Football – Shirts, Clubs, Sizing & Collectibles
A practical guide to buying correctly. What separates an authentic shirt from a replica, why the sizing runs small, and what cannot be returned once it has been printed.
Techbox, Thessaloniki
Authentic or replica? The difference that matters most
Both are official club products. One is not genuine and the other a copy – they are two different products:
More comfortable, a looser cut, heavier fabric, lower price. This is what supporters wear – and what most buyers want.
The match shirt. Far more fitted, lighter and more breathable fabric, heat-pressed badges, higher price.
The most common disappointment: someone buys an authentic in their usual size and finds it tight. That is not a fault – it is built for an athlete in a match. If you want comfort, buy the replica.
Home, away, third – what they mean
- Home: the primary kit, in the club's traditional colours. The safest choice for a gift.
- Away: the alternative, for matches where colours would clash.
- Third: a third kit, usually bolder in design. Collectors often prefer these.
Kits change every season. That means two things: last season's shirt often drops in price, but once it sells out it does not come back.
Sizing – read this before ordering
Football shirts run smaller than ordinary t-shirts. In practice:
- If you are between two sizes, take the larger one.
- On authentic shirts this applies even more strongly – many people go a full size up.
- Children's sizes are given by age or height, not S/M/L. Check the chart on the product page.
Name and number printing
You can add a player's name and number – or your own. Two things to know:
- Printing is done to order, so the shirt cannot be returned or exchanged.
- Which means: be certain about the size first. If in doubt, order the shirt plain, try it on, and have it printed afterwards.
What else you will find
- Footballs: official match balls and training balls, in various sizes.
- Scarves & flags: the classic gift for a supporter.
- Accessories: backpacks, water bottles, caps, socks.
- Collectibles: cards, player figures, stadium models.
- Homeware: mugs, cushions and posters carrying club crests.
Gift guide
A scarf or the home shirt – neither ever misses.
A scarf, a ball, a mug, a backpack – none of them has a size.
A ball, a junior shirt, school gear with the club crest.
Mugs, keyrings, socks, small flags.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between an authentic and a replica shirt?
- Both are official. The replica is more comfortable and cheaper – it is what supporters wear. The authentic is the match shirt: far more fitted, lighter and more expensive.
- How does football shirt sizing run?
- Smaller than ordinary t-shirts. If you are between two sizes, take the larger – and on authentic shirts, more so still.
- Can a shirt with a printed name be returned?
- No. Printing is done to order, so the shirt cannot be returned or exchanged. If you are unsure about the size, buy the shirt plain first.
- What do home, away and third mean?
- Home is the primary kit in the club's colours, away the alternative for fixtures where colours clash, and third a further kit, usually bolder in design.
- Where can I find football merchandise in Thessaloniki?
- At the Techbox store (Al. Papanastasiou 100) and online at techbox.com.gr. You can order online and collect from the store with no shipping cost.
