NFL jerseys come in three tiers, and the tier changes the fit more than the size letter does. A Game jersey in Large and an Elite jersey in Large are not the same garment. This guide explains what each tier is cut for, and how to compare your measurements to the official charts.
Start with your chest, not your T-shirt size
Every manufacturer publishes chest circumference and body length. Measure a jersey you already wear: lay it flat, measure pit to pit, double it. That number is what you compare against the chart. Letter sizes vary by brand and by tier, so the tape measure is the only reliable anchor.
Game jerseys
Game is the entry tier: printed numbers and letters, lighter fabric, and the most relaxed cut of the three. If you wear a jersey over a hoodie or want room to move, Game is usually the safest starting point. It is also the tier most often discounted, which makes it the practical choice for a first jersey or a gift.
Limited jerseys
Limited sits in the middle: stitched numbers, a heavier body, and a cut that is closer to the on-field shape. It runs narrower through the chest than Game at the same label size. If you are between sizes and want a normal fit rather than a tight one, size up.
Elite jerseys
Elite is the closest retail version to what players wear. It is the longest and the tightest of the three, with a cut designed to sit over pads. Most fans who buy Elite for display are fine with their usual size; fans who plan to wear it casually often go up one.
Women's and youth sizing
Women's NFL jerseys use a separate size scale and a shorter, narrower cut. Youth sizing is by age band, not by adult size, and stops before the adult range begins. Do not convert an adult size down by guessing; check the youth chart directly.
How we handle this on PickAJersey
We normalise the public charts by tier and record the source. We do not claim to have tested fit on a body, and we do not publish a single “true size” number. If the chart says one thing and reader reports say another, we show both.
Sizing charts change by season and manufacturer. Confirm the tier and the chart on the product page before you order. Paid links on this site may earn us a commission.