Golden State Basketball Shirt: Your Ultimate Guide to Styles, Sizes, and Where to Buy
Let’s be honest, as a lifelong basketball fan and someone who’s spent more time than I’d care to admit browsing online stores and digging through arena shops, I know that a Golden State basketball shirt is more than just apparel. It’s a piece of identity, a wearable memory. Whether it’s celebrating a dynasty’s peak or honoring a beloved player’s journey, these shirts carry stories. And sometimes, those stories are bittersweet, tinged with the kind of emotion we heard from LA Tenorio recently. Reading his quote, “Nakakalungkot lang (if) this is really my last game,” hit me. It’s a poignant reminder that the jerseys and shirts we wear are often tied to fleeting moments and careers we’ve watched unfold. That emotional connection is exactly what drives us to seek out the perfect gear. So, if you’re looking to find your own piece of Warriors history or current swag, this guide is for you. I’ll walk you through the evolving styles, the sometimes-tricky world of sizing, and the best places to buy, all from my own experience of collecting and, yes, making a few sizing mistakes along the way.
The landscape of Warriors shirts has exploded far beyond the basic replica jersey. You’ve got your classic offerings, of course. The Nike NBA Swingman jerseys, like the #30 Curry in that iconic royal blue and yellow, are perennial bestsellers, with an average retail price hovering around $120. But the real fun is in the lifestyle and fashion-forward lines. I’m personally a huge fan of the “City Edition” apparel. Remember the 2022-23 “Oakland Forever” theme? That black and green colorway on a simple, soft-cotton tee became an instant classic, a nod to the Bay’s roots that felt authentic. Then there are the hard-to-find gems. I once snagged a Mitchell & Ness throwback tee featuring Rick Barry from the 1975 championship team; it’s a conversation starter every time I wear it. The key is knowing what you’re after. Are you looking for game-day accuracy, streetwear comfort, or a vintage vibe? My preference leans heavily towards the softer, vintage-washed tees—they just feel more lived-in and unique compared to the stiffer, brand-new prints.
Now, let’s talk about the single most frustrating part of buying any fan gear online: sizing. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way. NBA apparel, especially the official Nike gear, tends to run what I’d call “athletic fit.” It’s designed to be worn by, or to mimic the fit on, athletes. If you prefer a looser, more relaxed look for a standard tee, I’d advise going up one full size from your usual. For example, if you’re a typical Medium in a regular brand like J.Crew, a Large in an official Nike Warriors shirt might be your best bet for a similar comfort level. The sizing for women’s cuts is even more specific, often designed to be more fitted. My advice? Always, always check the brand’s specific size chart. Don’t just assume. And read the customer reviews! Someone will almost always mention “runs small” or “true to size.” This small step has saved me from at least three ill-fitting purchases. For a more consistent, boxy fit, I’ve found that brands like ’47 Brand or Fanatics’ own line offer a more forgiving standard T-shirt cut.
So, where should you actually buy these? The ecosystem has diversified wonderfully. The official team store at Chase Center and the NBA Store online are your go-tos for the latest releases and guaranteed authenticity. They get the new City Edition drops first. But if you’re hunting for a retired player’s shirt, like an Iguodala or a David Lee—yes, I still have my David Lee shirt—then the secondary market is your friend. Websites like eBay and Grailed are treasure troves. I found a pristine 2015 championship locker room tee on eBay last year. The key here is to check seller ratings and look for tags in photos to verify authenticity. For everyday wear, I also love supporting local Bay Area boutiques that carry curated sports fashion; they often have collaborations you won’t find elsewhere. And let’s not forget the big retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods or Fanatics.com for broad selection and frequent sales. Fanatics, in particular, often runs promotions where you can get 20-25% off, which is the best time to stock up.
In the end, choosing a Golden State basketball shirt is a small but meaningful act of fandom. It connects you to a community and a narrative. That narrative includes glorious parades and heartbreaking finals losses, but also the personal journeys of players like LA Tenorio, whose heartfelt words remind us of the human element behind the logos. My personal collection is a timeline of these emotions. I have the championship shirts, of course, but I also have shirts from less successful seasons, because they’re part of the story too. My recommendation? Start with one classic piece—a current Curry jersey or a core logo tee. Then, let your interests guide you. Seek out the designs that speak to you, whether it’s a throwback, a bold fashion statement, or simply the softest cotton tee you can find. Pay close attention to those size charts, explore beyond the official stores, and you’ll build a wardrobe of Warriors gear that’s uniquely yours. After all, every time you put it on, you’re not just wearing a team’s colors; you’re wearing a piece of an ever-evolving story. And that’s a story worth investing in.