There has been a lot of discussion about jerseys on this sub recently, understandably so with the excitement of Ohtani and Yamamoto. With that there has also been a fair share of complaints about the authentic jerseys. Nike will be implementing the vapor premier model jersey across MLB this year, it debuted at the MLB all star game last year.

“The jerseys themselves will represent the debut of Nike’s latest uniform innovation, Nike Vapor Premier. The new technology is engineered to improve mobility, moisture management and fit. Vapor Premier’s breathable, lightweight, high-performance fabric is made from at least 90% recycled polyester yarns. It also gives the jersey 25% more stretch and allows it to dry 28% faster, with moisture-wicking Dri-Fit ADV technology keeping players cool. Nike body-scanned more than 300 baseball players to find the ideal fit, which is more athletic and form-fitting than previous models.”

Realize these jerseys were specifically designed for players on the field. The material, the fit, all design elements are based on baseball performance and on the field needs only. They aren’t even made to be that durable as players don’t have one single jersey that is used the entire year. If you want an authentic jersey you are buying something designed for this purpose, not for fan, fashion or any other purpose. You are buying a piece of equipment essentially. It’s like buying a performance moisture wicking athletic t-shirt and then complaining it does not fit, feel, look or cost the same as a traditional 100% cotton t-shirt. That’s true because it is not designed to be that.