A 'throwback jersey' is a replica or twill jersey that celebrates players who are no longer active in their sport. Fans often purchase throwback jerseys for kitsch purposes or to relive great sporting moments from their childhood. Larry Bird's famous No. 33 jersey from the Boston Celtics, for instance, has gained wide popularity among hard-core Celtics fans, who have been disappointed as of late by their team's lackluster performances. Wilt Chamberlain's No. 3 jersey from the Lakers and Julius Irving's No. 6 jersey with Philadelphia 76ers are also extremely popular items.

Sometimes, throwback jerseys honor players who remain active but now play for different teams. A Shaquille O'Neal L.A. Lakers throwback jersey is available on the market, even though O'Neal still plays professionally in the NBA.

By far the most popular throwback jersey of all time is Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls No. 23 jersey. Jordan, perhaps more than any other athlete of his generation, defined top performance. Jordan dominated his sport at a time of fierce competition and incredible training. Jordan's mystique traveled internationally, and his throwback jersey can now be found on everyone from students in Kenya to Indonesian basketball hopefuls.

Throwback jerseys can be major collectors items as well. Authentic jerseys autographed by their wearers have sold to rabid fans for tens of thousands of dollars. According to at least one reviewer, an autographed Michael Jordan No. 23 could easily fetch $30,000 or more. That said, prices for jerseys can vary tremendously based on the fabric and the number printing techniques employed.