It depends on brands. For Nike both the authentic (aka player-issue) jersey and the replica jersey claim to use fabrics with Dri-Fit technology, however they usually differ when it comes to the actual fabric used, especially the one used on the back of the jersey. The authentic jersey usually features more small holes/mesh-ier so it is better ventilated. Also authentic jersey has a slimmer-cut while replica jersey is more baggy, designed for us casual fans and couch potatoes. Also on Nike authentic jerseys there are laser-cut ventilation holes on the side panels in the past, starting with the 15/16 jerseys these holes were relocated to the shoulder area. I don't know if they are still these holes on the new 16/17 jerseys.
For Adidas they have always used different technologies in recent years, for example in the past it was ClimaCool for replica jerseys and Formotion for authentic jerseys. The current setup is Adizero for authentic jerseys and ClimaCool for replica jerseys. Adizero jerseys are indeed a lot lighter (and slimmer) than ClimaCool jerseys.
Puma on the other hand features lighter fabric for the authentic jerseys and is much, much tighter than the replica jersey.
And then you have those smaller brands which don't differentiate between authentic and replica. I bought a Hannover 96 jersey made by JAKO in size L and it apparently is tighter than your normal size L replica jerseys. The same can be said of my TSV 1860 jersey made by MACRON in size L.
Unless you are a game purist or someone who actually plays football then the replica jersey is good enough for you.
By the way for a visual difference of our 16/17 authentic vs. replica jersey you can check out the picture impeh posted at
http://www.barcaforum.com/showthrea...7-Barca-kits?p=1642562&viewfull=1#post1642562
I am pretty sure Suarez is wearing the replica version and I am 100% certain that Neymar is wearing the authentic version.
