Hockey Jersey U - Lesson One (Fit)

One of the biggest turnoffs for buyers of pre-owned hockey jerseys is fit. Most of us (collectors), have early on in our pursuit, purchased a jersey or two that arrived in worse than described condition. As indicated in my first post, Feebay as I like to call it, is rampant with garage sale quality garbage that is advertised as being in stellar condition. While most discerning veteran collectors are relatively adept at weeding out garbage, for less experienced collectors, potential issues regarding fit may be less obvious; thus the subject of today’s lesson at “Hockey Jersey U.” Gather around students, class is in session.

Fit:

While auction ads paint a pretty picture of the jerseys you are thinking of buying, and the pictures raise no obvious concerns, remember, most sellers make it that way on purpose so their jerseys will sell. Take it from me; you should approach every potential pre-owned jersey purchase with the same skepticism you would employ against a used car salesperson. Some used jersey sellers are simply clueless, and to them their jerseys looks fine. Others are just slimy, and knowingly misrepresent their offerings because that is the only way they can get someone to buy them. In either case, descriptions and pictures are not to be trusted on their own merit, period. If you do not want to get burned, you must ask questions. Doing so will greatly reduce your chances of ending up with something that will not fit correctly (if you wear your jerseys).

Ask this question: "Lying flat, what is the actual measurement from armpit seam to armpit seam (excluding any gussets)?" This is in my opinion the single most important question to ask, assuming the jersey is worth asking questions about. The reason is simple; jerseys should NEVER, EVER be dried in a clothes dryer, PERIOD! One time in a dryer (at ANY setting) and its ruined. Hockey jerseys shrink like no other, and MUST be air dried on a hanger! No, it is not ok to use the air / fluff setting on the dryer for the same purpose. We will discuss the reason for that another day… A jersey that has been ruined i.e. shrunk in a dryer will in most cases exhibit a distinctive bell-shape to the body of the jersey (See examples below).

If there is a huge difference between the measurement across the bottom of the jersey and the measurement from armpit seam to armpit seam, the jersey has probably been ruined in a clothes dryer. If the aforementioned measurements are not the same or VERY close to it, the jersey has shrinkage. Picture it like this… If you buy a pre-owned adult size XL jersey that normally measures 27” across the chest (total chest size 54), but it has been ruined in a dryer, it may now for example measure 24” across the chest (making it an actual total chest size of 48)! That is a total shrinkage of 6 inches! Just because the tag still says XL, do not assume that the jersey was cared for properly, most are not. In addition to having a pit-hugging fit, the shrinkage also means that the sleeves are now half way up your forearms, and the body length of the jersey is two or more inches shorter than it is supposed to be. Just remember, a jersey can be spotless and snag free yet still be ruined! A Hockey jersey should fit you roughly the same as a long sleeve shirt that is 2 or 3 sizes too big. Wearing one that fits like a regular shirt will get you laughed right out of any hockey rink in North America, so don't do it!

***TIP*** Wash each jersey by itself (i.e. alone), inside-out, in cold water, on a gentle cycle, and with light amounts of laundry soap. Following the spin cycle, turn the jersey right-side-out, grab the jersey by the shoulders and give it one sharp shake (like you would if you were shaking the dirt out of a small rug). This will remove any serious bunching. Then immediately place the jersey on a clothes hanger to air dry, out in the open (not in a closet). If you follow these instructions your jerseys will remain bright, fit correctly, and last forever! I practice what I preach. I have many jerseys in my personal collection that are 20+ years old, yet each one still looks like new!

As always, I hope this post was helpful. Please stay tuned for more lessons and tips on “Hockey Jersey U” brought to you by goon-gear.

Please be sure to visit my jersey sales sites (links below) for some great finds!
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http://goon-gear.ecrater.com/

http://www.bonanza.com/booths/goon_gear

http://www.ioffer.com/selling/goongear

http://www.upillar.com/listings/150839-2001-nhl-stanley-cup-finals-hockey-jersey-colorado-avalanche-adam-foote-52 
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