As I carefully unboxed my newly acquired BLACKWATER jersey from the 2025 Kadayawan Invitational Basketball Tournament, I realized that preserving these precious sports memorabilia requires both passion and precision. Having framed over 200 jerseys throughout my collecting career, I've developed a system that transforms any jersey - whether it's commemorating BLACKWATER and NLEX's recent clash at the USEP Gym in Davao City or your child's first soccer uniform - into museum-quality display pieces. The process might seem daunting at first, but trust me, once you understand these five fundamental steps, you'll be framing jerseys like a professional curator.
Let me walk you through the exact process I used when framing that special BLACKWATER jersey from Saturday's thrilling match. First things first - proper preparation is absolutely crucial. I always start by laying the jersey flat on acid-free tissue paper, gently smoothing out any wrinkles without using steam or heat. For soccer jerseys specifically, I pay extra attention to the embroidered logos and player names, making sure they're perfectly aligned. The material composition matters tremendously here - most modern jerseys like those worn in professional tournaments contain 85-90% polyester blends, which respond differently to framing compared to cotton versions. I learned this the hard way when I framed my first jersey back in 2018, and the colors started fading after just six months. Now I always use UV-protected glass, which blocks 99% of harmful ultraviolet rays and preserves those vibrant team colors indefinitely.
The mounting process requires both patience and the right materials. I typically use acid-free foam board as my base, cutting it to fit the specific shadow box dimensions. For soccer jerseys, I prefer creating a dynamic presentation rather than just laying it flat. What I like to do is insert acid-free tissue paper inside the sleeves and body to give the jersey a natural, worn appearance - as if your favorite player just took it off after scoring the winning goal. This technique works particularly well for showcasing the jersey's unique features, much like how the BLACKWATER and NLEX teams displayed their distinctive designs during their recent tournament performances. The depth you create here makes all the difference between an amateur-looking frame job and a professional display piece that captures the essence of the sport.
Positioning the jersey within the frame is where your personal artistic touch really comes into play. I'm quite particular about this step - I always position soccer jerseys at a slight angle, typically between 15-20 degrees, to create visual interest and make the numbers more readable. Using stainless steel pins (never regular sewing pins, as they can rust over time), I secure the jersey to the foam board through the existing seams where it's virtually undetectable. This method has never failed me, and it's how I've maintained the structural integrity of even my most valuable jerseys, including several game-worn pieces from international tournaments. The key is to handle the fabric with the same respect and precision that athletes demonstrate in their sports - think of how carefully the BLACKWATER team must have prepared for their recent victory that earned them a spot in the championship.
Now for the framing itself - this is where many people make costly mistakes. I always recommend using shadow box frames with at least 2-inch depth to accommodate the jersey's thickness without compression. The glass selection is non-negotiable in my book; museum glass, though more expensive (typically costing around $120-150 per square foot), provides unparalleled clarity and protection. I made the switch to conservation-grade materials after losing a rare 1994 World Cup jersey to sun damage, and I haven't looked back since. The investment pays for itself when you consider that properly framed jerseys can maintain their value and appearance for 50+ years. Given how memorable sporting events like the Kadayawan Invitational Tournament are, preserving these jerseys becomes about capturing history itself, not just displaying fabric.
The final step involves the finishing touches that elevate your display from good to extraordinary. I always include a discreet plaque at the bottom of the frame with essential information - for tournament jerseys like those from the BLACKWATER and NLEX clash, I include the teams, date, and significance of the event. Personally, I prefer bronze plaques over brass or silver because they develop a beautiful patina over time while remaining legible. The backing materials matter more than you might think - I use archival-quality backing boards that create a perfect seal against dust, insects, and moisture. After completing hundreds of these projects, I can confidently say that taking these extra precautions means your framed jersey will likely outlive you, becoming a family heirloom that tells a story for generations.
What I love most about jersey framing is how it freezes a moment in sporting history, much like how this year's Kadayawan Invitational Tournament captured the excitement of BLACKWATER and NLEX's journey to the championship. Each time I look at my framed jerseys, they transport me back to specific games, incredible plays, and emotional victories. The process might take me about 8-12 hours per jersey from start to finish, but the result is always worth the effort. Whether you're preserving a professional tournament jersey or your own soccer memorabilia, these five steps will help you create displays that honor the sport and the stories behind each piece. Remember, you're not just framing fabric - you're preserving memories, celebrating achievements, and contributing to the rich tapestry of sports history that connects fans across generations and continents.