The Ideal Basketball Jerseys for Passionate Fans of the Game

Wearing a jersey is the ideal way for a basketball player or enthusiast to show their passion. Whether your main goal is paying respect to a famous player or you simply dig the aesthetic, a jersey easily fits into any style combination. If you have a loved one that’s a basketball fan, this can be a good gift option for them.

Why Is It Called a “Jersey”?

Jerseys are ubiquitous sporting necessities in basketball. They’re seen as a standard uniform for professional basketball players, but are also commonly worn by fans as a way to support their favourite teams and players. If you’ve ever wondered what this term means, it’s, in fact, more of a ‘where’ than a ‘what’. The term comes from the island ‘Jersey’, which is the largest among the Channel Islands between England and France. The natives here used to manufacture tightly woven sweaters that were effective against the cold, but were also quite fashionable. In the late 19th century, American footballers adopted these sweaters as their uniforms because they needed something warm and insular for their winter game. Since then, jerseys have spread all over the world.

Today’s jerseys are stylish uniforms containing the name and logo of the team, the player’s name and his number. They’re mostly made of polyester, but can sometimes contain cotton and nylon. Their designs have evolved so much that, besides being worn by professional players and fans, they’re also worn as a fashion statement among the world’s most fashionable people.

Basketball Jerseys Worn by Legendary Players

If you’re a basketball fan, you probably already have a jersey or your favourite player. However, if you’re planning on expanding your collection or getting one as a present for your friend or family member – here are several stylish suggestions of jerseys worn by inspiring basketball players.

Russell Westbrook Washington Wizards jersey

The Russell Westbrook jersey is an iconic piece of basketball wear that a lot of basketball fans already have in their wardrobes. It perfectly combines the Wizards’ staple colours in a well-designed and comfortable piece of clothing. This jersey is made from a double-knit mesh fabric that gives a relaxed fit for fans. The graphics are high-quality and heat-applied, meaning you’ll be able to wear it for a long time before it starts fading. The Westbrook jersey includes a Dri-FIT technology which helps the sweat evaporate faster and keeps your skin dry for longer.

Apart from the aesthetics and comfort, the Russell Westbrook jersey represents one of the most legendary NBA players. After he averaged more than 15 points in his first season, Westbrook was assigned to the first NBA All-Rookie team. By his third season, he managed to accumulate 4.000 points, 1.500 assists and 1.000 rebounds. Along with Kevin Durant, he helped the team reach the 2011 Western Conference Finals. His explosive drives and tenacious play often kept him in the centre of attention. Soon after, Westbrook won the Olympic gold as a part of the U.S. men’s basketball team.After a short period of unfortunate injuries and criticism, Westbrook came back stronger than ever, scoring 41 points to win All-Star MVP honours and delivering an incredible six triple-doubles in eight games. He ended up leading the league for the Thunder with an average of 28.7 points per game. After signing for the Washington Wizards in 2020, Westbrook continued to amaze with his skills. Posting a triple-double with 23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists, he earned his third NBA assist title. Westbrook, along with Bradley Beal, led the Wizards to their first playoff appearance since 2018.

Kobe Bryant Los Angeles Lakers Jersey

On the topic of legendary jerseys, we can’t leave out one of the most iconic Lakers players of all time – the “Black Mamba”. Although he wore several different jerseys during his time in the Lakers, the most widely recognizable and fashionable model is the standard yellow jersey with a purple print. The contrasting colours and well-known design make it a stylish addition to your daily wear. This is also one of Kobe’s oldest jerseys and it’s been constantly perfected over the years, both in its aesthetic and the durability of the material.

However, there is more than one reason to wear a Kobe jersey. Before his retirement and untimely tragic death in January, 2020, Kobe established himself as one of the game’s all-time greats. At the age of 19, he became the youngest All-Star in the history of the NBA. He won three consecutive NBA championships alongside Shaquille O’Neal. After the leave of O’Neal, he continued to perform brilliantly, scoring 81 points against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. Two years later, Kobe was named MVP while carrying his team to the NBA finals. Alongside Kevin Durant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, he won the Olympic gold both in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. After surpassing Michael Jordan for the third time on the NBA scoring list, he finally retired due to injuries.

LeBron James Cavaliers Jersey

If you’re into a darker and more mysterious aesthetic, you can go for the popular LeBron James Cavaliers jersey. Out of all the jerseys he’s worn, the LeBron Youth Swingman jersey is the most iconic one when it comes to style. The mysterious maroon mixed with dark purple and yellow print helps to create an attractive look, especially paired with darker-coloured trousers.

LeBron James is a well-known basketball superstar who started his career at a young age. Showing a natural talent for basketball, he joined the Cleveland Cavaliers right after high school. James became a four-time NBA MVP and lead Miami Heat and The Cavaliers to several titles. He won multiple honours at an early age, putting him in the same category as Michael Jordan and Oscar Robertson. During his time in The Cavaliers, he even outperformed rivals like Kobe and Allen Iverson, scoring averagely 30 points per game, which is the highest average in a regular season.

How To Style a Jersey?

Apart from the type of jersey you choose, another key to a good style combination is the elements with which you combine it. Firstly, although jerseys are colourful by themselves, don’t be afraid to combine them with another colourful top, such as a turtleneck, a coat or a jacket. It’s also good to wear a plain white tee underneath since jerseys are quite revealing. Avoid wearing it informal environments and style it with athletic bottoms and sneakers. In terms of accessories – you can achieve a casual look by adding sunglasses and chains, but you should never add a baseball hat to avoid a clashing combination.