Sports Jerseys – New Trends in Officially Licensed Sports Apparel

Sales of officially licensed sports jerseys and apparel from all the major professional sports and major colleges are trending like a roller coaster. Sports apparel sales grew dramatically in the 90’s and peaked in 1996 at $13.8 billion.

Since the peak, jersey and apparel sales dropped steadily to a bottom of $10.5 billion in 2001. What turned the trend around?

A surge in the popularity of throwback and retro sports jerseys boosted sales and reversed the trend. The craze for sports jerseys from the past continues to this day.

However, another factor is contributing to the sales turnaround – women’s officially licensed sports jerseys and apparel. Women’s sports apparel sales span all professional sports – NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB.

In fact, most leagues have introduced sports clothing lines targeted specifically at women – the nba4her line in the NBA for example. Some of the best selling sports apparel is not just the jerseys, but team logo bearing baby doll T-shirts, tank tops, ski jackets, and jewelry.

Pink and pastel colored jerseys and apparel are common these days. Baseball hats come in various “soft” colors not even remotely close to the official team colors. But, you can’t argue with success!

Women’s sport apparel sales have grown dramatically. NFL sports apparel sales for women tripled last year.

Though the revenue contribution to the total licensed sports apparel market is still relatively small, professional sports has a new customer in town and she is ready to shop!