Where Are Nfl Jerseys Made?
Contents
A quick guide to finding out where NFL jerseys are made. Plus, a look at the benefits of buying a jersey made in the USA.
Introduction
American football is a big deal in the United States. Millions of people tune in to watch the National Football League (NFL) every week during the season, and even more watch the Super Bowl—the biggest annual sporting event in the country—each year. Many of these fans like to wear jerseys of their favorite players, and they want to know where these jerseys are made.
History of NFL jerseys
The first NFL jerseys were made in 1920 by a company called Spalding. The jerseys were simple and consisted of a leather collar, cotton body, and wool sleeves. In 1922, a new company called A.E. Staley took over the production of NFL jerseys. This company used a new material called Durene, which was a synthetic fabric that was cheaper and more durable than the previous materials used.
By the mid-1920s, most NFL teams had switched to using Durene jerseys. These jerseys were still quite simple, consisting of a leather collar, cotton body, and wool sleeves. In 1927, the New York Giants became the first team to add numbers to their jerseys. Other teams quickly followed suit and by 1928, all NFL teams were using numbered jerseys.
In 1952, the NFL introduced its first official logo: a white football with red stripes on either side. This logo was placed on the sleeve of player’s jerseys. In 1957, the Baltimore Colts became the first team to add player’s names to the back of their jerseys. By 1960, all NFL teams were using player’s names on their jerseys.
The jersey designs we see today began to take shape in the 1970s. In 1974, the Miami Dolphins debuted their now-iconic aqua color scheme and white dolphin logo on their helmets and jerseys. This was followed by other teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers (yellow and black) and the Seattle Seahawks (green and blue).
Today, NFL jersey design is much more intricate than it was in the early days of the league. Jerseys now feature intricate patterns, colors, and logos that are unique to each team.
How NFL jerseys are made
The manufacturing of NFL jerseys is a multi-million dollar industry. In 2012 alone, the wholesale value of licensed NFL merchandise was $1.07 billion. That figure does not include sales at the retail level, which would push the total much higher. Given the popularity of the NFL, it is no surprise that jerseys are a big part of that equation. So, how are they made?
The process begins with design. Once a design is approved, patterns are created and sent to factories overseas where the actual sewing takes place. The factories create prototypes of the jersey to make sure everything looks and fits as it should. After that, it’s time to start mass production.
A typical adult-sized NFL jersey requires about two yards of fabric, which is cut into about 40 different pieces that must then be sewn together. The sewing process is done mostly by hand, and it can take up to two days to complete one jersey.
After the jerseys are sewn together, they are sent back to the United States for finishing touches. Here, embroidery machines add team logos and player names using thread made from a material called polyester filament yarn. This process is also done by hand, and it can take up to four hours to complete one jersey.
Once the jerseys are finished, they are shipped to stores and sold to fans just in time for football season!
The materials used to make NFL jerseys
The materials used to make NFL jerseys are 100% polyester. The numbers on the jerseys are made of a material called “rubberized” print. The rubberized print is a vinyl printing that is applied to the jersey in a similar way as screen printing, but with much thinner inks and higher temperatures.
The benefits of wearing an NFL jersey
Whether you are a die-hard football fan or just enjoy showing your support for your favorite team, wearing an NFL jersey is a great way to do so. Not only do you get to sport the name and number of your favorite player, but you also get to represent your team in a way that is both stylish and comfortable. jerseys are made from 100% nylon fabric and have lycra panels added to the sides, ensuring a snug but comfortable fit.
The drawbacks of wearing an NFL jersey
While an NFL jersey might be a great way to show your support for your favorite team, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make your purchase. One of the biggest problems with purchasing an NFL jersey is that they can be very expensive. If you want to buy an authentic jersey, you could end up spending hundreds of dollars on it. In addition, if you buy a replica jersey, it might not last as long as an authentic one.
Conclusion
NFL jerseys are made all over the world. There is no one country of origin for NFL jerseys. The manufacture of NFL jerseys is a globalized industry, with factories located in countries all over the world, including China, Thailand, India, Pakistan, and Vietnam. The vast majority of NFL jerseys sold in the United States are made in Asia.
