Classic vs Raglan

You know you want to order the best custom jerseys around, but you’re not sure which VC style is going to suit you the best? We’re here to help!

We offer two main styles of jerseys, the Classic and the Raglan. They each come in short and long sleeve, in two fits, and have a distinct style. 

Skip straight to sizing/fit comparison

The Classic

First, the Classic. This is the jersey that started it all for full body design when we introduced sublimated designs to our community in the early 2000s. The Classic has only one side seam, so intricate and flowing designs can wrap uninterrupted from front to back.

The Classic | Features

• One side seam, which contributes to its straighter body/more relaxed cut and allows for designs that wrap around the body.
• Set-in sleeves (vertical seams where the arm joins the shoulder).

The Classic | Available Fits & Sizing

The Classic is available in our Fitted and Relaxed fits. The Relaxed fit is available in both “shorter” and “longer” body lengths.  We also have Youth and Kid sizing for the Classic Jersey (short sleeve only).

The Classic made its comeback in spring 2023 with a gender-neutral fit, embodying our commitment to inclusivity. It's essential to note that the Fitted Classic isn't just a rebranded version of our previous women's fit; we dedicated considerable effort and consideration to its redevelopment. However, its sizing draws inspiration from the previous women's fit, making it the closest point of comparison for those seeking a relative guide.

To be clear, the Fitted Classic is NOT simply the previous women’s fit relabelled… 

Read more about the re-introduction of the Classic in this blog post.

The Raglan

The Raglan was developed as the first style in our transition to gender-free fits, and in response to two prevalent feedback themes from our customers.

The Feedback: Athletes who traditionally wore our women’s cut found it too small/restricting and wanted a looser fit; and athletes who wore our men’s fit found it a bit too big.

The Response: The Standard fit. The Raglan Standard was developed to accommodate a wider range of body types of any gender. One way we achieved this was to use a Raglan (think old school retro baseball jersey) sleeves, which works for way more shoulder sizes/widths.

We also made the body slimmer, and, after years of samples, feedback and development rounds, introduced a Fitted Raglan.

The Raglan | Features

• Two side seams, and on the Fitted version a slight taper to the fit to make the jersey a bit slimmer-fitting than the Classic.
• Raglan sleeves (diagonal seams from under the arm to the collar).

The Raglan | Sizing

The Raglan jersey is available in our Fitted and Standard fits.

Classic vs Raglan

There are two main differences between jersey styles to consider: Design and Fit. 

Design

From a Design perspective, there are two major aspects to look at:

1. Sleeves: if you have a contrast colour or prominent design on one or both of your sleeves, the Raglan will feature it better. If you have a design running straight down vertically on the body from the top of your shoulder, the Classic will be a better option.
2. Body: if you have a design that wraps around the side of your jersey, go with the Classic thanks to its single side seam.

 Fit

1. Fitted: while the Fitted fit has the same base sizing in both, the cut will fit differently because of how the shoulders hit and due to the side seams.  The Classic has no taper on the body and is the same width from the chest to the bottom hem; the Raglan has a slight taper at the waist.
2. Standard vs Relaxed: the Standard Raglan has been a fan favourite across genders, although athletes who really do want a relaxed jersey, or have broad backs and/or shoulders, will likely prefer the Classic. The multiple jersey lengths is also a game changer to accommodate the wide range of heights on a team.

So much of fit is personal preference, so the best way to determine which jersey you are going to like better is to try them on. The best way to do that is pick up and try out our awesome Mystery jerseys – currently on sale two-for-one, so you can grab one of each to check them out!

Of course, we’re here to help provide you as much data as possible to help make a decision virtually. Please spend some time reviewing our Fit and Sizing Selection Guide.

Can a Custom/Team Order Mix and Match?

Generally speaking, unfortunately not due to the significant differences in the patterns/panels of the jerseys. Each sublimated jersey needs to have art set-up for each size, and the majority of the time it’s not a simple transfer of art from one style to another.

As always, we’re here to help – just get in touch and we’ll be happy to provide personal feedback and insight.