You see it everywhere at Little Caesars Arena. It’s that crisp red or white sweater with the "9" on the back. Not Yzerman’s 19 or Larkin’s 71. Just a simple, bold nine.
Honestly, the detroit red wings gordie howe jersey isn't just sports apparel at this point. It’s basically a religious relic for folks in Michigan.
When you pull one on, you aren't just wearing a team logo. You’re wearing the history of a guy who played professional hockey across six different decades. Think about that for a second. Six decades. Most of us can barely walk to the fridge without a knee popping after forty.
The Sleepy Reason Behind the Number 9
Most people assume Gordie wore #9 because he was the "greatest" or something sentimental.
Nope. It was about a bed.
When Howe first showed up in Detroit in 1946, he actually wore number 17. But back then, NHL teams traveled by train. The lower berths on the sleeper cars—the ones that didn't require climbing a ladder and were way more comfortable—were reserved for players with lower jersey numbers.
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Basically, Gordie wanted a better night's sleep. When Roy Conacher was traded early in the 1947-48 season, his #9 became available. Gordie snatched it up so he could get a bottom bunk. It’s kinda funny that the most iconic number in hockey history was chosen for its ergonomics rather than its aesthetics.
What a Real Vintage Howe Jersey Actually Looks Like
If you’re looking for a "period-accurate" detroit red wings gordie howe jersey, you have to understand that the Red Wings' look has stayed remarkably consistent, but there are subtle tells.
For instance, the white jerseys didn't even get those contrasting red sleeves until 1961. Before that, they were mostly white with red bands. If you see a "1950s" throwback with solid red sleeves, someone didn't do their homework.
The Fabric of the Era
The "sweaters" Gordie actually wore weren't the breezy, moisture-wicking polyester we have today. They were made of "dureen"—a heavy, shiny material that was a mix of cotton and rayon.
- The Weight: These things got heavy when they soaked up sweat.
- The Repairs: If you ever see a genuine game-worn Howe jersey at an auction (like the one that sold for over $173,000 recently), it’s covered in "team repairs."
- The Crest: The Winged Wheel back then was often felt or a heavy tackle twill, not the plastic-feeling heat-pressed logos on cheap modern knockoffs.
Authentic 1960s versions also featured a slightly longer torso. Why? Because players back then actually tucked their jerseys into their high-waisted pants.
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The Market: From $200 Replicas to $190,000 Artifacts
Buying a detroit red wings gordie howe jersey today is a bit of a minefield because there are so many versions.
You’ve got the standard Fanatics "Breakaway" replicas which run about $185 to $215. They’re comfortable for wearing to a bar, but they aren't "authentic." The logo is usually a printed patch rather than a heavy embroidery.
Then you have the Mitchell & Ness "Vintage" line. These usually aim for a specific year, like the 1960-61 season. They use a heavier knit and go for that old-school feel. You'll usually pay a premium for these, often around $200-$250.
But the real holy grail? That’s the game-worn stuff.
In early 2025, a jersey Howe wore when he scored his 545th goal—surpassing Maurice "Rocket" Richard's record—sold for over $81,000. Another jersey from his final season in Detroit fetched $173,000. Collectors look for "photo-matching," which is basically finding a specific stray thread or a scuff mark in an old grainy photo that matches the physical jersey in their hands.
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Why We Still Buy Them
Gordie Howe died in 2016, and he played his last game for Detroit in 1971. Yet, his jersey remains a top seller.
It’s about the "Gordie Howe Hat Trick" (a goal, an assist, and a fight). It’s about the fact that he was "Mr. Hockey" but would also elbow you in the teeth if you breathed on him too hard.
There's a specific kind of respect that comes with wearing a 9. It says you value the era where guys didn't wear helmets and stitched their own wounds. It's a connection to a version of Detroit that was the undisputed "Hockeytown."
How to Spot a Cheap Knockoff
If you're hunting on eBay or a third-party site, watch out for these red flags:
- The "Orange" Red: Real Wings jerseys are a specific, deep "Red Wings Red." Cheap fakes often look a bit orange or "neon" under bright lights.
- Bubbling Numbers: If the #9 on the back feels like a stiff piece of plastic that’s bubbling away from the fabric, it’s a fake. Real ones are sewn down with a zig-zag stitch.
- The Logo Proportions: The "Winged Wheel" is surprisingly hard to get right. Check the spokes on the wheel. On fakes, they often look messy or uneven.
Taking the Next Steps with Your Collection
If you're looking to grab a detroit red wings gordie howe jersey that actually holds its value or just looks right, stick to licensed Mitchell & Ness or Fanatics "Vintage" collections. For those who want the ultimate authenticity without spending $100k at an auction, look for "Dureen" style replicas that mimic the heavy fabric of the 1950s.
When you get yours, don't just hang it in a closet. Wear it. This is a jersey designed for a guy who was still playing at 52 years old. It’s built to be used.
Actionable Advice for Buyers:
- Check the sleeve length; vintage cuts are often shorter because gloves were longer back then.
- Verify the "C" or "A" on the chest; Howe wore the "C" (Captain) from 1958 to 1962.
- Look for felt lettering if you want a true 1940s-50s aesthetic.