A basketball jersey isn’t chosen like a t-shirt. Even before looking at a size chart, only one question matters: what look do you want? Oversized in the spirit of the 90s, fitted like today’s players, or simply comfortable for going to the game? The answer completely changes the size you should order.
This is the information no one clearly gives, and it explains most disappointments when receiving an NBA jersey.
First: what style of wear are you aiming for?
Basketball jersey culture is inseparable from style. Unlike football, where an oversized jersey rarely works, basketball has a long tradition of oversized wear dating back to the 90s — and it remains very present in today’s streetwear culture. Identifying your style before choosing your size helps avoid ordering the wrong jersey.
Swingman, Authentic, Statement: three very different cuts
The NBA offers its jerseys in several versions with fundamentally different cuts. Confusing the versions is the most common mistake in online orders.
This is the most common and best-selling version. Standard cut, thick polyester fabric, large armholes in the tradition of the NBA jersey. It fits slightly larger compared to a standard t-shirt. If you wear M in t-shirts, an S or M Swingman will suit you depending on your desired style. Usual price: 90 to 110 euros.
The version worn on the court by players. Ultra-light fabric, fitted cut designed for athletes. It fits significantly smaller than the Swingman. An M in t-shirt will often take an L or XL in Authentic to be comfortable. If you want a comfortable fit for a supporter, Authentic is not the right choice at your usual size. Price: 130 to 180 euros.
Special editions (City Edition, Statement Edition, Classic Edition) generally follow the standard Swingman cut. Always check the product page: some City Editions are produced only in Authentic depending on the teams. The size guide specific to each edition is the most reliable reference.
Take your measurements and read the size chart
Two measurements are enough to choose with confidence.
- Chest circumference: measure at the widest point of your chest, under the armpits, without tightening the tape. This is the main measurement.
- Torso length: from the base of the neck to the hip. Useful if you want to know whether the jersey will fall on the hip or lower (depending on the size chosen).
| Size | Chest circumference (cm) | Swingman (wide cut) | Authentic (fitted cut) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 86 to 91 cm | Fitted to normal fit | Too tight except for athletic builds |
| M | 91 to 97 cm | Normal to slightly wide fit | Fitted, player style |
| L | 97 to 104 cm | Wide fit, 90s style | Normal to comfortable |
| XL | 104 to 111 cm | Very wide, streetwear look | Slightly wide, comfortable |
| XXL | 111 to 119 cm | Large size supporter fit | Normal size for XL build |
These indications vary depending on the outfitters. Always check the size guide on the product page before confirming your order.
One thing to keep in mind: NBA players have extraordinary builds. LeBron James wears an XL Authentic. An average person with a standard build who wants the same visual look as LeBron will often need to take an L or XL Swingman.
What changes according to NBA outfitters
Since 2017, Nike has been the exclusive outfitter of the NBA. All official versions (Swingman, Authentic, Statement, City, Classic) are produced by Nike. This monopoly simplifies size reading: a single reference for all teams.
Nike Swingman: slightly large by design
The Nike Swingman fits slightly larger compared to a standard Nike t-shirt. If you usually buy M in Nike t-shirts, an S or M Swingman will fit you, depending on the desired style. The wide armholes are characteristic of the basketball jersey and do not indicate a sizing error.
Nike Authentic: at least one size smaller
The Authentic version is designed for athletes with very specific body types. It always fits smaller than the Swingman of the same number. If you buy an Authentic to wear as a fan, take at least one size larger, often two. An Authentic S is very rarely comfortable for an adult of average build.
European club and national team jerseys
For club jerseys outside the NBA (Euroleague, national basketball teams), the equipment brands vary: Nike, Adidas, Spalding, Peak, Castore. Sizes are not standardized between these brands. Always consult the size guide on each product page rather than a generic chart.
Specific cases: children, gifts, atypical body types
NBA kids' jerseys
NBA junior jerseys are available in age 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 child can easily wear 140 cm or 164 cm depending on their body type. Always measure the height in centimeters and compare with the product size chart. If the child is between two sizes, choose the larger one.
Buying a basketball jersey as a gift
Without precise measurements of the recipient, two rules: always choose the size larger than what you estimate (a basketball jersey that is too big is often acceptable, too tight is unusable), and check the exchange policy before ordering. The Swingman version is safer than an Authentic for a gift, as the looser fit allows for a greater margin of error in sizing.
Unusual body types
For people who are very tall or very broad, the NBA range offers sizes up to 3XL and 4XL on certain Swingman models. These sizes are not available everywhere: official equipment sites and major specialized retailers generally offer the best selection in larger sizes.
Find all NBA jerseys available in extended sizes in our Western Conference and Eastern Conference selections.
The most common mistakes
- Choosing your usual t-shirt size for an Authentic jersey. The NBA Authentic always runs smaller. This mistake accounts for most returns on NBA jerseys.
- Confusing Swingman and Authentic versions. The same size in both versions gives very different fits. Check the version before confirming your order.
- Relying on age for a child’s jersey size. Age-based sizes don’t account for body shape variations. Size in centimeters is the only reliable measurement.
- Ordering without checking the size guide on the product page. Each model may have its own specifics. The size guide on the product page is more reliable than a generic chart.
- Cut off the tags after trying it on. Try the jersey first, then remove the tags. A jersey without tags cannot be exchanged.
- Don’t forget to consider the intended style of wear. Choosing your exact size for a streetwear-style basketball jersey often results in a jersey that’s too tight and doesn’t match the desired aesthetic.
Frequently asked questions about basketball jersey sizing
What size should I choose for a basketball jersey?
It all depends on the desired look and the version of the jersey. For an NBA Swingman jersey with a comfortable fit, choose your usual size or one size up. For an oversized look inspired by the 90s or streetwear style, go up one to two sizes. For an Authentic jersey, always take one size larger than your usual size: the cut is designed for athletes and runs much smaller. When in doubt, the larger size is almost always the right choice for a basketball jersey.
Should you buy a basketball jersey one size up?
For most buyers, yes. One size up from your usual t-shirt size gives a comfortable and natural fit on a Swingman NBA jersey. This is also the most common look among basketball fans, who wear their jerseys with a bit of ease. If you buy an Authentic, go even two sizes up. The only exception: if you want a very fitted look like current players, your exact size in a Swingman will suffice.
What size should you take for an NBA jersey in general?
For a standard NBA Swingman jersey, measure your chest circumference and use the size chart: between 91 and 97 cm, an M Swingman fits for a normal to slightly loose look. Between 97 and 104 cm, an L Swingman gives a loose basketball-style fit. For an Authentic, always go up one to two sizes from these references. The Swingman version is recommended for 90% of non-athlete buyers.
What size should a woman take for a basketball jersey?
Official NBA jerseys are mostly cut for male body types. For a woman who wants to wear an NBA jersey, there are two options: buy a men's size one to two sizes smaller than her usual size (for a fitted look), or take her usual size or even one size up for an oversized look. Some manufacturers offer women's cuts on certain models: check availability on the product page before ordering.
In summary
The size of a basketball jersey depends on two variables: the jersey version (Swingman or Authentic) and the desired fit style (fitted, regular, oversized). For 90% of buyers, the Swingman version one size up from their usual size is the right choice. For the Authentic, always go up at least one size. And above all, decide on the look you want: that determines your size, not the other way around.
Browse our Western Conference and Eastern Conference collections to find the official NBA jersey that matches your team and style.