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Collectible Sporting Clothing

There are collectible sporting cards, coins and stamps, but did you know there is also a market for collecting clothing worn by sportspeople. If the item of clothing is also signed by the athlete, or worn during a significant event, the value goes up.

The most valuable item would have to be the shirt worn by Diego Maradona when he scored his controversial “Hand of God” goal for Argentina against England in the 1986 World Cup. This shirt sold for US$9.3 million in 2022, the highest price ever paid at auction for a piece of sports memorabilia. Until ....

Diego Maradona showing his hand

Another clothing item went for a high price in 2022. Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls jersey from Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals (which is the season featured on the ESPN and Netflix documentary "The Last Dance"), fetched $US10.1 million!

Soon to come on the market is the jersey worn by New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth, worn in the "called shot" game, in which he hit two home runs in game 3 of the 1932 World Series. It is estimated that it may be picked up to $US30 million.

What clothing items do sports collectors look for?

• Jerseys: Game-worn jerseys of professional athletes, autographed jerseys from iconic players, and limited-edition or throwback jerseys.
• T-Shirts and Sweatshirts: Event-specific T-shirts (e.g., Super Bowl, World Series), Vintage team T-shirts, and limited-edition or artist-designed sports apparel.
• Jackets and Outerwear: Team jackets, especially those from championship seasons. autographed or game-worn jackets, and limited-edition outerwear released by sports brands.
• Footwear: Game-worn or autographed sports shoes, limited-edition sneakers, associated with athletes or teams, and vintage or retro sports footwear.
• Shorts and Pants: Game-worn shorts from basketball or soccer players, athlete-endorsed or signature shorts, and vintage team pants or warm-up bottoms.
• Training Gear: Official team training jerseys and shorts, athlete-endorsed workout gear, and limited-edition or special-release training apparel.
• Event Merchandise: Clothing from major sporting events (e.g., Olympics, World Cup), Limited-edition event T-shirts, hoodies, or jackets, and commemorative clothing released for specific milestones or anniversaries.
• Player-Branded Clothing: Clothing lines endorsed or created by athletes, and limited-edition releases from collaborations between athletes and fashion brands.
• Authentic Team Apparel: Officially licensed team apparel, special releases from sports brands featuring team logos and colors, and vintage or retro team gear.
• Accessories: Team scarves or bandannas, player-endorsed accessories (e.g., wristbands, headbands), and championship or commemorative accessories.
• Caps and Hats: Autographed baseball caps from star players are always a prized possession, capturing the essence of the game through the signatures of its greatest talents. Championship or commemorative caps mark historic victories and milestones, serving as timeless mementos of triumphs on the field. For enthusiasts seeking a touch of nostalgia or rarity, vintage or rare team hats offer a glimpse into the rich history of the sport. Whether it's a cherished memento from a World Series victory or a throwback gem from the early days of the game, each cap tells a unique story.

Related Pages

• Collecting Sports Footwear
• Clothing for Sports — a guide for athletes
• Cards for sale in the Online Memorabilia Store.
• About Diego Maradona
• Also books about card collecting.

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