No checklist can authenticate a jersey from a photo. What it can do is help you reject the obvious ones and know when to ask for more images.
1. The price is impossible
If a current licensed jersey is priced like a T-shirt, assume it is not licensed until proven otherwise. Deep discounts exist, but they usually come from a known retailer, not a new third-party seller.
2. The seller is vague
Look for a brand store, an official retailer, or a seller with a clear return policy. A listing with generic photos, no size chart, and a name that changes weekly is a pass.
3. The jock tag
Check the tag placement, font, and league mark. Replicas often get the shape right but the spacing wrong. Ask for a close-up with the tag flat and in focus.
4. The numbers
Licensed jerseys have clean edges and consistent thickness. Low-quality copies show puckering, uneven stitching, or numbers that feel stiff and thin.
5. The trim color
Team colors are specific. A navy that reads purple, or a gold that reads yellow, is a warning. Compare against official product photography, not a filtered social post.
6. The wash tag
Licensed product has a proper wash tag with material and care information. Missing or generic tags are a red flag.
7. The listing photos
Stock photos are normal. What matters is whether the seller can provide real photos of the actual item, especially the tag and number.
8. The return policy
If you cannot return it, the risk is yours. Prefer listings with clear returns and buyer protection.
This is an editorial checklist, not a professional authentication service. For high-value collectibles, use a reputable authenticator.