Let’s be real, lads. We’ve all been there. You see an incredible deal online for that new How to football kit 2026, the one with the slick new pattern you’ve been drooling over. The price is almost too good to be true. Spoiler alert: it usually is. As a fan who’s been burned before and now proudly spots fakes from across the pub, I’m here to break down exactly how to separate the glorious real deal from the shoddy knock-offs. It comes down to four things: design, material, fit, and that all-important value.
🛒 Shop Related Jerseys
The Devil’s in the Design Details
This is where fakes fall apart first. On an official How to jersey, every element is crisp. The club crest, sponsor logo, and manufacturer badge (like Nike’s Swoosh or Adidas’ three stripes) should be heat-pressed or stitched perfectly, not a pixel out of place. On fakes, these are often blurry, the wrong shade, or feel like a cheap plastic sticker that’ll peel after one wash. Check the fonts on the namesets and numbers—authentic ones have specific, often proprietary, typefaces. A fake will look… off. Also, for that How to jersey replica, look for official holographic tags or neck tags with a serial number. Fakes might have a tag, but it’ll be flimsy and the codes won’t match up.
Material Feel: Performance vs. Plastic
Pick up a real kit. Feel that? It’s lightweight, often slightly technical, and designed to wick sweat. The fabric has a purpose. A fake feels like a cheap polyester costume. It’s heavier, stiffer, and you can almost hear it crinkle. The breathable mesh panels on the sides of an authentic shirt will be, well, breathable. On a fake, they’re often just a printed pattern or a weird, scratchy netting. If it feels like something you’d wear for a bad office party, it’s not the real deal.
The Fit: Athletic vs. Awkward
Official kits are cut for athletes. Replicas are tailored, but for movement. They have a specific silhouette—maybe more fitted through the torso and arms. Fakes, however, are often cut like a basic t-shirt. The sleeves might be too long or baggy, the shoulders sit weirdly, and the length can be disproportionate. An authentic How to kit hangs right on the body, whether it’s a player-issue “authentic” fit or a fan “replica” fit. A fake just looks and feels awkward, like it wasn’t made from the actual pattern.
Value: The True Cost of a “Bargain”
So you found a best price How to kit that’s 75% off the retail price. What are you really getting? Beyond supporting counterfeiters (which is a whole other issue), you’re buying a shirt that will fade, peel, and fall apart. The value of an official jersey isn’t just in the fabric; it’s in the pride of wearing the exact colours your heroes do, in the longevity, and in knowing you’ve directly supported your club. That £25 fake is a false economy when it’s unwearable in a year. Save up, wait for a legitimate sale from an official How to jersey shop, or look for last season’s kits at a discount. Your wardrobe—and your conscience—will thank you.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Official Replica: If you’re a dedicated fan who wears your kit regularly, to matches, 5-a-side, or just out and about. You want quality, durability, and that authentic feel. It’s your second skin on match day.
Maybe Consider a Fake: Honestly, I struggle to recommend it. But if you literally only want a costume for a one-off event and don’t care about quality or ethics, you know what you’re getting. Just don’t try to pass it off as real!
Seek Out Vintage/Old Stock: Often the best value for a true fan. You can find legitimate, older official kits for great prices, full of character and history, without lining the pockets of counterfeiters.
At the end of the day, wearing your colours is about passion. There’s a unique confidence that comes from knowing your gear is legit. Do your research, buy from trusted sources, and you’ll have a kit that lasts for seasons, not just a few washes. Up the Hows!
FAQ
Where to buy an official How to jersey?
Always start at the club’s official How to jersey shop online or at the stadium. Major sports retailers like JD Sports, Fanatics, and the manufacturer’s own stores (Nike/Adidas/Puma) are also 100% legit. For the best price How to kit, check these official outlets during end-of-season sales.
How much should I pay?
For a current-season How to jersey replica, expect to pay £70-£110 RRP. Older seasons or kits on sale can drop to £30-£50. If a brand new 2026 kit is being sold for £20, it’s almost certainly fake. Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true, it is.
Is a replica jersey worth it?
Absolutely, if you’re a real fan. The quality, fit, and durability are miles ahead of fakes. You’re supporting your club directly, and it feels like the real thing because it is. It’s an investment in your fan identity that will last for years.