What to Look for When Buying Vintage Football Jerseys Online

Shopping for old football shirts online is fun, but it’s easy to feel unsure what to pick. With so many options from different periods, teams, and sizes, it helps to know what actually matters before clicking “buy.” You might be looking for a shirt to wear out with friends, a top to mark a football memory, or add to your collection. A bit of thought upfront can make all the difference.

We’ve put together some things we always think about when browsing. Whether it’s a rare club shirt from the 90s or a national team top that reminds you of a big match, it helps if it feels personal and fits your everyday style. On the My Retro Jersey shop, you can choose from hundreds of retro club and international shirts from classic seasons such as AC Milan 1993-1994 or Rangers 1997-1999, which makes it easier to match your pick to a specific era you care about.

Check the Era That Speaks to You

Different years carry different stories, and that’s a big part of why so many of us are drawn to older kits. One shirt might remind you of a World Cup win, another of a local derby you watched as a kid. It’s not just the colours or the crest. It’s the way the collar sat, the fabric felt, or the player who wore it.

Over time, shirt designs shift. Some of the changes are small, but they can change the feel of the whole top. You might notice:

• In the 70s and early 80s, shirts were simpler, with shorter sleeves, tighter cuts, and little branding

• By the late 80s and into the 90s, big collars and bold patterns started to appear, with geometric prints and sponsor logos

• Later styles played with looser fits and new fabrics, with crests becoming larger or even heat-pressed

Instead of searching for what’s trending, it’s better to think about what era makes you smile. A shirt from your first match or one you always wore for five-a-side can mean more than the rarest shirt on the market.

Pay Attention to Fit and Feel

Old shirts don’t always fit like the ones sold today. Back then, sizing could vary a bit from what you’re used to now. Some kits from the 80s are cut boxy and loose, while others from the early 2000s sit tighter at the shoulders or hem.

Before you commit, think about how you’ll wear it. If it’s going to be part of your usual outfit, you want it to fit right. If it’s for display or collecting, the size may not matter as much. It helps to look at measurements instead of relying on labels. Many of our product pages include a UK size guide and suggest ordering a size up from your usual fit, which is helpful if you are between sizes or planning to wear extra layers underneath.

Here are a few things we always consider:

• If you’re wearing it over a hoodie or layering during late winter, sizing up might make it more comfortable

• Some older shirts are shorter in length, which can ride up when moving around

• Older kits often have wider sleeves compared to newer slim fits, which can feel baggier

Try matching it with one of your usual outfits at home. Think about whether you’ll wear it with joggers, jeans, or under a jacket. That’ll quickly show whether it works for you or not.

Look at Photos Closely Before You Buy

When shopping online, what you see is your best clue. Take your time and go over the pictures carefully. Look for things like how the fabric reflects light, the colour tone, and even where any small marks or pulls might be.

We try to check:

• Stitching along the shoulders and sleeves to get a sense of construction

• Crest placement and how it sits on the chest

• Colour differences that could be due to lighting or age

If it’s a secondhand shirt, don’t let small flaws put you off. A bit of fade or a soft fabric feel can make it even better to wear. But make sure it matches the era and style you are expecting. It’s disappointing when the shirt you get doesn’t match what caught your eye in the first place.

Think About When and Where You’ll Wear It

Where you wear a retro shirt changes how it works in your wardrobe. If you’re planning to wear it out on colder days, it helps if it sits comfortably under a coat or pairs well with layers.

Some types of shirts work better in certain settings:

• Shirts with loud patterns and bright colours tend to suit casual, matchday outfits paired with trainers or joggers

• Simpler designs from earlier decades work well with coats or jeans for a more low-key look

• Look at the collar or neck area if you’ll be wearing a jacket over it, since that’s the bit most people will see

If you’re getting a shirt over the winter break and want to show it off, it needs to hold its own even with a coat zipped up. A high collar or sharp crest can really stand out in the right way. Because some jerseys listed on My Retro Jersey can take between 7 and 21 business days to be shipped once dispatched, it is worth checking the delivery notes on the product page if you need your shirt in time for a particular match or occasion.

Style With the Small Things That Make It Yours

A vintage football shirt already has a bit of charm before you even put it on. Still, those small touches you add or notice can help it feel more like your own.

Think about how you wear it with the rest of your everyday clothes. Do you keep it simple or layer it up? You might find a style that turns into an easy go-to every weekend.

You can keep an eye out for shirts that have:

• A number or name on the back you connect with, whether it’s a favourite past player or just a lucky number

• Dates stitched into the badge or along the tag that bring back a match memory

• Natural signs of age like frayed cuffs or light fade, which can add character

Those little things you notice every time you wear it make it more than just a top. It becomes part of your story with football.

Find a Shirt That Matches the Feeling

At the end of the day, the right old football shirt fits more than just your measurements. It fits your memories, your personal style, and the way you feel when you wear it.

Some shirts just stand out the moment you see them. Others grow on you slowly after a few wears. Whether it’s a bold colour, a stitched badge, or a kind of fabric you like, the details that matter most are the ones that matter to you. Trust your own taste. A good shirt will always feel right when you pull it over your head.

Ready to discover your next favourite top? At My Retro Jersey, we offer a wide range of options, from bold designs to classic styles, each with its own story. Whether you wear them or collect them, shopping for old football shirts online should be enjoyable from start to finish. Explore our collection and let us know if you need any help along the way.