Buying guide
Swingman vs Authentic vs Replica: Which NBA Jersey Should You Buy?
Authentic is built to the on-court specification. Swingman is the fan-tier build most people wear. Replica is the accessible entry point. Custom is personalisation across the range. All four carry the same design and the same stitched lettering - they differ in construction, not in looks.
- Authentic - on-court specification, the closest thing to what players wear.
- Swingman - the standard fan build; the default choice for most buyers.
- Replica - the accessible version; lighter build, lower entry cost.
- Custom - personalisation applied across the range, not a fourth tier.
Why 'type' matters more than you think
Type describes how the jersey is built. Two jerseys can look identical in a photo and feel completely different in the hand. Get it wrong and you either overpay for a build you will never appreciate, or under-buy and wish you had gone one step up.
There is also a factual point worth stating plainly: on our store Authentic means the on-court specification tier, not a replica dressed up with a bigger price tag.
Start with the editions guide if you are still unsure which design you want.
The build comparison table
| Type | Built for | Construction | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentic | On-court specification | Specified for competitive play - cut, materials and finishing | Collectors; anyone wearing it hard | Top tier, priced accordingly |
| Swingman | Supporters | Fan-tier build that keeps the design and lettering | Most buyers - the safe default | Largest part of our range |
| Replica | Everyday wear | Lighter, accessible build | First jersey; kids who will size out | Lowest entry cost |
| Custom | Personalised | Any of the above with your own name and number | Gifting | Made to order |
Authentic: the on-court specification
Authentic is built to the specification players wear on the floor. That is a real difference in construction, not marketing language - the cut, the materials and the finishing are all specified for court use.
Buy Authentic if you want the closest thing to the real on-court garment, or if the jersey is going to be worn hard and washed often.
Swingman: the fan-tier standard
Swingman is the build most fans actually wear. It keeps the design, the colours and the lettering treatment in a construction specified for supporters rather than competitive play. It is lighter and easier to live with than Authentic, and it is the largest part of our range - which also means the widest choice of teams, players and editions.
If you are unsure, Swingman is the default answer.
Replica: the accessible entry point
Replica is the accessible version of the same design - a lighter build at a lower entry cost. It is the right call for a first jersey, for a growing kid who will size out of it in a year, or if you want several teams rather than one premium piece.
Custom: your name, your number
Custom is not a fourth tier - it is a personalisation applied across the range. You choose the team, the edition and the build, then add your own name and number. It is the most gifted jersey we sell, and the one people keep longest.
Full walkthrough: the custom jersey guide.
What is identical across all three
- The design is identical across the types - same team, edition, colours and graphics. You are choosing construction, not artwork.
- Lettering is stitched tackle twill across the range, not printed, whichever build you pick. See the stitched vs printed breakdown.
- Sizing runs generous by design in every type, because a basketball jersey is cut to be worn over a base layer. Use the size guide to confirm.
- Big & Tall sizing exists on many designs, so the range is not limited to standard adult sizes.
So which one should you buy?
- Wearing it to games, washing it regularly? Swingman.
- Collecting, or want the on-court build? Authentic.
- First jersey, or buying for a kid? Replica.
- Gifting? Custom.
Pair the right type with the right edition, then check your size.
Chicago BullsMen's Chicago Bulls Michael Jordan Black 1995/96 Hardwood ClassicsStitched tackle twill - ships worldwideView this jersey
Los Angeles LakersMen's Los Angeles Lakers Kobe Bryant Powder Blue 2001/02 Hardwood Stitched tackle twill - ships worldwideView this jersey
Golden State WarriorsMen's Golden State Warriors Blue 2020/21 Authentic Custom Jersey -Stitched tackle twill - ships worldwideView this jersey
New York KnicksMen's New York Knicks Carmelo Anthony Blue 2010/11 Hardwood ClassiStitched tackle twill - ships worldwideView this jerseyCompare the builds side by side, then filter by team, player and edition.
Shop all NBA jerseysSources: Basketball uniform
Frequently asked questions
Is Authentic the same as a replica?
No. On our store Authentic is the on-court specification tier - a different construction from the fan versions. Swingman and Replica are the fan-tier builds.
Which type do most fans buy?
Swingman. It is the fan-tier standard and the widest part of our range, so it also has the best choice of teams, players and editions.
Does the design differ between types?
No - the team, edition, colours and graphics are the same. What changes is how the jersey is built.
Is the lettering stitched on every type?
Yes. Names, numbers and lettering are stitched tackle twill across the range rather than printed.
Is Custom a separate tier?
No. Custom is personalisation applied across the range: pick the team, edition and build, then add your own name and number.