Jersey (clothing)

Traditionally, a jersey is an item of knitted clothing, generally made of wool or cotton, with sleeves, worn as a pullover, as it does not open at the front, unlike a cardigan. It is usually close-fitting and machine knitted in contrast to a guernsey that is more often hand knit with a thicker yarn. The word is usually used interchangeably with sweater.

Alternatively, the shirt worn by members of a sports team as part of the team uniform is also referred to as a jersey.

In sports
A sports jersey is a shirt worn by a member of a team which identifies his affiliation with the team. A jersey identifies the athlete's name and/or number, generally showing the colors and logo of the team. A jersey may also include the logo of the team's sponsor.

Examples
In cycling, jerseys of a specific color or pattern represent certain statuses in cycling, such as the yellow jersey of the leader of the general classification in the Tour de France, or the rainbow jersey for the world champion. Cycling jerseys are usually made of synthetic microfiber material to aid in wicking sweat away from the skin to allow it to evaporate.

The main garment of an ice hockey uniform, which was traditionally called a sweater, is increasingly known as a hockey jersey. Basketball jerseys are usually sleeveless. Baseball jerseys are usually button up.

A related term is "bib", which may refer to a shirt (jersey, esp. in Britain). In Australian rules football, the player's shirt is known as a "guernsey".