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Are you ready to represent your favorite NBA team on game day, but kinda unsure which jersey to rock? Don’t sweat it, we’ve got you covered. When it comes to NBA jerseys, you have a few options to choose from – Swingman and Replica. But what’s the difference between the two? How can you decide which one is made for you?
Well, let’s break it down and see which one comes out on top. Is it the high-quality, authentic look of the Swingman? Or the budget-friendly, casual vibe of the Replica? Time to find out!
Key Takeaways
- Swingman jerseys are a more authentic, higher quality version of NBA jerseys, made of 100% polyester with hand-sewn twill lettering and graphics.
- Replica jerseys are lower quality and made of mesh nylon with heat-pressed graphics and lettering.
- Swingman jerseys are more expensive than Replica jerseys, with prices ranging from $100 to $180, while Replica jerseys cost around $60.
What Is A Swingman Jersey?
Swingman jerseys are an authentic reproduction of the team’s current jersey.
They feature mid-level fabric and twill numbers and lettering, but they do not have all of the premium decals that you’ll find on the jerseys the pros wear.
The cut on Swingman jerseys is also a little looser, to allow non-professionals to wear shirts or sweaters under their jerseys.
Read more: What Is A Swingman Jersey?
Regardless, Swingman jerseys get pretty close to imitating the real thing, and since they are the NBA’s mid-level option, they’re offered at a budget many will find reasonable.
What Is A Replica Jersey?
A Replica jersey is the least expensive of the NBA’s jersey offerings, and as such, they are made with the lowest-quality fabric.
The cut on Replicas is a little different as well, as the arm and neck holes are larger than the ones on the Swingman.
They also feature heat-pressed numbers, nameplates, and graphics.
Fanatics also makes Replica jerseys alongside Nike, so anything branded by Fanatics is not a knock-off but rather an officially licensed product.
Quick Answer
The main difference between Swingman and Replica jerseys is the hand-sewn twill lettering and graphics of the Swingman versus the screen-printed design of the Replica.
Replica jerseys are the lowest-quality offering by the NBA, while Swingman jerseys are the mid-level offering.
However, the difference in quality between the Swingman and Replica is more significant than the difference between a Swing and an Authentic jersey.
Although not everyone can afford the Swingman jersey, it is so much better than the Replica that if you can afford it, you should get it.
If you can’t, consider saving up or waiting for a holiday sale.
Swingman Vs Replica – Which Is Better
Difference #1: Quality
The first difference you’ll notice between the Swingman and the Replica is that the graphics, numbers, and lettering on the Swingman jersey are stitched-on, whereas they are heat-pressed on the Replicas.
The difference is that Swingman will look a lot more authentic than the Replicas.
The material itself is also of differing quality. The Swingman is made of 100% polyester while Replicas are made of mesh nylon. This makes the Swingman jerseys a lot more durable than the Replicas.
Read more: Swingman Vs Authentic: What Is The Difference?
Difference #2: Price
Since Swingman jerseys are made with higher-quality materials and have a higher production cost, it’s only natural that they should also cost more.
On the NBA Store, a Swingman jersey will cost you something between $100 and $180 USD.
Replica jerseys, meanwhile, will only set you back $60 USD.
Both are great value at their price points, but which one you get can be largely determined by what your budget is.
Difference #3: The Fit
The Swingman offers a more athletic fit than the Replica.
Many wearers of the Replica complain about how wide the shoulders are. This leads to a baggier look and feel, and some may not find them to be suitable for playing in or even going out on the town.
Swingman jerseys on the other hand feature a more tailored fit that provides improved comfort around the torso and arms.
Both kinds of jerseys have moisture management technology that keeps you cool, but only the Swingman feature fabric that optimizes your range of motion.
As such, Swingman jerseys are ideal to play in.
Wrap Up
Well, there you have it, the breakdown of Swingman vs Replica jerseys. If you’re trying to decide which one is the best fit for you, you can put it this way: if you want to look like a pro on the court (or at least, as close as a mere mortal can get), go for the Swingman. However, if you’re just looking to rep your team on a budget, the Replica is the way to go. Either way, you can’t go wrong as long as you’re showing off your team’s pride.
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