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Sports Apparel - General

For the casual sports fan or a serious collector alike, sports apparel is widely available for purchase in every sport. The keys to purchasing are determining which sports figures personally hold the most interest and deciding how much to spend. Regarding cost consideration, an authentic event-worn item will typically outprice non-worn, and signed will run higher than unsigned.

Early sports apparel focused more on functionality than fashion, and via social norms, women were typically restricted to long dresses and pant suits. Fibers were also limiting, with cotton and wool being the only choices in clothing design. But by the mid-20th century, chemists created synthetic fabrics, from polyester and nylon to spandex—allowing a new world of options in apparel design and utility. Women’s dresses eventually got shorter, and women’s shorts became acceptable on the fields and courts.

Rare finds in sports apparel include event-worn, signed jerseys and uniform pieces. More common are commemorative event clothing, official jerseys, hats, and replicated throwback clothing.


Quick Facts

  • A jersey worn by hockey Hall-of-Famer Eddie Shore of the Boston Bruins auctioned in February 2015 for $119,500
  • A common debate is whether or not to wash a game-worn piece of clothing
  • In 2002, Christie’s of London sold a shirt worn by Pele in the 1970 World Cup for $220,850

Recommended Items at Auction

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UNUSUAL VINTAGE MAISON MUSKETIER FENCING SABRE MASK 1989
Jul 10, 9:00 AM AEST
UNUSUAL VINTAGE MAISON MUSKETIER FENCING SABRE MASK 1989
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD152 Bids
Vintage Simpson Safety Equipment White Jumpsuit/ Racing Suit
Jul 31, 11:00 AM EDT
Vintage Simpson Safety Equipment White Jumpsuit/ Racing Suit
by Bodnar's Auction Sales
Est: $75- $150
$101 Bid
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SET OF FOUR ANTIQUE TIMBER LAWN BOWLS
Jul 10, 9:00 AM AEST
SET OF FOUR ANTIQUE TIMBER LAWN BOWLS
by Albion Antique Auction Centre
Est: AUD10- AUD40
AUD101 Bid
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Inflatable chest protector c.1900s.
Jul 15, 11:00 AM EDT
Inflatable chest protector c.1900s.
by Hunt Auctions
Est: $250- $500
$600 Bids
BRETT, Jeremy (1933-1995). Brown Fur Felt Fedora Hat, Owned...
Jul 10, 10:00 AM CDT
BRETT, Jeremy (1933-1995). Brown Fur Felt Fedora Hat, Owned...
by Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.
Est: $600- $800
$3000 Bids
Woodford Classic English Riding Helmet
Aug 04, 6:00 PM EDT
Woodford Classic English Riding Helmet
by Atlee Raber Auctioneer
Est: $0- $0
$50 Bids
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Pop Out convertible clog/roller skates, approximately size 7,
Jul 08, 5:00 PM EDT
Pop Out convertible clog/roller skates, approximately size 7,
by Ripley Auctions
Est: $0- $0
$100 Bids
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FENCING MASK HELMET
Jul 15, 8:00 AM PDT
FENCING MASK HELMET
by Scollard Auctions
Est: $100- $150
$500 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Sports Apparel - General


Albion Antique Auction Centre

Albion Antique Auction Centre

Ripley Auctions

Ripley Auctions

Bodnar's Auction Sales

Bodnar's Auction Sales

Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.

Potter & Potter Auctions Inc.