A Derek Carr shirt is one of those purchases that seems simple until you actually start looking. Do you want a jersey with his No. 4, a lighter name-and-number tee, or a hoodie that just says CARR on the back? I’ve owned all three at different points, and they solve very different problems.
Carr’s number has followed him from Fresno State to the Raiders and now the Saints, so a No. 4 shirt feels like a clean callback instead of a random jersey buy. New Orleans fans get black and gold; Raiders fans get silver and black. The player’s name does most of the work, which means you don’t need a loud design.
Why a Derek Carr Shirt Is the Easiest Saints Gear to Wear Everywhere was the question I kept circling after my last jersey purchase. A full jersey can look costume-ish at brunch. A good tee works with jeans, shorts, or an open flannel. That flexibility matters more than most people admit.
Before you pick a style, know what you’re actually getting:
- Game/replica jersey: screen-printed name and numbers, roomy fit, usually the cheapest jersey option.
- Limited jersey: stitched numbers, more tailored cut, heavier fabric. Looks sharper but costs more.
- Name-and-number tee: the everyday winner. Lighter, easier to wash, and less likely to feel like a costume.
Fit is where most people mess up. NFL jerseys tend to run big, especially the game version. I’m 5'10", about 180 pounds, and a medium game jersey still left room for a hoodie underneath. If you want a closer fit, size down. For tees, ignore the S/M/L label and check the chest measurement—brands are all over the place.
Women shopping in the men’s section can often size down one from their usual unisex tee. The women’s cut has narrower shoulders and a shorter body, which is great if that’s what you want, but not if you like an oversized look. Youth sizes can work for smaller adults, though the sleeves usually run short. Sorry, tall people.
Care matters more than people think. Turn the shirt inside out, wash cold, and hang dry. Heat is the enemy of screen-printed numbers and cheap cotton. Don’t iron directly on the name or number, and skip fabric softener. I learned that the hard way with an old Raiders tee that cracked after one wrong dryer cycle.
Styling a Carr shirt is easy because his number is simple. With Saints gear, let black and gold do the talking and keep the rest neutral. With Raiders gear, silver and black already feels tough, so avoid adding three more logos.
One team item is enough. If it’s cold, wear the jersey over a hoodie; if it’s warm, a tee and shorts are perfect.
Buying as a gift? If the person already owns a Carr jersey, get a tee or hoodie instead. If they don’t, a No. 4 jersey in their normal shirt size is a safe start. When in doubt, choose the tee. It’s cheaper, fits more loosely, and won’t sit in the closet because it feels too formal for everyday wear.
At the end of the day, the best Derek Carr shirt is the one you’ll actually reach for. For me, that’s a soft black tee with a small No. 4—not the shiniest thing on the rack, but the one that gets worn every week.
