You know what? I’ve owned and worn a handful of France jerseys. Some new, some throwback, some cheap-ish, some not cheap at all. I’ve played in them, watched big matches in them, washed them too many times, and yes, spilled a drink on one during the 2018 final. So this is me, telling you how they actually feel and hold up.
For an even deeper diary-style rundown of rocking Les Bleus gear in everyday life, check out this honest take on France soccer jerseys.
What I Own (Real Examples)
- Nike France Home 2018 “Stadium” (size M) — the deep navy one from the World Cup win
- Nike France Home 2022 “Authentic” Dri-FIT ADV (size L) — midnight blue with gold crest
- Nike France Away 2020/21 “Stadium” (size M) — clean white with the tricolor stripe
- Adidas France 1998 Retro Zidane Reissue (size M) — blue with the bold chest stripes
I picked them up over time. One from a team shop, one from a local soccer store, one online during a sale, and the retro from a pop-up that smelled like leather boots and fresh coffee. Nice touch.
That mini kit-hunt even nudged me to hop trains and wander through Lyon, Marseille, and a few other stops—highlights you’ll find in my favorite cities across France travel story.
Fit and Feel: Slim vs. Chill
Here’s the thing. Nike has two main cuts:
- Stadium (fan) jerseys: looser, heavier knit, chill fit. Good for all-day wear.
- Authentic jerseys: lighter, tighter, stretchy knit with tiny vents. Built to play, hugs the body.
My 2018 Stadium fits true to size. It hangs easy, and the fabric feels soft but a bit warm on hot days. My 2022 Authentic fits snug, so I went up one size. That one feels airy, and the sleeves breathe better. You can feel the knit lines with your fingers. It sounds nerdy, but it matters when you sweat. If you're still fuzzy on how “authentic” diverges from “stadium” (a type of replica), this detailed side-by-side comparison lays it all out.
The 1998 retro runs boxy. It’s comfy, yet the collar sits high. Classic look, but you feel it.
On the Field: Sunday League Truth
I used the 2022 Authentic in a 7v7 game on turf. Cool morning, light wind. The jersey wicked sweat well, and the shoulders didn’t cling. I never tugged at the hem, which I do with heavier shirts. One odd thing: the heat-pressed crest feels smooth but can wrinkle if you fold it hot from the dryer. Don’t do that.
I played in the 2018 Stadium too. It’s fine, just warmer. After a hard run, the back stuck to me a little. Not a deal-breaker, but I noticed.
Game-Day Wear: Vibes Matter
I wore the 2018 during the World Cup final at a crowded bar. Someone yelled “Allez les Bleus!” across the room, and a stranger high-fived me after the second goal. I dripped beer on the sleeve. Cold wash took it out. That shirt still smells like victory to me, which is silly, but also true.
The 2020/21 white away is low-key clean. I wore it to a café for a Nations League match, and a kid asked if I liked Mbappé. I said yes. Then he did a step-over next to the table. I almost clapped.
Quick aside: wearing a France jersey in your dating-app photos can be an instant ice-breaker with fellow football fans. If you’re curious about how those match-day sparks sometimes leap from a swipe to an in-person celebration, this illustrated rundown explains exactly how supporters turn casual chats into real-life meetups—and it dishes out practical safety pointers so you can keep the play fun and drama-free.
I’ve also learned that following football can take you to unexpected cities. Back in 2018 I caught a group-stage match in Russia and ended up club-hopping in St. Petersburg. If future fixtures or pure wanderlust land you there and you want an LGBTQ-friendly guide to the local after-hours scene—complete with vetted, respectful companions—this local trans escort resource in St. Petersburg lays out trusted contacts, reviews, and safety notes so you can explore the city with total peace of mind.
Craft and Details: Little Things Count
- 2022 Authentic: gold crest, tiny leaf-like pattern in the knit, very light. It looks premium, like a dress shirt for a sprint.
- 2018 Stadium: simple navy, red stripe on the collar inside, stitched crest that won’t peel. Feels sturdy.
- 2020/21 Away: crisp white, tricolor band across the chest. Easy to style with jeans.
- 1998 Retro: ribbed collar, bold stripes, old-school charm. It’s not as breathable, but it turns heads.
I added the FIFA World Champions badge to my 2018 later. The patch stayed flat after a low heat press, but it can bubble if you use too much heat. Go slow.
If you want to geek out on everything from Les Bleus’ kit history to where to watch games in Paris, swing by Just France for a treasure trove of fan-friendly info.
Sizing Notes (Quick and Clear)
- Stadium: go with your usual size.
- Authentic: consider one size up if you have broad shoulders or you like room.
- Retro 1998: expect a boxier, old-school fit.
I’m 5'9", lean build, and I liked M in Stadium and L in Authentic.
Washing Without Tears
- Cold wash, inside-out, gentle cycle
- Hang dry (no dryer; heat kills prints and makes crests wrinkle)
- Don’t iron the crest or numbers
- If you add a name-set (mine says MBAPPÉ 10), press cloth only, low heat
I ignored that once, and a small edge lifted. I fixed it, but it was stress I didn’t need.
Price Talk (What I Paid)
- Stadium: usually around $95–$110
- Authentic: roughly $165–$175
- Retro 1998 reissue: I paid about $120
For a broader look at what drives jersey costs—materials, licensing, special patches—check out this jersey buying guide before you pull the trigger.
During big matches, prices don’t move much. Sales pop up off-season.
What I Loved
- 2022 Authentic: breathes so well, and the gold crest pops under stadium lights or just the sun.
- 2018 Stadium: sturdy, comfy, holds up to wash after wash.
- 2020/21 Away: clean style, easy to wear even when you’re not watching a match.
- 1998 Retro: pure nostalgia; Zidane vibes, photos look great.
What Bugged Me
- Authentic heat-pressed details can wrinkle if you’re careless with heat.
- Stadium fabric on a hot day feels heavy after a long run.
- Retro collar rubs my neck a bit, but I forgave it.
- Fake jerseys float around online; watch for off-color blue and sloppy stars.
If you’re unsure, look at the inside tags and the stitching. Clean fonts, clean spacing. If it looks “off,” it probably is.
Who Should Get What
- You play or work out: get the 2022 (or newer) Authentic. Light and fast.
- You mostly watch and chill: the 2018/2020/2022 Stadium line is perfect.
- You want a story piece: the 1998 retro. Wear it to a match party, and folks will nod.
Tiny Things That Made Me Smile
Wearing the 2022 with the gold crest while grabbing a baguette before kickoff felt goofy and right. A baker said, “Big game?” I said, “Big hearts.” Corny, I know. But that’s how sports grab you.
Those cozy, small-town vibes also remind me of the long weekend I spent in Brignoles—quiet streets, good bread, and plenty of football chat.
Final Word
If you want one France jersey that works for everything, get a Stadium home in your size. It’s comfy, looks sharp, and lasts. If you want peak performance and you sweat a lot, go Authentic, one size up. And if your heart lives in old highlights and grainy Zidane clips, grab the 1998 retro. It’s not just a shirt. It’s a mood.
Allez les Bleus.