How To Wear a Baseball Jersey
Josie Costigan
Table of Contents
Major leagues are fashion designers in their own way. The colors and logos of team jerseys are always changing and becoming bolder and better—just like the newest fashion trends. Instead of hitting the runways, the players are storming the fields.
Learning how to wear a baseball jersey may intimidate people who aren’t familiar with the sporting world. And that’s why we’re here to help.
Athletic clothing doesn’t have to be restrictive. There are so many ways to style a jersey, even beyond the sporty fashion look. And, there are also more places to wear it beyond sporting events!
So it’s time to broaden your fashion horizons and learn how to wear a baseball jersey. After reading this guide, you’ll understand:
- How to wear a baseball jersey
- How to take care of a baseball jersey
- Where to get a jersey best suited to your preference
What is a Baseball Jersey?
Differing in color and design, baseball jerseys are short sleeve, button-up shirts made from breathable polyester material. When they aren’t being worn by the athletes on the field, people can model the uniforms as part of their sporty style.
The jerseys have a team logo embroidered across the chest with a name and number spread across the back. The jerseys can be a solid or mixture of colors, and some feature stripes across the shirt as part of the design. The major league of baseball sells the jerseys of their thirty teams as merchandise.
Fan or not, these jerseys are available to all. So step up to the plate and let us tell you how to wear a baseball jersey—batter up!
History of Baseball Jerseys
Baseball jerseys have been worn by athletes since the nineteenth century. The New York Knickerbockers were the first to wear baseball uniforms.
The group wore blue wool pants, white flannel shirts, and straw hats during a matchup in 1849. Soon after, other baseball teams took the field in their basic flannel shirts paired with wool pants.
Home and away jerseys soon followed, and are now standard practice. Every team has a different jersey design for home and away games.
To this day, the jerseys are exact in design but the base colors are different. For example, the Chicago Cubs wear a predominantly white jersey at their home field. When the team is on the visiting team, they’ll be seen wearing a navy blue jersey.
Since first being worn over 150 years ago, the baseball jersey has grown with the game. Over 4,000 different uniforms have been worn by players in the major league.
At the start of the last century, graphic images were designed to identify the different teams and reflect their team names. Notice that the Toronto Blue Jays will add the bird on their gear, or the Boston Red Sox will literally be seen with red socks on their sweaters.
When to Wear a Baseball Jersey
Baseball jerseys are worn by many outside the stadium. Of course, you can support your favorite team while wearing their jersey in the stands. But, you can also add a jersey on top of any outfit to create an urban, chic look.
The shirts are perfect for a day downtown during any lowkey activity. Dress them up with game-stopping jewelry additions or dress them down with a simple hat.
Hot or cold, it doesn’t matter. The breathable material makes jerseys lightweight for a warmer day. But, you can easily add a hoodie or long-sleeve shirt under the uniform and you’ll be prepared for a chilly night. There are so many options to choose from when deciding how to wear a baseball jersey.
How to Wear a Baseball Jersey
When considering how to wear a baseball jersey, there seem to be infinite style possibilities. You can style it for a trendy, classic vibe, layer it over a hoodie for a casual look, or even wear it as a dress for an urban twist.
Browse through the selections of baseball jerseys and find the team that best suits your fashion sense. There are dark-toned jerseys, bright designs, or even retro, polished styles.
The jersey can upgrade any basic look with its striking lettering, visuals, and detailing. The possibilities are endless and you’ll knock it out of the park!
We’ve gathered lots of really cool outfit ideas for you. Hopefully, with all the style inspiration below, you’ll be inspired to try out this sporty look. So, if you’re wondering how to wear a baseball jersey, let us show you.
5 Outfit Ideas with a Baseball Jersey
This model literally took her outfit out to the ball game. The baseball jersey ranks top when it comes to modern minimalism. The color blocking and layering of the black, long-sleeve shirt against the white jersey is such a clean, crisp look. The matching white hat also elevates the casual vibe.
Layering a long-sleeve top under your jersey adds depth to your outfit and, against a solid color, the graphics really pop. Plus, the extra layer can add a bit of warmth if needed.
This woman chose to wear the larger-sized New York Yankees jersey as a dress and drapes it off her shoulders for a sassy touch. She matches her bralette to her boots to tie the natural colors together. The vertical stripes on this jersey help lengthen her petite figure.
If you want to achieve this look, try thrifting a vintage jersey or buy a new men’s jersey. Many women’s jerseys are fitted, so getting that oversized look would be more difficult.
To elongate the legs, pair this outfit with tall boots or knee-high socks. If you want a more fitted feel, add a belt around the highest point of your waist to accentuate your hips.
Here’s a casual outfit idea: tuck the jersey into your favorite pair of high-waisted jeans. Play around with the shirt by pulling it out slightly to create that loungey, loose feel. Using the red details of the team’s logo, the model matches her shoes and lip color to create a cohesive final look.
Again, tucking the jersey into the denim guarantees your figure won’t lose its shape in the oversized jersey. Try unbuttoning a few buttons to highlight your collarbone or add a staple necklace.
Go even further and untuck one side of the jersey, letting it hang in front of you for an urban, playful impression.
Let your cute bralette have its moment by leaving the jersey open. This model plays with textures by adding the polyester jersey over her leather top. She also adds a flattering necklace that pulls the look together, and she doesn’t let her chest look bare with the low-cut top.
The unbuttoned styling of the jersey pairs well on top of snug clothing to loosen up the laid-back look. This emphasizes the easy styling of the baseball jersey. If this outfit seems too muted, choose a brighter jersey or crop top to layer underneath.
There’s nothing better than a man in a uniform and we think baseball jerseys count. The layering of the jersey on top of a solid hoodie is so popular right now. Also, matching the white jersey with the clean shoes makes the blue text stand out.
Without the addition of the jersey, this outfit would be your average sweater and denim combo—and we’ve all ‘been there, done that.’ Taking the extra step to add a jersey creates a more eye-catching look.
What Type of Baseball Jerseys can you get?
As we’ve mentioned, it’s the designs that make a baseball jersey unique. Baseball jerseys basically stay the same in shape and style, but the colors and graphics vary.
Of course, minor and major baseball leagues will sell team jerseys as merchandise. You might even be able to snag a jersey in your city, and support the colors of your hometown team.
Authentic jerseys are the exact shirts worn on the field. They’re made of double-knit polyester, and include the official lettering for each team.
Replica jerseys are similar in design yet weaker in quality. Replicas don’t have the extensive stitching that authentic jerseys do. Instead, the lettering and graphics are usually ironed on. But, replicas are available to buy at a more affordable price point.
Over the years, brands have caught on to the baseball jersey trend. Many sell their own jerseys, replacing logos with phrases or their own graphics. So, if you’re not into showing love for a team, you can show love for your favorite store!
How to Choose The Best Baseball Jerseys
You’re no longer an amateur when it comes to knowing how to wear a baseball jersey. But there’s still a few more things to learn. So let’s slide into second base now, and learn how to find the best baseball jersey.
The major considerations for choosing the best jersey are:
- Quality
- Price
- Material
Most jerseys are made from breathable fabric that can handle any moisture. Authentic jerseys are the best in terms of quality with their double-stitched polyester material. These are the most expensive types to buy, though, costing around $250-$300.
But, many consider authenticity worth the price, especially since they’re known to last longer in your closet.
Replica jerseys are a cheaper, less durable option without sacrificing too much of the typical features of the uniform. Compared to authentic jerseys, the prices are cut in half and a replica jersey will cost around $100-$150.
If you love the look of a jersey but not the prices, there are other options. You can find jerseys at many of your go-to fashion shops for the low price range of $20-$40.
These options won’t be related to a professional team or rank as good in terms of quality. But, they’re the perfect choice to experiment with before committing to an expensive, authentic jersey.
How to Style a Baseball Jersey
Men and women can both learn how to wear a baseball jersey, since it’s a great unisex addition to any wardrobe. They’re also super versatile fashion pieces: you’ll be able to put together multiple outfits with just one piece of clothing.
If you style it with jeans and a baseball hat, you’ll look like you belong in the stands of a ball game. Pairing a jersey with knee-high boots, you’ll look put together with minimal effort. A baseball jersey will have you looking trendy in the easiest way.
Fashion Tips to Avoid With a Baseball Jersey
To save time deciding how to wear a baseball jersey, we’ve got some helpful tips for you. Let us coach you on some fashion choices to avoid while styling.
Strike one – If you settle on a jersey with bold colors and graphics, don’t layer with contrasting apparel or accessories. The jerseys look best against white and black shades. You could also match with colors found throughout the uniform. The design of a baseball jersey is artwork in its own way. So don’t force it to fight for attention against other strong, attention-grabbing items.
Strike two – When deciding how to wear a baseball jersey, be aware of its unique features. Many jerseys have vertical stripes as part of their design, so refrain from adding extra patterns that may overcrowd your outfit, making it look too busy.
Strike three – Don’t limit the jersey to athleisure wear. Take advantage of the shirt’s versatility and learn how to dress it up and dress it down. Pair it with leggings or pair it with leather pants and find what suits your style best. Play around with the trend until you find your favorite look.
How to Take Care of a Baseball Jersey
The polyester fabric and embroidery of the baseball jersey need special care on your laundry days. Most jerseys will come with a washing label, so follow those instructions during the washing cycle.
Here’s a pro tip: never wash your jerseys with other clothing. This can damage your jersey since the dyes from other apparel can stain or leave discolorations on it. It’s also suggested to turn your jersey inside out so the chemicals in your detergent don’t cause fading on your logos.
Turning the jersey inside out and unbuttoning it will lessen the chances of wrinkling and protect the embroidering and buttons. Doing this will also make sure the meticulous stitching and buttons won’t snag onto anything else in your load.
Always hang dry your jersey after the washing cycle. A trip to the dryer may cause it to shrink so always hang-dry the shirt. The good news is that the moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly, so you can wear your jersey in no time.
The post-game summary for this section is simple: always carefully follow the washing instructions on the label, and consider the tips above so your jersey will have a long career.
Best Places to Buy a Baseball Jersey
The following are the best places to browse through jersey options, each varying in quality and price:
- MLB’s official website, look through the teams and be directed to their merch stores
- Fila
- Adidas
- Nike
- Mitchell & Ness
- Shein
- Forever21
- Boohoo
Each professional baseball team will have a website where you can buy their licensed merchandise. Search for the city you live in and they may just have a hometown team whose colors you can wear with pride.
If you want the full experience though, head straight to the baseball diamond and stop by the team shop to pick up your jersey.
As we’ve said, other brands are designing their own versions of baseball jerseys. Sporting retailers like Fila and Adidas feature their brand logos on their sporting attire for around $60-$80.
Other stores, such as Forever 21 or Shein, take the classic fit of the jersey and add a feminine flair for a low cost of $15-$30.
Mitchell & Ness is a great company to look into for any sports apparel. This retailer constantly takes throwback designs of teams and revamps them. They’re considered an authentic retro company and are a personal favorite.
Thrift stores are another extremely affordable option to sift through some vintage baseball jerseys. You may even find some rare designs or old team graphics.
One of my favorite places to get my oversized, athletic look is called ‘my dad’s closet.’ Dads often have jerseys from years ago that don’t fit, so ask your dad if you can permanently borrow one!
Final Thoughts
On the field, the baseball jersey is worn with pride by the athletes. It pays homage to the thousands of players who have led the logo to greatness in seasons prior.
Off the field, the baseball jersey has become a trendy style staple. And it really is a symbol of North America’s sports and fashion culture.
Hopefully, with our helpful tips, learning how to wear a baseball jersey was straightforward and easy. So maybe you’re ready to go buy one and rock this sporty look. And, with your great fashion sense, not only will you look fantastic, but you’ll also hit a style ‘homerun.’
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