Alright so here’s how I totally botched my first Netherlands jersey buy last month, then spent days figuring out sizing nonsense.
Buying The Wrong Damn Size
Saw that sweet new orange away kit online. Got all hyped and just clicked Large – same as my old Nike Premier League jersey. Huge mistake. When it arrived, felt like wearing a skin-tight garbage bag. Arms barely moved, shoulders pinched like hell. Seriously contemplated crying.
The Frustrating Research Rabbit Hole
Okay, panic mode activated. Started Googling like mad:
- First hit was some official store size chart. All measurements in centimeters. Broke out the measuring tape like an amateur tailor.
- Next found conflicting Reddit threads. One guy says “go up one size!”, another insists “they fit normal!”. Zero actual measurements shared.
- Checked three different sports sites. Each had slightly different charts for same year’s jersey. Why?!
Massive headache. Half the posts talked about “player version” vs “fan version” fits but didn’t explain the difference clearly.
My Live Trial Session
Said screw it – drove to the mall sports store armed with my measuring tape:
Grabbed both Medium and Large fan jerseys. Medium felt like second skin – could see my lunch. Large billowed like a sail. Tried player version Medium: immediate regret. Like wearing plastic wrap! Sales guy finally admitted most folks size up once for snug-but-not-suffocating.
How I Finally Cracked The Code
Back home measured my best-fitting tee: 22 inches pit-to-pit. Compared to notes:
- Official size chart said Large = 114cm chest (45 inches). Way too roomy?
- Actually wore the jersey laid flat – pit seams were only 21 inches apart!
- Ah-ha! Charts measure entire circumference, not half!
Did math: Take your normal chest measurement. Add 4-6 inches for comfort. Match to chart CIRCUMFERENCE numbers, not the letter size.
What Actually Worked
For Fan Version jerseys:
- If you like fitted: Buy your usual size
- For loose fit: Size up once
For Player Version: Always size up once unless you want muscle compression look. Final game plan: Wore old shirt → measured pit-to-pit → doubled it → added 5 inches → bought Medium Fan Jersey. Perfection!
TL;DR: Ignore the damn letters. Measure your body and favorite shirt. Trust numbers, not S/M/L labels. Saved two people from jersey tears already!
