The Evolution of Basketball Jerseys – Facts About the Sport

Sports and athletics have always played a significant part in our lives. It is an activity that brings people together and has played a vital role in spreading the notion of world peace. Sports have also influenced the life and lifestyle of the general public at large and have also contributed tremendously to the fashion industry. Football and Basketball are two of the most popular games in the world which are followed by millions of people from all corners of the world. Likewise, Basketball Jerseys and Football Jerseys are extensively sold all around the world due to the mass popularity of the sport.

Merchandizing initiated by teams guided by popular sporting brands also helps in generating significant revenue for the sporting team concerned. This is the primary reason why the marketing team tends to design and launch new sporting jerseys each year in order to grab the attention of the masses. It is estimated that more than 2 billion dollars are made annually only on merchandise sales and television deals in the sport of basketball. In order to gain an understanding of the concepts of Basketball Jerseys let us analyze the evolution of sport shirts.

Basketball Jerseys

Earlier basketball was played with any type of attire like tracksuits, football uniforms, etc. Jersey is a pullover or shirt worn by the members of a sports team with the team's name or team members' names or sometimes teams' numbers added to it. Basketball jerseys are usually sleeveless and have become fashion accessories nowadays.

Introduction to The Eras of Jerseys:

• In the early 1900s, woollen tees and long shorts that were just below the knees were featured as basketball uniforms.

• As time passed players found it difficult to play in long shorts as it stopped their ability to play. The result of it was that the basketball association decided to design new basketball jerseys for the players in the wool material.

• Then in the mid-1930s, the picture of the new uniform was quite comical as the tees were longer and shorts were too short and had buttons to tuck the tees in order to prevent them from lifting. That sort of uniform tight as well as thick. This resulted in producing heat from the players.

• The 1940s and 50s introduced polyester-nylon combination which is seen as a professional sport in today's world. The jersey pattern was shirts became sleeveless and shorts became shorter. By, 1950 shirts got numbering of team players on them. And knee pad also became part of the uniform. The introduction of polyester helped players to feel light and allowed them to be more active.

• This style remained popular till the 1960s and 70s and socks were also added in the uniform.

• The 1980s bought a change in everything the effect of it was, uniform became loose and shorts became long.

• In the 1990s, hip hop culture was mixed with basketball and jerseys became baggier, loose and sleeveless. Basketball shoes also became popular and part of the uniform.

• By the second half of the 90s, the lighter jerseys were introduced.

• The uniforms got armbands added in it to wipe the sweat from their forehead. 

Players now wear shooting sleeves and long shorts to keep their limbs warm. The jerseys now are looser, stretchy and helps in the movement of players and their speed. These basketball jerseys are fashionable and can be worn for casual occasions and events. Check online retailers who offer top-quality jerseys at affordable rates. This is done to be sure of purchasing products online.