1970s | Russell Athletic | Cotton Football Jersey – White - S

Description

Item: Vintage American football jersey in white cotton by Russell Athletic, featuring bold black “22” numerals to the back and the team name “ZEPHYRS” applied across the shoulders. Classic long-sleeve construction with ribbed collar, cut long in the body as typical of 1970s training and team-issued jerseys. Heavyweight cotton build, pre-dating the widespread move to mesh synthetics.

Era: 1970s

Brand: Russell Athletic

Condition: Well-worn vintage condition with softening to the cotton and light, even wear throughout. The lettering and numerals show age-consistent cracking and abrasion from repeated laundering and use. Fabric remains structurally sound with no major flaws; wear is honest and visually cohesive.

Provenance Note: This is a genuine working jersey, issued to be worn hard rather than saved. Cotton football jerseys from the 1970s were practice staples, absorbing seasons of use before being discarded, which makes surviving examples with intact graphics increasingly scarce. The softened handle, broken-in print, and long-bodied cut speak to repetition and routine rather than display. Its appeal lies in that quiet authenticity: a team piece shaped by use, carrying the residue of the field rather than the locker room.

Measurements:

Size on garment: N/A

Our modern sizing estimate: S                                                                                                        

Shoulder to shoulder: 17"

Pit to pit: 19"

Inner sleeve to cuff: 17"

Under collar to lower back: 20"

Condition Notes:

Please be aware. All our true vintage items come with a story, and we cannot guarantee any item will be totally free of marks / damage but anything we think of note will be mentioned. Furthermore, a lot of vintage items gain character because of wear and tear. Buying a true vintage item is not the same as buying new and is not to be confused with second-hand clothing.

We have also tried to accurately depict each garment using a photography setup with over 90% true to life accuracy. 

We do not take photos of inside the garment.

Sizing Notes:

Please take the time to measure up yourself and match to the measurements noted, the way you want the item to fit. We are only a micro business and unable to cover the costs of returns.

Buying true vintage clothing:

When buying true vintage clothing, you are buying a piece of clothing as an investment. We believe most of our true vintage items will hold or increase in value in years to come. We hope you will cherish your purchase.

Returns:

We are a micro business and sadly cannot cover the cost of returns.

We accept refunds within 14 days of the item arriving with you if you are in the UK and 30 days for Europe and International.

This means the returns must be back with us within those 14 days in the UK and within 30 days for Europe and International items.

Please see our returns policy page for full information.