NBA Size Guide
NBA apparel—jerseys, shorts, and footwear—is designed for both performance and lifestyle wear. Whether you're purchasing an Authentic pro-cut jersey, a fan-friendly Swingman, or casual Replica wear, NBA sizing follows Nike's fit standards. These garments are cut for athletic movement and comfort, though fit varies by tier: Authentic jerseys run closer-fitting, while Swingman and Replica styles offer a more relaxed, everyday silhouette. All measurements provided are body measurements, not garment measurements. Taking accurate measurements and consulting the relevant size chart for your product category is essential to finding the right fit.
How to Measure
- Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the measuring tape horizontal and parallel to the ground. Do not pull the tape tight.
- Waist: Measure around the narrowest part of your torso, typically where your body bends side to side, keeping the tape horizontal.
- Hips: Measure around the fullest part of your hips and buttocks, keeping the tape horizontal.
- Shoes: Put on the type of socks you'll wear with your shoes. Measure your feet in the afternoon when they are slightly swollen. Stand with your heel against a wall on a flat surface. Mark the longest point of your toe and measure from the wall to that mark in centimetres. Measure both feet and use the larger measurement.
NBA Jerseys Size Chart
| Size Label | Numeric | Chest (in.) | Waist (in.) | Hip (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| XS | 36 | 32.5 – 35 | 26 – 29 | 31.5 – 35 |
| S | 40 | 35 – 37.5 | 29 – 32 | 35 – 37.5 |
| M | 44 | 37.5 – 41 | 32 – 35 | 37.5 – 41 |
| L | 48 | 41 – 44 | 35 – 38 | 41 – 44 |
| XL | 52 | 44 – 48.5 | 38 – 43 | 44 – 47 |
| XXL | 56 | 48.5 – 53.5 | 43 – 47.5 | 47 – 50.5 |
| 3XL | 58 | 53.5 – 58 | 47.5 – 52.5 | 50.5 – 53.5 |
Men's NBA Shorts Size Chart
| Size Label | Numeric | Waist (in.) | Hip (in.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| S | 30 | 29 – 32 | 35 – 37.5 |
| M | 34 | 32 – 35 | 37.5 – 41 |
| L | 38 | 35 – 38 | 41 – 44 |
| XL | 42 | 38 – 43 | 44 – 47 |
| 2XL | 46 | 43 – 47.5 | 47 – 50.5 |
| 3XL | 50 | 47.5 – 52.5 | 50.5 – 53.5 |
Basketball Shoe Size Chart
| UK | EU | US Men's | US Women's | Foot Length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 38 | 5.5 | – | 23.1 |
| 5.5 | 39 | 6 | – | 23.5 |
| 6 | 39 | 6.5 | – | 24.1 |
| 6.5 | 40 | 7 | – | 24.4 |
| 7 | 40–41 | 7.5 | 9 | 24.8 |
| 7.5 | 41 | 8 | 9.5 | 25.4 |
| 8 | 41–42 | 8.5 | 10 | 25.7 |
| 8.5 | 42 | 9 | 10.5 | 26 |
| 9 | 42–43 | 9.5 | 11 | 26.7 |
| 9.5 | 43 | 10 | 11.5 | 27 |
| 10 | 43–44 | 10.5 | 12 | 27.3 |
| 10.5 | 44 | 11 | 12.5 | 27.9 |
| 11 | 44–45 | 11.5 | 13 | 28.3 |
| 12 | 45–46 | 12.5 | 14 | 29 |
Product-Specific Guidance
NBA Jerseys (Authentic, Swingman, Replica)
Authentic jerseys are pro-cut and designed to match on-court styles. They run closer-fitting through the shoulders and chest and use lightweight, moisture-wicking materials. If you prefer room for layering or a relaxed fit, size up. Swingman jerseys offer a fan-friendly cut with embroidered details and quality fabric—this is the most popular choice for UK fans seeking balance between authenticity and comfort. Replica (or Fast Break) jerseys have a looser fit, screen-printed graphics, and are ideal for casual wear or gifts. Always refer to the jersey size chart above, which provides body measurement ranges rather than a single size number.
NBA Shorts
NBA shorts are designed for athletic movement and typically sit at hip level. Sizing is based on waist and hip measurements. If your measurements fall between sizes, choose the size indicated by your hip measurement. Tall sizes (marked with +2, meaning 2 inches / 5 cm longer) are available for select styles; these are useful if you exceed 6 feet in height or prefer additional length.
Basketball Shoes (Nike, Jordan, adidas, Under Armour)
NBA basketball shoes are available from multiple brands. Fit varies by brand and model: Nike tends toward a snug, responsive fit; adidas typically offers a wider fit; Jordan brand aligns with Nike; Under Armour runs true to size. Always measure your heel-to-toe length in centimetres and cross-reference the conversion chart above. Basketball shoes should have approximately 0.5 cm (roughly a thumb's width) of clearance between your longest toe and the toebox. Try shoes in the afternoon when feet have swollen, and try both feet, as one may be slightly larger.
Sizing Tips
- Take your measurements in the afternoon or evening, when your feet and body have naturally expanded. Morning measurements may underestimate your true size.
- If your chest and waist measurements fall into different size bands, prioritise the size indicated by your chest measurement for jerseys; for shorts, prioritise hip measurement.
- Authentic NBA jerseys run significantly closer-fitting than Swingman or Replica. If you prefer a relaxed fit or plan to layer underneath, consider sizing up one size in the Authentic tier.
- Many NBA jerseys are available in tall lengths (typically marked as size + 2 inches, e.g. 48+2). These are ideal if you are over 6 feet tall or simply prefer extra length in the torso. Tall sizes are only available for select styles, so check the product description.
- When buying basketball shoes online, measure your foot length in centimetres and compare directly to the foot-length column in the shoe size chart. Do not rely on street shoe sizing, as basketball shoes often fit differently. Brands use different lasts (shoe moulds), so fit can vary significantly between manufacturers.
- UK fans should be cautious when converting US sizes to UK. A common mistake is confusing men's and women's sizing: men's US size 10 is not the same as women's US size 10. Always specify your gender and use the correct column in the conversion chart.
- If you fall between two sizes on the size chart, you have the option to order the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser fit. Consider the occasion (court-side performance wear vs. casual streetwear) and your personal preference for fit.
- Buy from licensed UK retailers to ensure authenticity, proper fit guidance, and hassle-free returns. Counterfeit NBA jerseys are common online; reputable sellers will provide product authentication and UK-based customer support.