The Science of Style:  How to Choose a Jersey
by Neal Turnage

               

1, 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 11, 20, 22, 25, 55.  No, these are not the latest winning numbers in the World’s Biggest Lotto.  No, they are not another set of cursed numbers for the upcoming season of LOST. These are numbers you can find on football jerseys in the various bookstores around campus. 

But which one do you settle on when it’s time to plunk down $50 to $65 for your next bit of Hokie paraphernalia?  You could just pick up the first one that fits, but you’d be doing yourself a disservice.  There is a science to choosing a jersey and what you wear to the stadium on game day makes as much of a statement about you as those funny t-shirts that are so popular right now.

The jersey you wear not only represents your team, but the player on the field also becomes an extension of you. When you don the uniform and head to the stadium, you are essentially saying “That’s my guy out there.”

What follows is a comprehensive look at the things you should consider when you’re in the bookstore and can’t decide between on Nike #4 or the Russel #90.

First off, the numbers are just numbers and the players are just students; no player is getting a dime off of which jersey you choose.  The being stated, the guys do notice when you show up at the game with their numbers on. 

“You look up and see your jersey in the stands, it’s nice,” said linebacker Vince Hall, who wears #9. “Hey, I realize that’s how it is.  It’s all about the fans because they’re always there for you.”

Just keep in mind that wearing a player’s number to the game means you’re a fan; wearing it to a class you share with said player typically means you’re a dork.

Of course choosing the jersey of your favorite player doesn’t always go as planned.  Fans of Kevin Jones who didn’t already own a #7 from the Michael Vick days picked one up during the 2001 and 2002 seasons only to see him switch to #25 prior to his 2003 campaign leaving no player on the roster to represent.

Plan ahead when choosing your jersey because they are expensive.  You don’t want to get stuck with the jersey of a guy who is gone from the team at the end of the season you bought it.  Personally, I’d stay away from seniors and problem children.

Instead, see if the number of a breakout freshman or sophomore is available.  Chances are that the number belonged to a past great and that the current player will be around long enough for you to get your money’s worth.

A guy like Eddie Royal, for example, had a stellar freshman season, anchors one of the better receiver corps in recent memory and seems to accept his status as a role model to the younger fans.

“I understand that there are kids looking up to me,” said Royal.  “It comes with the territory and you just try to do a good job.”

Then, there is the issue of style.  In bouncing around to the various bookstores and clothing shops around campus I found no fewer than eight different styles for the dozen or so numbers offered.

If you want to go with the authentic look, Nike manufactures the style that is used by the team on the field, though the style seems to change more frequently than the players.  The single orange sleeve version of last season looks to be a one-time thing as that style is typically associated with a player who is no longer with the team.

Look-alikes from other companies abound with slight variances in color or design.  You’ll actually have a better shot at finding your favorite player’s number on a non-Nike jersey.  These tend to have extra design elements like the Hokie Bird or the school’s name written on them; elements not found on the official uniform.  There are even retro-style jerseys out there.

So you’ve decided on a number and a style. Now it’s time to choose a color: maroon, white or orange.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the team wears maroon uniforms for home games and white for away games.  There is no rule against wearing away jerseys to home games, but it does take away from the impact of the “Maroon Effect” or “Orange Effect”.  One advantage of the white jersey, however, is that it is easily autographable.

The orange design is another story.  Unless you were following Tech football in 1994, you probably missed the first and last use of the all-orange uniform.  On Nov. 20 against UVA, Tech rolled out in orange jerseys and orange pants and got thoroughly trounced.  In a letter to the Hokie Huddler, general manager of HokieCentral.com Will Stewart wrote, “The Hokies looked like a bunch of tangerines on the field, and UVA beat the pulp out of them.”

Rumor has it that those uniforms were burned.  Regardless, they haven’t been worn since.  That doesn’t stop the bookstores from offering an orange version from just about every designer.  Don’t shy away from them, as they do look pretty cool.  Just don’t wear one to the UVA game.

Ladies have it a little easier since the options for purchase typically can include the kids’ sizes, which tend to be about $10 to $15 cheaper than the adult versions.  Bookstores even stock a pink jersey to accommodate all the football-watching princesses out there.

Custom jerseys are the most difficult to come by.  Eastbay.com, which specializes in customizable team apparel, does not offer a Virginia Tech jersey.  Nike.com does not have an option to put names on the backs of their jerseys either.  The best option for getting your own name on a jersey is to take it to a local shop that does youth league uniforms.

Ultimately, the availability of a particular style or number may dictate which one you go with. You have the most options if you live in town and can physically get to the clothing shops around campus.  There you’ll find more than what is available online.

It’s a lot to think about, especially when the most important thing is to simply show your support.  But when you take all those things into account, you’ll be closer to the game and your purchase will be more worthwhile.

And if you’re out with your #9 jersey on and see Vince Hall’s mother, Cathy, tell her where you got it because she’s looking for one.