. The Replica jerseys have a tag that looks different from that found on Swingman and Authentic jerseys, but Authentic and Swingman tags look almost identical.
How do you remove Adidas logo from jersey? ›
You can also use an iron to remove logos from clothing. Put the iron on the logo for a few seconds and then peel it off.
What is confirmed Adidas number? ›
If you have more questions regarding our policy, you can call one of our Customer Service representatives at 1-800-982-9337.
What brand are authentic NHL jerseys? ›
NHL Hockey Authentic Jerseys, NHL adidas Jerseys | shop.nhl.com.
What company makes authentic NHL jerseys? ›
What is authentic jersey Adidas? ›
Authentic 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.
When did Adidas take over NHL jerseys? ›
NEW YORK, N.Y. - The NHL has announced it has a seven-year deal with Adidas to produce its uniforms beginning with the 2017-'18 season. Adidas replaces Reebok, which had previously made the NHL's sweaters.
What is the NHL deal with Adidas? ›
The NHL has a major decision to make soon, as the league announced that Adidas will not renew their deal to exclusively produce NHL jerseys. With the deal ending in the 2023 -2024 season, Adidas will produce the jerseys for only two more years before a new company will step in with an all-new system.
Authentic jerseys are the highest quality available to fans. These sports apparel options can feature breathable, top-of-the-line fabrics for fit and comfort. Numbers and lettering are stitched rather than screen printed. Authentic basketball jerseys can feature a more contoured, streamlined fit than other options.
How do I know if my jersey is authentic? ›
Real jersey tags should have a hologram on a green field background and yard markers on the back of the hologram. You can get a fake for under $50, but the cheap price tells you you're getting what you paid for, a cheap jersey.
