Along with MLB announcing the Los Angeles Dodgers would be among the nine teams with a new City Connect uniform for the 2024 season, they also shared details of the Nike jersey design that has caused quite a stir.
Developed over multiple years, the Nike Vapor Premier jersey was engineered to improve mobility, moisture management and fit, while keeping sustainability in mind.
With all teams reporting this week for the start of Spring Training, players began to see the new MLB jersey designs, and several spoke out about not being pleased with the changes.
That wasn’t the case for Jason Heyward, however, as he explained liking the new Dodgers jersey by Nike:
“Somehow this feels even more authentic than the ones that we’ve been wearing, to be honest. The material feels that much nicer. It feels like it’s going to breathe better. And I think a really cool part for the fans is the number on the back having that different texture.”
Shohei Ohtani’s introductory press conference at Dodger Stadium gave some insight on how the Dodgers’ home uniform was going to look under Nike’s new jersey template.
Per Nike, the high-performance fabric of the new template was made from at least 90% recycled polyester yarns and provides 25% more stretch and allows the jersey to dry 28% faster with moisture-wicking Dri-Fit ADV technology.
Using the latest digital technology, Nike body-scanned more than 300 players to create the ideal fit that is more athletic and form-fitting than the previous chassis. Nike Vapor Premier was first introduced during the 2023 MLB All-Star Game.
2024 Dodgers jersey changes
Most notably, the “Dodgers” script across the chest of the jersey no longer has a clean break between the “o” and “d” as the “d” is now broken into separate pieces.
The front number on the Dodgers jersey is much smaller than in the past, and the fabric is now perforated. Furthermore, the MLB logo is lower, the typography is smaller and the name on back has a tighter arch.
Nike MLB jerseys with Fanatics
Coinciding with the new on-field Nike Vapor Premier uniforms, the brand collaborated with Fanatics and MLB to develop a three-tier assortment at the retail level.
Nike Vapor Premier elite jersey
Authentic jersey, as worn by players on-field
Nike Vapor Premier limited jersey
Inspired by the on-field jersey, features an embroidered Nike Swoosh, heat applied twill logos, and a woven, heat applied jocktag, heat-applied sublimated twill player name and number
Nike Vapor Premier game jersey
Replica player jersey, featuring silicone printed heat transfer front wordmark, Nike Swoosh and silhouetted batter, screen-printed back player name and number, heat-applied jocktag and back neck label
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