Choosing a basketball jersey isn't like choosing a T-shirt. Before you even look at a size chart, one question matters: what kind of look are you after? Oversized in the 90s style, fitted like today's players, or simply comfortable for going to a game? The answer completely changes which size you should order.
This is the information no one clearly explains, and it accounts for most of the disappointment when an NBA jersey arrives.
First: what kind of fit are you going for?
Basketball jersey culture is inseparable from questions of style. Unlike in football, where an oversized jersey rarely works, basketball has a long tradition of oversized fits dating back to the 90s—and one that remains very much alive in today's streetwear culture. Figuring out your style before looking for your size helps you avoid ordering the wrong one.
Swingman, Authentic, Statement: three very different fits
The NBA offers its jerseys in several versions with fundamentally different fits. Confusing the versions is the most common mistake in online orders.
This is the most common and best-selling version. Standard fit, thick polyester fabric, and wide armholes in the tradition of the NBA jersey. It runs slightly large compared with a standard T-shirt. If you wear a M T-shirt, a Swingman S or M will work depending on your preferred style. Usual price: 90 to 110 euros.
The version worn on the court by players. Ultra-lightweight fabric, with a fitted cut designed for athletes. It runs significantly smaller than the Swingman. Someone who wears a M T-shirt will often need an L or XL in Authentic for a comfortable fit. If you want a comfortable fit for cheering on your team, Authentic isn't the right choice in your usual size. Price: 130 to 180 euros.
Special editions (City Edition, Statement Edition, Classic Edition) generally follow the standard Swingman fit. Always check the product listing: some City Edition jerseys are made only in Authentic, depending on the team. The size guide for each edition is the most reliable reference.
Taking your measurements and reading the size chart
Two measurements are all you need to choose with confidence.
- Chest circumference: measure at the widest point of your chest, under the armpits, without pulling the tape tight. This is the main measurement.
- Body length: from the base of the neck to the hip. Useful if you want to know whether the jersey will fall at the hip or lower (depending on the size you choose).
| Size | Chest circumference (cm) | Swingman (loose fit) | Authentic (fitted cut) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 34 to 36 in | Fitted to regular | Too tight unless you have an athletic build |
| M | 36 to 38 in | Regular to slightly loose fit | Fitted, player style |
| L | 38 to 41 in | Loose fit, 90s style | Regular to comfortable |
| XL | 41 to 44 in | Very loose, streetwear look | Slightly loose, comfortable |
| XXL | 44 to 47 in | Plus-size fan fit | True to size for an XL build |
These guidelines vary by outfitter. Always check the size guide on the product page before placing your order.
One thing to keep in mind: NBA players have exceptionally large builds. LeBron James wears an Authentic XL. An average person with a standard build who wants the same look as LeBron will often need a Swingman L or XL.
What varies between NBA outfitters
Since 2017, Nike has been the NBA's exclusive outfitter. All official versions (Swingman, Authentic, Statement, City, Classic) are made by Nike. This monopoly makes sizing easier to understand: there's one size standard for all clubs.
Nike Swingman: intentionally slightly oversized
The Nike Swingman fits slightly large compared with a standard Nike T-shirt. If you usually buy a size M Nike T-shirt, a Swingman in S or M will fit, depending on the look you want. The wide armholes are a characteristic feature of basketball jerseys and don't mean you've chosen the wrong size.
Nike Authentic: at least one size up
The Authentic version is designed for athletes with very specific body types. It consistently fits smaller than the Swingman in the same number. If you're buying an Authentic jersey to wear as a fan, go at least one size up, often two. An Authentic S is rarely comfortable for an adult with an average build.
European club and national team jerseys
For jerseys from non-NBA clubs (EuroLeague, national basketball teams), manufacturers vary: Nike, Adidas, Spalding, Peak, Castore. Sizing is not standardized across these brands. Always check the size guide on each product page rather than relying on a generic chart.
Special cases: children, gifts, and atypical body types
NBA kids' jerseys
Junior NBA jerseys are available in age-based sizes (4-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, etc.) or numeric sizes (128 cm, 140 cm, 152 cm, 164 cm). Never rely on age alone: a 10-year-old could easily wear a 140 cm or 164 cm size, depending on their build. Always measure their height in centimeters and compare it with the size chart on the product page. If the child is between sizes, choose the larger one.
Buy a basketball jersey as a gift
If you don't have the recipient's exact measurements, follow these two rules: always choose a size larger than you think you'll need (a basketball jersey that's too big can often be worn with confidence, but one that's too tight is unwearable), and check the exchange policy before ordering. The Swingman version is a safer choice than an Authentic jersey for a gift, as its looser fit allows for more uncertainty about sizing.
Unusual body types
For people with a very tall or broad build, the NBA range offers sizes up to 3XL and 4XL in some Swingman models. These sizes aren't available everywhere: official equipment manufacturers' websites and major specialist retailers generally offer the best selection of larger sizes.
Find all available NBA jerseys in extended sizes in our Western Conference and Eastern Conference selections.
The most common mistakes
- Getting your usual T-shirt size in an Authentic jersey. L'Authentic NBA jerseys consistently run small. This mistake accounts for most returns on NBA jerseys.
- Confusing Swingman and Authentic jerseys. The same size in both versions will fit very differently. Check the version before confirming your order.
- Relying on age for a kids' jersey. Age-based sizes don't account for differences in body shape. Height in centimeters is the only reliable measurement.
- Ordering without checking the size guide on the product page. Each model may have its own fit. The size guide on the product page is more reliable than a generic chart.
- Cutting off the tags before trying it on. Try it on first, then remove the tags. A jersey without tags can no longer be exchanged.
- Forgetting to consider how you plan to wear it. Getting your exact size in a basketball jersey for a streetwear look often means ending up with a jersey that's too tight and doesn't match the look you're after.
Frequently asked questions about basketball jersey sizing
What size should you get for a basketball jersey?
It all depends on the fit you want and the jersey version. For a comfortable fit in an NBA Swingman jersey, choose your usual size or one size up. For an oversized, 90s-inspired or streetwear look, go up one or two sizes. For an Authentic, always go one size up from your usual size: it's designed for athletes and runs much smaller. If in doubt, sizing up is almost always the right choice for a basketball jersey.
Should I buy a basketball jersey one size up?
For most buyers, yes. Going one size up from your usual T-shirt size gives you a comfortable, natural fit in an NBA Swingman jersey. It's also the most common fit among basketball fans, who like their jerseys to be a little roomy. If you're buying an Authentic, go up two sizes. The only exception: if you want a very fitted, current-player look, your exact size in a Swingman will be enough.
What size should I get in an NBA jersey in general?
For a standard NBA Swingman jersey, measure your chest and use the size chart: between 91 and 97 cm, a Swingman M works for a regular to slightly loose fit. Between 97 and 104 cm, a Swingman L gives you the loose fit associated with basketball style. For an Authentic, always go up one or two sizes from these guidelines. The Swingman version is recommended for 90% of non-athlete buyers.
What size basketball jersey should a woman get?
Official NBA jerseys are mostly cut for men's body types. Women who want to wear an NBA jersey have two options: buy a men's size one or two sizes smaller than their usual size for a fitted look, or choose their usual size or even one size up for an oversized look. Some manufacturers offer women's cuts on certain styles: check the product page for availability before ordering.
In brief
Basketball jersey sizing depends on two variables: the jersey version (Swingman or Authentic) and how you want it to fit (fitted, regular, oversized). For 90% of buyers, the Swingman version in one size up from your usual size is the right choice. For the Authentic, always go up at least one size. Above all, decide how you want it to fit: that determines your size, not the other way around.
Browse our Western Conference and Eastern Conference collections to find the official NBA jersey that suits your team and style.