When I was younger I remember my father wearing all sorts of sports merchandise; from his classic Yankees and Red Sox ball caps to his favorite North Carolina Tar Heels sweater, this man had different sports gear for different days. My father isn’t even that big a fan of sports and rarely follows any team. When fellow sports fans would compliment him on his gear and ask if he was a fan he’d simply say “no, I just like the colors”.
With this surrounding me 24/7, I grew up a fan of sports merchandise, especially vintage or classic jerseys, and own quite a few nice pieces myself. With this in mind, and it being the weekend, I figured let’s stray from all the normal sports talk and talk about the threads a little bit. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at the 5 nicest sports jerseys of all time, ranked (in my humble opinion).
#5- Chicago Blackhawks
This iconic original 6 team has the nicest jersey in all the NHL. In the second I would place the New York Rangers, and in the third the Montreal Canadiens, but the Blackhawks take the overall cake of having the nicest jersey in all of hockey. From the colors to the emblem, and the overall history of the franchise having worn them since their inception in the league, this tops the list in terms of our NHL jerseys.
#4 – Miami Marlins “Sugar Kings” Jersey
This classic city edition MLB jersey paid homage to a Cuban minor league team from way back in the day, and the Marlins jersey design department hit it out of the park with this one. From the unfamiliar red to the electric blue accents and the “Miami” crest across the chest of the jersey, this particular jersey makes me proud to be Cuban, and I’m not even Cuban!
A lot of old-school MLB fans have had a beef with the City Connect jerseys, saying they’re making a mockery of America’s favorite pastime, but I’m all for it. Young people of my generation today are into fashion more than ever, and these jerseys definitely help in broadening the MLB’s audience. Whatever it takes to grow the game I’m all for it!
#3 – San Diego Chargers
Now this one was tough because there are many beautiful NFL jerseys out there, but the San Diego chargers consistently put out a beautiful jersey almost every season. It also helps that one of my favorite colors is baby blue, but the white and electric yellow accents on the jersey just make it complete for me, and make it a sight for sore NFL eyes.
A very similar jersey to this one is the UCLA Bruins; same colors, same accents, and a whole lot of swag. In second I would probably put the New York Giants color rush jersey from a couple of seasons ago, or the all-red alternates they donned in the late 2000s.
#2 – Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers, along with the Chicago Bulls, are among the most globally recognizable sporting brands across the world. Notice how I said brand, and not team. Yes, the Lakers are a brand, and their image sells an idea of luxury, abundance, wealth, status, money, and all the greatest things in life. If ever you want to feel just a little bit closer to the city of angels then look no further than repping a purple and yellow Lakers jersey.
Countless legends have worn the sacred garment, including Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and many others, which speaks to the cultural impact this jersey has.
#1 – New York Yankees
One compound word; pinstripes. Whichever owner from the early 1900s thought it was a good idea to incorporate pinstripes on the jerseys so that the players look like businessmen in suits was a freaking genius. The Yankees, much like the Lakers, are an instantly recognizable brand globally. Their jersey has a lot to do with that, as well as their late 90s, and early 2000s success.
Having won the most World Series titles in MLB history, the Yanks truly symbolize what it means to be an American, and they have one hell of a nice jersey to speak for them.
Again, this list is not to be taken too seriously as these are just my opinions and personal preferences. What are some of your favorite jerseys? Let me know in the comments below!