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Now that you’ve been into soccer for a while now, you’ve probably decided to show your love for your favorite team by buying their latest soccer jersey.
But as you have probably realized, doing so is expensive! So, in this article, we answer the question – why are soccer jerseys so expensive? – and provide you with some top tips on how to find some cheap soccer jerseys that won’t cause you to break the bank.
So, why are soccer jerseys so expensive?
The main reason why soccer jerseys are so expensive is because of the demand for them. Clubs and third-party retailers know they can charge high prices, as loyal and passionate fans are willing to pay to show their support of their team.
What’s more, there are sponsorship and licensing fees to consider, which affect the price that clubs charge for their products. This isn’t just the case for soccer jerseys but applies to all aspects of a team’s kit that is on sale to fans.
While some people view the price of soccer jerseys as exploitative of the fans, others reason that the money they spend on merchandise goes back to the club. This means that the club can then use the money to invest in its infrastructure and playing squad, therefore benefiting the fans.
So, although soccer jerseys are super expensive, there’s little chance of things changing any time soon, as fans continue to wear them to soccer games. But read on to learn of some of our top tips for finding affordable soccer jerseys that still allow you to support your team.
How much do soccer jerseys cost?
Soccer jerseys typically cost anywhere from $70 – $160, depending on the club. To give you an example, Portland Timbers are currently charging $89.99 for their current blue replica jersey, while their custom green jersey is going for $159.99.
This is expensive; there’s no getting away from it. Soccer jerseys are expensive in Europe, too, with most clubs charging similar prices. You also have to think about shipping costs when you order a soccer jersey from a European club, which increases the cost further.
However, these are the prices on the official Portland MLS store. There are cheaper ways to pick up your team’s jersey, as we explain below.
Are soccer jerseys more expensive when you buy them directly from your team’s store?
In most instances, when you buy your team’s jersey directly from your club or the manufacturer (such as the Nike or Adidas store), you will be paying a premium price for that merchandise.
But here’s the catch – you will struggle to find this season’s kit for much cheaper on the Internet. If you do see it elsewhere for cheaper, you will have to check its authenticity, as there are some online stores that sell rip-off jerseys to unsuspecting soccer fans.
That being said, we would always encourage you to shop around before committing to a purchase. You might find that a soccer jersey is cheaper at Dick’s Sporting Goods, for instance, than it is at your team’s official store.
While this is only likely to save you a few bucks for this season’s jersey, you can buy your team’s jerseys from previous seasons for a fraction of the cost.
Top Tip: Buy jerseys from previous seasons to save money
It might seem like an obvious thing to say, but you can buy one of your team’s previous jerseys for a fraction of the price of the new one. Some teams even sell last season’s jersey alongside the latest release in an attempt to get rid of the stock.
Alternatively, you can find previous season’s shirts in the reduced section of your local sports store, which is a great place to pick up a bargain.
Another tip is to buy your team’s shirt in the off-season. This is typically the time when fans are offered big discounts on team merchandise, as the club is preparing to release new jerseys and equipment for the coming season.
Where can you buy cheap soccer jerseys?
There are lots of places online to buy cheap soccer jerseys, but you need to be careful where you shop. This is because some online retailers deal in fake jerseys, which aren’t always easy to spot at first.
Fake soccer jerseys are not only illegal, but they’re typically of inferior quality. You will find that sooner after washing your jersey, the sponsor or even the team badge might peel off, so you need to be really careful not to buy a fake.
A good place to look for cheaper soccer jerseys is Amazon, as the sellers have been vetted, and you’re unlikely to see fakes on the site. For instance, this awesome USWNT soccer jersey is available at a great price and qualifies for Prime delivery, too.
You can also look on sites like eBay for soccer jerseys, and if you’re happy to buy a used product, you will undoubtedly save yourself some money. Just be sure to check the condition before agreeing to a sale, as you don’t want to be left with a jersey that’s no longer fit for purpose.
Are cheap soccer jerseys fake?
It’s not fair to say that all cheap soccer jerseys are fake. After all, some soccer jerseys are priced down because they are no longer current or because a retailer is trying to get rid of the stock.
However, a good way to identify fake jerseys is to look at the credentials of the retailer. You should also seek out independent reviews from a site like TrustPilot, to ensure that you know what you’re getting yourself in for.
But the key thing to remember when you’re looking for a soccer jersey online is that if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. That’s why it’s best to stick to the official store or trusted online retailers like Amazon, even if you do end up paying that little bit more for the jersey.
Recap: Why are soccer jerseys so expensive?
Soccer jerseys are so expensive because clubs and official retailers know that they can charge such a high price for the products. After all, they have a ready-made loyal customer base who are willing to support their team.
As introduced above, you can find cheap soccer jerseys online, but you need to be mindful that some online retailers sell fakes. The last thing you want is a rip-off soccer jersey, as it won’t last very long and will prove to be an expensive mistake.