Throw Back Jerseys -- What is Driving This Trend?

Sales of throw back jerseys are showing no signs of slowing – with sales figures reported by Mitchell & Ness just skyrocketing.    The throw back craze is being fueled by a mix of hip-hop fashion trends and a surge in sports fan nostalgia.

The whole throw back phenomena began with hip-hop entertainers donning throw back jerseys during live performances and on their MTV music videos. The most remembered occurrence was when Sean “P. Diddy” Combs hosted the 2002 American Music Awards.

He hosted the Awards wearing a throw back Philadelphia Phillies jacket and a Hank Aaron jersey. During each commercial break, he would change into different throw back apparel. He essentially modeled the entire Mitchell & Ness throw back line during that one award show. Result: Instant fashion craze!

It didn’t take long for major league sports superstars to jump on the bandwagon. The likes of Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson all started wearing throw back jerseys in public. They wore their throw back collection to posh parties, media events and interviews. Result: Instant sports nostalgia trend!

The combination of a new fashion trend with the hip-hop crowd and a new nostalgia trend with the sports fans has fueled the throw back jersey craze.

Don’t expect this trend to cool down anytime soon. Throw back jersey producers are introducing new styles and designs that are innovative and fashion conscious. Mitchell & Ness Nostalgia Co. and others are even starting to cater to a new market – women’s throw back apparel.

The throw back jersey trend is most likely in the beginning phases, so expect these jerseys and other throw back apparel to be with us for years to come.