A Guide to Understanding and Purchasing NFL Jerseys

Buying a jersey to support your favorite NFL team isn't as easy as it would seem. If you visit www.NFLShop.com, you'll know what I mean. There are hundreds of different choices, all of differing styles and prices. So, how do you decipher the jersey lingo and find the appropriate choice?

Below is a list and description of the different types of jerseys you can buy to support your favorite NFL team.

Authentic Jersey

Authentic jerseys are called so because it is the exact same product the professionals wear on the field. They are made from thick, high quality Pro-Brite fabric with reinforced double shoulders and elbows. These jerseys are made to withstand the wear and tear of the field. Authentic jerseys also have embroidered lettering and are always an exact match of the team's colors. The quality of these jerseys is going to reflect in the price; authentic jerseys are the most expensive, ranging anywhere from $200 to $300.

Authentic jerseys are perfect for collectors, especially if the jersey is autographed.

Premier Jersey

Premier jerseys are made of a heavy, polyester diamond weave mesh and also feature the embroidered "single-layer tackle twill team graphic" (NFLShop.com). Premier jerseys are nicer on the pocket book, ranging from $100 to $150.

Premier jerseys are perfect for fans who want a durable jersey on a budget.

Replica Jersey

Replica jerseys look like the jerseys the professionals are wearing on the field but are made quite differently. Replica jerseys are made of breathable, quick drying mesh fabric. The lettering on these jerseys are screen printed. Since the lettering is not embroidered it is susceptible to damage easily. If you own or purchase a replica jersey, never throw it in the dryer because the heat can melt the lettering. Also, the colors of replica jerseys may not be the team's true colors. Replica jerseys are the least expensive, usually under $100.

Replica jerseys are a great, inexpensive way to support your favorite NFL team.

Home Jersey

These are the jerseys the team wears when they play on their home field. Home jerseys will be in the original team colors and can be purchased in the authentic, premier and replica styles.

Away Jersey

Away jerseys are what the team wears when they play away from their home field. These jerseys are usually white with the team's primary colors as accent colors. These jerseys can be purchased in authentic, premier and replica styles.

Throwback Jersey

Throwback jerseys are a limited-time variation of a team's jersey. These jerseys have a retro look and resemble a uniform of the team's past. These jerseys are sometimes considered alternative jerseys for the team but are usually only worn during special team games. Throwback jerseys can be purchased in the authentic, premier or replica styles.

Third Jersey

A third jersey, other than a home or an away jersey, is referred to as an alternative jersey for a team. The third jersey is sometimes the throwback style, but not always. The third jersey is created by teams, usually with the team's secondary color, to ensure they will always have an appropriate, contrasting uniform of the opponent to wear. Third Jerseys can be purchased in authentic, premier and replica styles.

Customized Jersey

Yes, you can customize your own jersey, with your own name! The customized jersey has the numbers "00" and the name you choose printed or embroidered on the back. You can purchase customized jersey in the authentic, premier, or replica style. I have even seen customized alternative jerseys on www.NFLShop.com.

Fashion Jersey

A fashion jersey, sometimes called a sweetheart or a flirt jersey, is a jersey designed for women. These jerseys are slimmer, shorter and tighter than the traditional jersey. Fashion jerseys usually come adorned with rhinestones and can be found in bright, girlie colors; the most popular being pink. These jerseys can be purchased in replica and premier styles. Fashion jerseys can not be purchased in the authentic style because, well, it's not authentic; it is not the style the professionals are wearing on the field.

Always remember, if you are dishing out money for a quality jersey, especially an autographed jersey, make sure it is officially licensed with a verified authenticity letter. Otherwise, your purchase is wasted, the value diminishes, and you'll have very little chance at a resale.

Now that you understand the NFL lingo, you can purchase an appropriate jersey to show your team spirit.

Happy NFL Season!