NBA Jerseys: The 10 Coolest NBA Retro Jerseys

Jerseys, Jerseys, Jerseys, Jerseys…

A jersey’s main purpose is to demarcate one team from another.

But a jersey can be so much more. A jersey represents a franchise’s history, a team’s spirit, or a whole city even. A Bulls or Celtics jersey doesn’t just let you know who’s playing for who. It lets you know who’s representing what: history, championships, legacy.

And besides that, some jerseys just look damn good. That’s what we’re focusing on today: 

These are 10 of the coolest retro jerseys to have ever graced a basketball court!


 

→Mitchell & Ness Retro NBA Jerseys

10. Chicago Bulls (1995 - 96)

The Bulls' 90s alternate jerseys look damn fierce. They were instated upon MJ's return in 1995 and got the team started on their second threepeat. The black let you know it’s serious, the pinstripes let you know they mean business, and the number 23 … well you know what that stands for.

9. Phoenix Suns (1992 - 00)

This is a quintessential 90s look. Every 90s kid remembers seeing Charles Barkley get robbed of his basketball powers rocking this jersey in 'Space Jam'. The purple is a popular 90s colorway that we’ll see featured on this list a few more times.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves (1996 - 08)

It’s the typeface that does it on this one – reminiscent of the popular 90s 'Goosebumps' book covers. Add the evergreens outlining on the collar and sleeve cutouts and you’ve got yourself a special jersey – the jersey in which KG went from NBA youngster to superstar and MVP!

7. Los Angeles Lakers (1960 - 66)

Before the Lakers played in Los Angeles, they played in Minneapolis. And before they played in purple and gold, they played in powder blue. This is a throwback to the 1960s Lakers, fresh from their re-location to the City of Angels. A clean look that will hopefully be brought back soon in a city edition jersey.

6. Detroit Pistons (1996 - 01)

This jersey might feature the dopest logo on any jersey in sports history. Let us know if you know of any other real contenders. The color pallet the Pistons introduced in 1996 is also a sight to behold and inaugurated the Grant Hill Era in Motor City.

5. Atlanta Hawks (1995 - 99)

We’re following the 90s trend: bold colors and big face logos. The Hawks’ 1995 - 1999 edition jerseys featured the Hawks’ logo stretching its wings from East Atlanta all the way to Six Flags. The Hawks actually have an underrated array of jerseys: do yourself a favor and check out their 70s edition threads as well. 

4. Utah Jazz (1996 - 04)

The Utah Jazz 90s jerseys look … refreshing. You could easily slap this design on a soda can. The Rocky Mountains as the backdrop of the icy Jazz logo make this one of the cleanest jersey designs in NBA history.

3. Vancouver Grizzlies (1995 - 00)

Our hunch is that these retro Vancouver Grizzlies jerseys would be higher on most people’s rankings if … well … they had been a better team. They’re such a 90s look. The typeface is reminiscent of a 90s video game start screen. And the teal color, the cartoon style logo and the crazy pattern on the collar and sleeve cutouts make this a jersey Ja Morant should definitely be seen in more often! 

2. Denver Nuggets (1982 - 1993)

A jersey like no other. There’s the skyline, the mountains, the typeface with its all lower case lettering – and obviously the rainbow. It’s a one-of-a-kind jersey. And the Nuggets rocked it for quite some time – from 1982 to 1993. They’ve also let themselves be inspired by these retro jerseys in their new city edition jerseys. A good look!

1. Toronto Raptors (1995 - 98)

These jerseys are a bold statement for a team that had just entered the league! Not only is the jersey purple, it's also got pinstripes. But if that isn’t already enough, it also features a huge cartoon Raptor in the smack middle of it. This jersey definitely was not afraid to make an impression, making it a quintessential 90s jersey. This Raptors jersey coupled with some retro Jordans and a snapback might just be the ultimate 90s fit. 

Honorable Mentions: Houston Rockets (1995 - 03), Milwaukee Bucks (1995 - 99), Seattle SuperSonics (1978 - 95), Philadelphia 76ers (1991 - 94), Atlanta Hawks (1970 - 72), Indiana Pacers (1985 - 90)

Get your favorite retro NBA jerseys on KICKZ.com – our online shop has over 200 retro jerseys to choose from! Click the link below to get yours now!