Buying a Major League Baseball (MLB) jersey can be an exciting purchase. MLB jerseys come in many styles and colors, and can be purchased online or in stores. Whether you’re looking for an autographed jersey to add to your collection or just a jersey to wear to a game, it’s important to make sure the jersey you buy is the real deal. Here’s how to tell if a MLB jersey is real.
Identifying a Fake MLB Jersey
The first step to telling if a MLB jersey is real is to identify a fake jersey. Fake jerseys are often sold as authentic and can be hard to spot. Here are some tips for identifying a fake MLB jersey.
Check the Fabric
The fabric of an authentic MLB jersey should feel thick and durable. Fake jerseys are often made of a thinner material that can easily tear. The letters and numbers on the jersey should be sewn on, not printed on. Authentic jerseys also have a jock tag with the team logo and the size of the jersey.
Look at the Logo
The team logo on a real MLB jersey should be stitched on, not printed. Fake jerseys often have logos that are printed on or are not the same color as the jersey. Authentic jerseys also have a patch with the MLB logo on the lower left sleeve.
Examine the Tags
The tags on an authentic MLB jersey should list the size, country of origin, and a hologram sticker with the official MLB logo. Fake jerseys usually have tags that are off-center or have misspellings.
Research the Seller
Researching the seller is another important step in identifying a fake jersey. Reputable sellers will often have customer reviews that you can read to determine the authenticity of their products. If the seller does not have reviews, it’s best to avoid purchasing from them.
Authentic MLB Jersey Features
Once you’ve identified a fake jersey, the next step is to look for features that identify an authentic MLB jersey. Here are some features to look for.
Material
Authentic MLB jerseys are made from a durable fabric that is designed to last. The fabric should feel thick and should not easily tear.
Lettering and Numbers
The letters and numbers on an authentic MLB jersey should be sewn on, not printed on. The stitching should be even and free of any gaps or uneven lines.
Logo
The team logo on a real MLB jersey should be stitched on and should be the same color as the jersey. Fake jerseys often have logos that are printed on or are not the same color.
Tags
The tags on an authentic MLB jersey should list the size, country of origin, and a hologram sticker with the official MLB logo. Fake jerseys usually have tags that are off-center or have misspellings.
MLB Patch
Authentic MLB jerseys have a patch with the MLB logo on the lower left sleeve. Fake jerseys often do not have this patch, or it may not be sewn on properly.
Authenticity Guarantee
When buying a MLB jersey, make sure the seller offers an authenticity guarantee. This ensures that the jersey you buy is the real deal.
Purchasing from an Authorized Dealer
It’s important to purchase an authentic MLB jersey from an authorized dealer. Authorized dealers are officially licensed by MLB and are the only ones allowed to sell genuine MLB jerseys.
Price
The price of an authentic MLB jersey can vary depending on the style and size. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic jerseys are usually more expensive than fake ones.
Inspect Before Buying
If possible, inspect the jersey before buying it. Make sure to check all of the features mentioned above to make sure the jersey is real.
Conclusion
Buying a MLB jersey can be an exciting purchase. It’s important to make sure the jersey you buy is the real deal. Identifying a fake jersey is the first step, and then you should look for features that identify an authentic MLB jersey. Make sure to research the seller and purchase from an authorized dealer. Inspect the jersey before buying it to make sure it is authentic. Following these steps will help you find an authentic MLB jersey that you can enjoy for years to come.