What You Need To Know Before Getting A Jersey Framed

Framing a jersey—whether it’s a treasured piece of sports memorabilia, a signed collectible, or a game-worn relic—isn’t as simple as popping it into a shadow box. If you want the finished product to look exceptional and last for decades, it’s important to approach the process with care.

In this guide, the framing experts at Frame Minnesota share their insight on what to do before handing your jersey over, and what to ask a professional framer to ensure the finished piece meets the highest standards in preservation, appearance, and craftsmanship. For anyone in need of jersey framing near the Twin Cities, Frame Minnesota offers appointments so you can come in and work with an expert framing artist to design your perfect frame.

1. Should I wash or clean the jersey before framing it?
   From a preservation standpoint, it is always best to work with a clean garment. Garments framed with dirt, soil and sweat will deteriorate faster than a clean jersey. That being said, we don’t recommend that you wash anything with a signature due to the possibility the signature bleeding or fading. Unsigned jerseys can be washed normally and hung to dry. Some shops, including ours, can wash and dry your jersey for you before starting the framing process.

2. How should I store or transport the jersey before framing?
   Store your jersey the same way you would store a similar garment. A hanger is ideal but choose cloth garment bags and avoid plastic bags for any long-term storage as this can accelerate deterioration. The longer a jersey is folded tightly, the more difficult it becomes to remove wrinkles and folds become permanent. If necessary, we can steam and iron jerseys as part of the framing process but it’s better to start with something without deep creases.

3. Do I want to include extras in the frame?
   Consider whether you want to add photos, nameplates, ticket stubs and signed cards, patches or pins. Another consideration is whether you may want to sell the jersey down the road—personalization (i.e. photos of your family getting it signed) may reduce future resale value. Most framers can provide engraving services and many will help you procure quality photos of a favorite player upon request.

4. How do I want the jersey positioned?
   Options: Full front view, partial fold to show name and number, or mounted open with arms out. Think of whether the jersey has more value from the front or back. These choices will affect size and price, so be flexible and think about the space where you will hang it.

5. Is the jersey signed or autographed?
   If you have not yet acquired the jersey, inquire about the pen used to sign the jersey. We recommend a good quality archival pen from a reputable art supplier. Sharpies are not archival and will fade rather quickly with even the best framing materials.

6. Do I need documentation or authentication to be framed alongside it?
   Many jerseys come with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) which is normally placed in a pocket on the back of the frame. Newer jerseys should have a hologram sticker with a QR code which takes you to a certificate of authenticity on line. We would suggest that collectors make a copy of this as well as any receipts and take photos of the item for insurance purposes ahead of dropping at your framer. You will want to add your framing receipt as well. If you have a few collectible and art items in your home, check with your insurance company about limitations of your insurance policies. It is often a quite low limit.

At Frame Minnesota, you can set up an appointment for a design consultation with one of our framing artists. We understand how special memorabilia is to our customers, and we work with our clients to add details that give context to the memory of the player, game, and fan experience. Jersey framing is an intricate process that requires attention to detail and creativity, and it is important to ask the right questions before handing over your prized piece of sports memorabilia.

1. Have you framed professional jerseys before? Can I see samples of past work?
   Ask for photos or references. Look for clean, symmetrical layouts and attention to fabric preservation. Ask about how they preserve your garment.
2. Is the work done in-house or sent elsewhere?
   A good frame shop will typically have an onsite workshop where the people on staff taking the orders are also either doing the framing or working directly with those producing the work. If the jersey is sent offsite, it introduces possibility for loss, theft, or damage, which is best to avoid for valuable or sentimental items.

3. Do you use acid-free, archival-quality materials?
   Yes. Archival-quality framing should include acid free matboard, and backing materials as well as reversible mounting methods. And a glass or acrylic that filters 98% of UV light to finish off the framing package.
4. How do you mount the jersey in the frame?
   Look for: Sewing or pinning with minimal contact, NOT glue, staples, or adhesive tapes. Sewing should be done with a cotton or cotton/poly thread, not clear fishing line or plastic thread as these get brittle and fail over time. Many framers utilize a tiny plastic tab installed with a specialized tool. These, done well, are an excellent solution. Done poorly, they don’t look nice. Ask to see samples. A good product will be fairly taut and nicely displayed.
5. Is the frame sealed and dust-proof?
   Yes. A sealed frame protects against dust, insects, and moisture, preserving your jersey long-term. 
6. What kind of glass or acrylic do you use? Is it UV-protective?
   You want UV-filtering glass or acrylic to prevent fading. All light exposure is cumulative and the glass is a very important component of preventing damage. Most framers offer the glass and acrylic in the basic Conservation quality and also a Museum quality which is a non-reflective version that reduces glare and reflection.
7. Will the jersey be reversible or removable if I want to update it later?
   Archival-quality framing should be non-permanent, allowing the jersey to be safely removed or reframed in the future without damage.

8. Can I choose the mat color and frame style, or do you make recommendations?
   A good shop should be able to offer at least several ideas to enhance your jersey and make it look good in your home or office.
9. Do you photograph or document the jersey before framing?
   You certainly may want to do this yourself before dropping off, just for documentation purposes.

10. What is your turnaround time?
    Custom framing turnaround time will depend upon materials chosen as well as complexity of the project. And of course, a good shop may have a backlog of orders ahead of yours that will vary depending the time of the year. It never hurts to ask if you have a need to have it done in a shorter time but it is not unusual for it to take 2–6 weeks depending on complexity.

Your jersey might represent a favorite player, a championship moment, or a personal memory—and that makes it worth framing the right way. Archival-quality framing ensures that your investment is not just protected, but beautifully displayed for decades to come.

At Frame Minnesota, the team bring decades of experience, careful handling, and preservation-minded techniques to every jersey project. From steaming and stitching to final glass selection, each step is done with intention and craftsmanship.

Reach out to our framing artists for more information or stop by the shop to start your framing consultation. Whether it’s a gift, a collector’s item, or just something you love, it deserves to be framed beautifully—and built to last.