Often I get asked what the difference is between a replica and authentic Majestic sports memorabilia baseball jersey.  “Which one should I buy,” the customer asks.  While yes, there are differences between the two, my answer is always, “Not much, except the price tag.”

Here are the descriptions of each jersey direct from Majestic, the company who makes all MLB jerseys.  We will use Mike Trout as an example.

Replica:

With a stud prospect like Mike Trout waiting in the wings to showcase his five-tool skills in The Bigs, the future for the Angels is looking bright. Since being drafted by the Angels, the outfielder has had lofty expectations. Trout’s consistent hitting and power, defensive skills, throwing arm, and speed on the basepaths will certainly leave a lasting mark on the Angels, and the rest of the MLB in the coming years. Support the young Jersey native each time you head to the Halos game with this Mike Trout jersey by Majestic. It replicates what the Angels wear on the field and features a tackle twill Angels wordmark on front with Trout’s name and #27 in tackle twill on the back.

FEATURES:

• 100% Polyester fabric
• Full button jersey
• Tackle twill team and player graphics
• Jock tag
• Rounded hem
• Imported
• Officially licensed Angels Mike Trout jersey

Mike Trout Replica Jersey

Authentic:

Engineered to uphold the MLB® standard, the Majestic® Los Angeles Angels Mike Trout Authentic Cool Base™ Home White On-Field Jersey is packed with the same features the pros rely on to maximize performance. Designed with tackle twill decoration team details and player name and number, this baseball jersey emulates the official look of #27 when he takes the field.

FEATURES:

• Full button-front, On-Field baseball jersey
• Authentic tackle twill team wordmark on front
• Full back player name and number in printed tackle twill decoration
• Authentic left sleeve patch
• MLB® Authentic Collection Performance Apparel woven jock tag at bottom left
• Cool Base™ performance technology provides extra comfort
• Stretch mesh gussets under arms for enhanced range of motion
• MLB® batter patch at back neck
• Officially licensed by the MLB®
• Fabric: Body – 100% moisture-wicking polyester; Under Arms – 82% nylon, 18% spandex
• Majestic

Mike Trout Authentic Jersey

When getting a jersey autographed, the most important characteristic is that the jersey has sewn on name and numbers, which both the replica and authentic jersey have.   A sewn on number allows for the highest quality signature due to the tackle twill material and it is much easier to sign for the athlete than a screen printed jersey.  As you can see, the look of the jerseys is almost identical.  The authentic also has the patches, but those can be added to the replica for about $10 per patch.

The main difference between the replica and authentic is the Cool Base technology that the players wear on the field (outlined above).  They are also sized different.  Replicas are L, XL, etc, while authentics are 44, 48, 52, etc.  Then of course is the price.  A replica are generally around $99, while an authentic can cost almost $300.

I do understand some collector needs to have the authentic jersey the players wear on the field.  They want their collection to be as authentic as possible and the authentic jersey makes that happen.  But for me, I would rather save the $200, especially if I am selling them on my website.  $200 is a big difference between buying a $500 signed Mike Trout jersey (figure $400 for the auto) and a $700 Mike Trout jersey.

Mike Trout Signed Authentic Jersey

Powers Sports Memorabilia was started by Matt Powers as a way for sports autograph and celebrity memorabilia enthusiasts and collectors to have a high-quality product available at affordable pricing. Having been in the business since 2004, he noticed there wasn’t a website available that included not only signed sports memorabilia and celebrity autographs, but also high quality custom framing and autograph display cases for everything from autographed baseballs to signed guitars, and more.