Second String Jerseys

When an official Philadelphia Flyers jersey costs $150, I'm certainly not going to get rid of it anytime soon. However, sports fans are often disappointed when their players are traded or their teams change sponsors. After making an investment on a jersey or other fan apparel, is there an alternative to wearing it with its original intention? What about the jersey that is torn, worn, or too small? How can $150 stretch to its fullest life span?

Resale

When it comes to official jerseys, resale is a powerful word. Fans who aren't looking to spend the initial amount to purchase a jersey often are willing to purchase a lightly worn one. If you have an extra jersey, look to resell it online through sites like eBay or Craigslist. However, your value will drop drastically if a the player no longer wears that number or is anticipated to change. If the team and number is still current, a jersey can resell for almost half of its original cost depending on its condition.

Children's fan apparel resells consistently for strong rates for two reasons. One, people are hesitant to spend large amounts on new children's clothing that will soon be outgrown. Two, children outgrow the clothing so quickly that it doesn't get the same wear as adults' clothing and offers a good second hand deal.

Repurpose

However, most fan gear isn't ready for resale. It's either outdated or worn. There are still options for showing fan spirit.

Tote Bags

Turn the jersey inside out and sew the bottom hem together to close the jersey. Then, cut across the top just under the arms. Sew a hem on this top but keep it open; you've now created the body of your tote. If the jersey has banding around the arms and neck, cut that out along its sewn seam to use as your handles. Sew the sleeve bands together to create a longer band, using it as one handle and the neck as another. Loop each band around to form the handles and sew them on each side of the top of the tote. (If there isn't banding on the jersey, use some of the extra top material and sew two tubes. Then, turn them right side out and use as the handles.) Turn the entire tote right side out. Accomplished seamstresses can add a drawstring or other embellishments.

Pillows

There are two easy ways to make jerseys into throw pillows. One is to keep it looking like a giant stuffed jersey. The other is to create a typical square pillow. To make the jersey pillow, first turn it inside out. Then, simply sew the bottom hem and the sleeve hems together. Turn it right side out. Stuff the jersey through the neck opening. Hand stitch the neck together to close. For a square pillow, cut a square from the front and back of the jersey, allowing a one inch border around the edge for a hem. Then, put the two good sides together and sew the pillow together on three and a half sides. Turn it right side out, stuff, and hand sew the opening.

Artwork

People frame jerseys all the time. Other than framing the entire jersey, try cutting the player's number in an 8x10 rectangle and frame that. A collage of frames can be created from one jersey by identifying the key logos and matching them to various frame sizes. Plain black edged frames look best for sports jerseys.