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Jerseys, like sports apparel, have evolved over time to become more fashionable and marketable, both as a style statement and for functional characteristics. Traditionally, a sports jersey is typically a bib-style item of knit clothing, usually made of cotton or wool, with either short sleeves or long sleeves, since it doesn't open in the back, unlike a sweater, which tends to do so. It's typically close fitting and usually machine washable in contrast to a woolen jersey, which needs dry cleaning, since it can get damaged by the moisture. Most sports jerseys now come with authentic NFL, MLB, or college sports teams embroidered on the back of the neck.

From: Alishirts.com