When buying a jersey, it is important to know the right size. The best way to determine the correct size is by wearing your shoulder pads and chest protector while trying on a jersey. This is the most accurate method as the fabric will stretch a bit while you wear the gear. It is also important to note that different manufacturers size jerseys differently, so be sure to research the sizing chart for the manufacturer you want to buy from.
Getting an accurate measurement of your chest/width is the most important part of determining your hockey jersey size. For most players, this number will correspond to the A on a general or brand-specific sizing chart. To get an accurate measure, dress in the same undergarments you’ll be wearing during practice and hockey games (shoulder pads/chest protector) and wrap a tape measure around the fullest part of your chest just under the armpits. This is the area where the majority of the sizing information will be found.
The next most important piece of information is your length. The length of a jersey is often described as the B measurement on a sizing chart. Typically this will be the amount of length from the top of your shoulder pad to your bottom belt loop. Players generally prefer a longer jersey, but it is also a matter of personal preference. Some people like their jerseys to be shorter than others, so this is a factor to keep in mind when selecting a size.
Before the NHL switched to Adidas, most authentic jerseys were made by CCM and Koho. In 2005, however, the NHL began a partnership with Reebok to manufacture authentic jerseys. Reebok’s NHL jerseys use a 250-gram, double-knit polyester spandex fabric and feature the NHL shield sewn to the bottom front collar and the team name on the back. The jerseys cost between $110 and $185, depending on the style.
One quirk with the Reebok EDGE jerseys is that the crests and shoulder patches are glued on instead of sewn on, unlike authentic jerseys. This is to prevent the crests from pulling off during a fight. The EDGE jerseys also have an authentic fight strap sewn into them, which can be used to secure the jersey to your pants in case of a scuffle.
Some of the older CCM vintage (Maska) and Heroes of Hockey jerseys are made from a faux-ultrafil material that is very thin and fragile compared to the air-knit jerseys. They also have a screen printed logo on the back hem that is easy to crack and peel off. The newer air-knit jerseys are a much better quality and last a lot longer than the older ones.