Football Shirt Grading Guide: Mint, Excellent, Good — What Grades Mean
By Memorabilia Match Worn · 17 July 2026
Condition grades are used loosely across the memorabilia market. Here is a practical grading framework for match-worn and collector football shirts.
Condition grading helps collectors compare shirts — but unlike trading cards, football shirt grades are not fully standardised. Different sellers use "mint", "excellent", and "good" differently. This guide gives a practical framework so you can interpret listings more confidently.
Mint / Near mint
Typically means minimal visible wear, strong colours, clean numbering, and labels intact. For a true match-worn shirt, "mint" can be rare — heavy pitch use often leaves honest signs of wear. If a shirt is claimed as final-worn and graded mint, ask why.
Excellent
Light wear consistent with use: minor collar softening, light staining, or small fabric stress that does not distract. Numbers and badges remain clean and well attached.
Good / Very good
Clear match wear or age: staining, small holes repairs, fading, or badge wear. Still collectible when provenance is strong — especially for historic shirts.
Fair / Player
Heavier damage, major staining, or incomplete components. Value becomes highly provenance-dependent.
Match-worn reality check
Pitch evidence can increase confidence on a genuinely worn shirt. Retail-perfect condition with a dramatic match claim is a classic tension point — see how to spot a fake.
What to photograph and ask for
- Front, back, sleeves, and collar
- Manufacturer and size labels
- Close-ups of numbers, badges, and any repairs
- Honest notes on odour, staining, or restoration
At Memorabilia Match Worn, condition is described alongside photography and reference codes so you can judge before buying. Browse the match-worn collection.
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