A Fanshop Authentic Football Shirt is an official retail shirt manufactured during the season and sold through the club shop or licensed retailers. Collectors value these shirts because they capture the exact season design, colours and sponsor era without claiming match use. For signed examples, treat them like any collectible: confirm proof, verify any third-party authentication, and align the shirt version with the season. Use our primary resources in the Knowledge Base and Collecting hubs to judge evidence, care and long-term value.
Key identifiers
Expect in-season production labels showing month and year, retail SKUs and barcodes on swing tags, and brand-correct size and care labels. Look for club licensing marks, woven or heat-applied crests, and sponsor applications that match the season. League badges may be optional add-ons at point of sale. Namesets should match the club’s retail font for that year. Fanshop Authentic sits apart from licensed commemoratives and from player-issued or match-worn: the fabric and trims are retail spec, while details mirror the live kit design.
What to check
Match the shirt to the correct season: sponsor, badge style, collar and cuff details, and colour codes. Inspect inner label date codes and compare to the season’s release window. For signed shirts, request Exact Photo or Video Proof as outlined in our proof guide. Ensure any COA names the precise shirt version and signature placement. Use the Walkouts Rating to weigh proof, authentication and grading against price.
How to verify
Photograph tags, barcodes, holograms and inner date labels, then compare with official season imagery and trusted references. For authenticated signatures, input the serial on the authenticator’s database and confirm that the description matches the player, shirt type and era. Keep screen captures of lookups. If graded, retain the report alongside our grading overview. When a COA is present, review required elements using our COA guide.
Care and documentation
Store flat in UV-safe, acid-free sleeves. Use PE or PP bags sized to avoid creasing badges and namesets. Keep swing tags and spare patches in a separate pouch. Avoid high heat on sponsors and vinyl namesets. File COAs, serial screenshots, proof images and invoices together with clear names (player_season_version). For folding and storage method, follow our step-by-step care guide.
Related reading
Walkouts Knowledge Base and Collecting for guides on authentication, COAs, grading, proof, storage and beginner strategies.
