Football Shirt Condition Grades Explained
What each grade actually means, and what to check before you trust it.
Condition terms get used inconsistently across listings, which makes them one of the most common sources of buyer disappointment. This guide defines each grade clearly and covers what to check to confirm it, whether you're buying or writing a listing yourself.
The Grades, Defined
New with tags (NWT)
Unworn, with original manufacturer tags still attached. The strictest grade — even trying the shirt on and removing tags moves it to the next category down.
New without tags (NWOT)
Unworn but tags have been removed, or the shirt was never tagged (common on some older or lower-tier stock). No visible wear, but buyers should still ask about storage conditions, since even unworn shirts can develop fold marks or slight yellowing over time.
Excellent / like new
Worn a handful of times at most, with no visible flaws under normal inspection — no fading, no loose threads, no marks. The most common honest grade for a lightly used shirt in good care.
Good
Worn with some visible signs of use — minor fading, small marks, or very light wear on the fabric — but structurally sound with no damage. Should still be fully wearable and display-worthy.
Fair / worn
Noticeable wear: fading, small holes, peeling print or embroidery lifting at the edges, pilling fabric. Still a legitimate listing category, but the price should reflect it clearly, and photos should show the actual flaws rather than hide them.
What to Check Before You Trust a Grade
- Ask for photos in natural light, close up on any area the seller describes as flawless
- For "new without tags", ask specifically why tags are missing and how the shirt was stored
- Check crest and sponsor edges for early signs of peeling, which often shows before general fabric wear does
- Compare the seller's grading against their photos, not just their word — a mismatch is worth asking about directly
Frequently Asked Questions
Does "new without tags" mean the shirt was worn?
Not necessarily — tags are sometimes removed for other reasons (a gift, a store display sample) without the shirt ever being worn. It's worth asking the seller directly rather than assuming either way.
Should I trust a seller's self-graded condition?
Use it as a starting point, but verify against photos and ask questions for anything above a casual purchase price — grading standards vary between sellers.
How should I grade my own shirt when selling?
Grade conservatively and let photos do the confirming — a buyer who receives a shirt in better condition than described is a good outcome; the reverse leads to disputes.
Ready to price your shirt accurately? See our
or list it directly on KitMarket.