A Saquon jersey is the one purchase I'd make before the season starts

If you searched Saquon jersey, you're probably past the curiosity stage. Maybe you saw Saquon Barkley rip off a run that made a defense look like it was stuck in mud, or you just moved to Philly and need something to wear on Sundays. Either way, you're not crazy. A Barkley jersey works whether you loved him at Penn State, survived the Giants years, or jumped on the Eagles bandwagon. I grabbed mine last fall, and it’s already earned a permanent spot in the laundry rotation.

The first decision isn't size. It's which version of Barkley you want. He wore No. 26 at Penn State, with the Giants, and with the Eagles. That number is a nice thread through his whole career. So a Penn State white jersey, a Giants blue, and an Eagles midnight green or Kelly green all make sense. If you're a Giants fan still bitter about him leaving, I get it. But the Giants era is part of the story. If you're an Eagles fan, the Kelly green throwback is the one that looks best in person, in my opinion.

Now, the jersey tier matters more than most people admit. NFL Nike jerseys generally come in Game, Limited, and Elite.

• Game: loose, screen-printed numbers, comfortable for everyday wear. This is what I'd buy for a kid or for tailgating.
• Limited: stitched numbers and a slightly more tailored fit. Good middle ground.
• Elite: closest to what players wear, with stretch panels and a tight cut. Great for display, less great for a backyard BBQ.

Sizing is where people get burned. I'm 5'10", 185, and a medium Game jersey fits like a normal T-shirt. If you're between sizes and want to layer a hoodie underneath, size up. If you go Elite, do not size up unless you like feeling like a sausage. The shoulders and chest are cut close. Also, women often prefer the youth XL or a smaller men's size for a cleaner fit. There's no shame in trying one on before committing.

Fabric and care are simple. Most stitched jerseys can go in the wash inside out on cold, then hang dry. Don't iron the numbers. Don't toss it in a hot dryer unless you want the twill to curl. I learned that with an old college jersey, and I'm still annoyed about it.

If you're on the fence, here's my bias: A Saquon jersey is the one purchase I'd make before the season starts. It's a piece of a weird, fun career arc. Penn State legend, Giants workhorse, Eagles star. Plus, No. 26 looks good in every colorway. Just pick your team, pick your fit, and wear it like you mean it.