Question about Cal Ripken jersey labeling

[rj_lucas]

I have a question regarding a 1991 Cal Ripken jersey, alleged to be game-used, that I’ve owned for about 15 years.

The tag shows a size of 44. I’ve always questioned that, because I wear a size 44 sport coat and the jersey hangs on me like a tent. I understand Ripken wore a size 48 during this period.

I’ve been told the size of a jersey can be determined by measuring between the bottom of the two sleeve seams and then doubling the number. As you can see from the picture below, this jersey measures exactly 24” between the bottom sleeve seams.

Do jerseys ever get mislabled, and assuming this were the case, is the value diminished? I'm also curious if anyone can confirm the validity of the sizing method described above.

Thanks for any input you might have.

Rick
rickjlucas@gmail.com