I was watching football the other day and my buddy asked me if do Nike NFL jerseys have stitched numbers. I had to think about it for a second. After some contemplation, I remembered that league-licensed NFL apparel, including Nike and other brands, are made deliberately so certain parts of the jersey—like the numbers—are always stitched.
Having said that, if you’re getting a non-licensed piece of merch, you don’t know exactly what type of adhesive was used to stick it on the actual jersey. It could be a simple patch, or it could be something more permanent like heat transfer, or even in some cases 3D. It really just depends on the manufacturer.
Then I started thinking about what the jersey material might be and it clicked that NFL jerseys are made of mesh and it’s probably best to go with something that is close to the fabric, like spandex, so the numbers don’t outstretch the jersey or move around too much. For instance, if you’re an avid football fan, the last thing you want is for your jersey name to be smudged or get drawn off after a play.
However, that doesn’t mean that non-stitched numbers on jerseys are bad; it’s just that they require a bit more care than their stitched counterparts. One of the benefits, though, is that a heat transfer can allow you to customize numbers to your liking—on the lighter side, of course.
Another interesting point to consider is that all NFL teams must use the same manufacturer for their uniforms and jerseys. So, if you’re looking for a jersey from your favourite team, such as the Los Angeles Rams, you should know that the NFL game officials will look for the officially licensed stamp to ensure that all numbers are stitched.
At the end of the day, it all comes down to personal preference. Do you want a durable and stretched jersey with stitched numbers or do you prefer something easy to customize and with some flare? It’s a tricky question, but the answer is out there.
To clarify further, it often comes down to what look you’re going for. If you want a jersey that looks as close to the professional and league jerseys as possible, then opting for one with the stitched numbers is the way to go–and Nike got you covered. If you’re aiming for a bold, distinct look, then there are 3D options and heat-transferred prints that could provide you with a unique design that’s sure to show off your team pride.
At the same time, you should also consider the fit of the jersey. Obviously, a stitched jersey will fit better and have better verisimilitude to the original, while a heat-transferred jersey will feel much less substantial, especially if the fabric’s lightweight.
Ultimately, when it comes to looking at NFL jerseys, no matter the brand, it’s important to consider your individual needs and preferences and go with the one that best fits those. If you want a jersey that looks like the pros’, you should always lean towards one with stitched numbers for a higher-quality look and feel.