Whether you are a player or a fan of hockey, getting a jersey is something you may be interested in doing. They look great and allow you to show your support for your team. I personally have a couple and love to wear them to games, or even just when watching at home.
However, before you go out and buy a jersey, it is a good idea to learn a little bit more about how they fit. Going to buy them like you would a shirt might not be the best idea, and could lead to you getting the wrong size.
Without any further ado, read on to learn more about how hockey jerseys fit and how to choose the right one for your needs.
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Hockey Jerseys Generally Run Big
In general, hockey jerseys tend to run a little bit big. In fact, many hockey jerseys will fit around a size or two larger than your normal clothing. Think of these a little more like a jacket or sweater, as they can often be slightly wider and even longer than you might have expected.
This is because players need space under the jersey in order to fit their pads and other protective equipment. If these jerseys were too tight or fit like regular clothing, there would be no space or the jersey would fit incredibly tight.
So if you want a closer fit, it could be good to size down compared to the size you usually purchase when it comes to clothing. In general, sizing it up isn’t a good idea unless you are buying it for a child who is still growing.
Players vs. Fans
The way that a hockey jersey should fit will normally depend on whether you are a player or a fan. For players, the jerseys need to be larger than most fans would want to wear. Players wear large shoulder pads and gear on their arms that require the jerseys to be a little more spacious.
If players wore tighter jerseys, the protective equipment would barely fit, and even if it did, their movement would be restricted on the ice. This would almost certainly have a negative impact on how well they will play and skate when on the ice.
As a fan, the sizing of the hockey jerseys you decide to buy is a little more subjective. Some people prefer their jerseys baggy, while many like it a little tiger and more form-fitting. There is no right or wrong answer, and it depends entirely on you.
While they won’t have pads and equipment under the jersey, fans may want to layer their clothing, which is part of the reason why larger jerseys are still quite popular among fans.
Different Manufacturers Have Different Sizing
While hockey jerseys may look the same, they can actually be made by many different manufacturers. Companies like Nike, CCM, Adidas, Reebok, and Warrior all make hockey jerseys, and each is a bit different from one another.
Not only may they look slightly different and feature a different logo, but their sizing may also vary from one manufacturer to another. The medium from one company won’t necessarily be the same (or fit the same) as the medium from another.
Be sure to consult a sizing chart for the specific measurements of their jerseys, so you can gain a better understanding of which works for you. Of course, trying on jerseys is a great way to ensure they work, but you can’t always do that, especially if online shopping.
Also, many of these charts will use measurements for things like your arms and chest, so make sure you have those measurements handy if you want to buy a jersey online and are unable to try it on before you buy.
Washing Your Hockey Jersey
As you likely know, washing and drying your clothing can have an impact on how they fit. If you’re not careful, you could end up shrinking your expensive jersey to the point where it no longer fits you well if you wash it in the laundry incorrectly.
When it comes to washing your hockey jersey, you should do your best to be as delicate as possible so you don’t damage the stitching or patches. After washing the jersey (preferably in cool or cold water), you always want to hang it to dry.
If you put your jersey in the dryer, even on the low setting, it has the potential to shrink your jersey dramatically. Not only that, but the dryer can also damage or crease certain parts of the jersey, as well.
I hope this guide has helped you learn more about how hockey jerseys generally fit and allows you to ensure you find the perfect size. If there are any pieces of information you felt I should have included but didn’t, let me know in a comment!
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