NBA jerseys are sleeveless with a slightly longer hem — standard through the chest and shoulders, relaxed in the body, built to sit over shorts. Of the six leagues in this store, basketball is the one where shoulder width matters as much as chest, because there is no sleeve to absorb the difference.
Here is the real chart, the build ladder, and the measurements worth taking before you order.
Key facts
- Fit type: standard / slightly long. Relaxed through the chest, longer hem than a soccer shirt.
- Men's S: 37–39 in / 94–99 cm chest, 28.5 in / 72 cm body, 17 in shoulder.
- Shoulder width is the second number to check. If your shoulders are broad, size on shoulder rather than chest.
- Youth NBA follows the same general youth chart as every other league — S for ages 7–8 up to XL for ages 16–18.
- Fast Break replica: $39.90. Icon, Association and Statement custom builds: $49.90.
- Hardwood Classics Pro: $85.99 — the heavy retro tier.
- Free shipping over $68, 30-day returns, and a free size check before dispatch.
Men's NBA jersey chart
| Size | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Length (in) | Length (cm) | Shoulder (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 37–39 | 94–99 | 28.5 | 72 | 17 |
| M | 39–41 | 99–104 | 29.5 | 75 | 18 |
| L | 41–43 | 104–109 | 30.5 | 77 | 19 |
| XL | 43–46 | 109–117 | 31.5 | 80 | 20 |
| 2XL | 46–49 | 117–124 | 32.5 | 83 | 21 |
| 3XL | 49–52 | 124–132 | 33.5 | 85 | 22 |
Two things stand out. The chest steps are only two inches per size — tighter than football or baseball, which means basketball is the least forgiving league to be between sizes in. And the shoulder column runs in one-inch steps from 17 to 22 inches, which is the measurement that decides whether the armhole sits where it should.
Women's NBA jersey chart
| Size | Chest (in) | Chest (cm) | Length (in) | Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 33–35 | 84–89 | 26.5 | 67 |
| M | 35–37 | 89–94 | 27 | 69 |
| L | 37–40 | 94–102 | 27.5 | 70 |
| XL | 40–43 | 102–109 | 28 | 71 |
| 2XL | 43–46 | 109–117 | 28.5 | 72 |
The women's chart has a shorter body — 26.5 inches / 67 cm at S against 28.5 inches / 72 cm on the men's. If you want the long, untucked basketball look, that is the difference that decides it.
The build ladder
Basketball has the widest price spread of any league in the store, from $39.90 to $85.99. Here is what sits where.
| Build | What it is | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Fast Break replica | The entry build — light, relaxed, the everyday shirt | $39.90 |
| Icon Edition player jersey | The primary home colourway in the closer player build | $49.90 |
| Icon Edition custom | The same build with your own name and number | $49.90 |
| Hardwood Classics retro | Throwback-era colourway in the standard build | $49.90 |
| Hardwood Classics Pro | The heavy retro tier — heavier fabric, more detailed trim | $85.99 |
| Youth Fast Break replica | Same build as the adult Fast Break, youth sizing | $39.90 |
The jump from $49.90 to $85.99 is the biggest single step in the store, and it buys construction quality rather than a different colourway. If you are buying one shirt to wear regularly, $39.90 or $49.90 covers it. If you are buying the shirt a specific player's era is remembered by — a Hall of Fame edition, a retired number — that is what the $85.99 tier exists for.
Where basketball sizing actually goes wrong
Two failure modes account for most returns, and neither is about the chest number.
Shoulder width. With no sleeve, the armhole is the visible seam. A jersey that fits through the chest but is half an inch narrow at the shoulder will look wrong in a way people notice without being able to name. Measure shoulder point to shoulder point across your back and match it to the chart column.
Body length. Basketball jerseys are cut long on purpose — 28.5 inches at a men's S, rising to 33.5 inches at 3XL. If you are used to football or football-shirt lengths, this will feel like a size too big. It is not. If you want a shorter body, the women's chart is worth a look even if you would normally buy men's.
Where your chest size lands in other leagues
| Your chest | cm | NBA | Soccer | NFL | MLB | NHL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 33–35" | 84–89 | S | XS–S | S | S | S |
| 35–37" | 89–94 | S–M | S | S | S–M | S |
| 37–40" | 94–102 | M–L | M | M | M | S–M |
| 40–43" | 102–109 | L | L | L | L | M |
| 43–47" | 109–119 | XL | XL | XL | XL | L |
| 47–51" | 119–130 | 2XL | 2XL | 2XL | 2XL | XL |
| 51–55" | 130–140 | 3XL | 3XL | 3XL | 3XL | 2XL |
| 55"+ | 140+ | 3XL | 3XL | 4XL | 3XL | 3XL |
Notice NBA and soccer land on the same letter for most chest sizes, while football is one letter roomier and hockey two. That is the whole pattern across the store, and it is consistent enough to shop by it.
Measuring, and the free size check
- Chest. Around the fullest part, under the arms, tape level and not pulled tight.
- Shoulder. Across your back, from one shoulder point to the other, with your arms down.
- Body length. From the highest shoulder point beside the collar to where you want the hem. For basketball, allow for it sitting over shorts.
- Waist. At the natural waistline, if you are buying shorts in the same order.
If the numbers land between sizes, size up — basketball's two-inch chest steps make a too-small shirt much more obvious than a slightly large one. If you would rather not guess, order your best estimate and send your height, chest, shoulder and waist measurements to fanservice2026@outlook.com. We check before dispatch and swap if another size fits better. Shipping is free over $68 and returns run to 30 days.
The complete chart, including shorts, jackets, pants and international conversions, is on the size guide. For browsing, the NBA collection covers every franchise — the Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, 76ers, Heat, Thunder and Spurs ranges are the fullest — and new stock lands on the NBA new-season page.
Frequently asked questions
Do NBA jerseys run big?
They run long rather than big. The chest measurements are standard, but the body is cut to sit over shorts — 28.5 inches at a men's S. If you are used to football-shirt lengths, expect it to feel longer.
What size is an NBA men's L?
41–43 inches / 104–109 cm chest, 30.5 inches / 77 cm body length, 19-inch shoulder.
What is a Fast Break replica?
The entry basketball build: lighter fabric and a relaxed cut, priced at $39.90. The Icon Edition player jersey at $49.90 is the closer, heavier build of the same colourway.
Why is Hardwood Classics more expensive?
Hardwood Classics Pro sits at $85.99 because of the heavier fabric and more detailed trim used on the retro builds. The standard Hardwood Classics retro colourways are $49.90.
Does shoulder width matter more than chest for basketball?
It can. With no sleeve there is nothing to hide the armhole seam, so a jersey that is narrow at the shoulder looks wrong even if the chest fits. Measure both.
Do you sell youth basketball jerseys?
Yes. Youth NBA jerseys use the general youth chart — S for ages 7–8 up to XL for ages 16–18 — and the youth Fast Break replica is $39.90.
