Authentic vs replica: what the words mean
"Authentic" usually means the tier built closest to what players wear. "Replica" means the fan version. But each league and maker uses its own tier names, so the same word can mean different things. The table below lists the names we confirmed on the makers' own pages.
| League | Maker | Closest to on-field | Middle | Fan tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFL | Nike | Elite | Limited | Game (and lighter Legend) |
| NBA | Nike | Authentic (Dri-FIT ADV) | None seen | Swingman (Dri-FIT) |
| MLB | Nike | Elite (named in listings, not confirmed) | Limited (Dri-FIT ADV) | Replica |
| NHL | Fanatics | Authentic Pro | Premium | Breakaway (and Practice) |
| MLS | adidas | Authentic | None seen | Standard fan jersey |
What usually changes between tiers
From the makers' descriptions, the differences come down to three things:
- How the name, number and crest are applied. Nike's NFL Game jerseys are screen-printed; Limited and Elite use twill; NHL Breakaway uses heat-applied crests while Authentic Pro uses multi-layered tackle twill and a 3D embroidered crest.
- Fabric. Higher tiers name performance fabrics such as Dri-FIT ADV (NBA Authentic, MLB Limited) or Climacool+ (MLS Authentic).
- Fit. Closer tiers are often cut to the player specification, and fan tiers are often relaxed, though not always. adidas lists both MLS versions as slim fit.
Which tier suits which fan
| If you want | Look at | Why |
|---|---|---|
| A jersey for occasional wear | The fan tier | Lowest cost, comfortable |
| More detail without top-tier construction | The middle tier | Twill or sewn-down graphics |
| The closest match to on-field | The top tier | Built to the player specification |
| A gift for a first-time buyer | The fan tier, plus a sizing check | Easiest to get right |
Editor's note: Tier names and construction change between seasons and makers. Confirm on the listing, and use our league guides for details.
