Definition
Game-worn describes apparel — jerseys, jackets, hats, shoes — that was worn in an actual, documented game by the named player. Game-worn requires either photo-matching to specific gameplay or extraordinarily strong contemporaneous documentation.
Why it matters
True game-worn jerseys sell for substantial multiples of game-issued, team-issued, or retail equivalents. Documentation makes the difference.
Example
A jersey photo-matched by MeiGray to a documented play in a 2010 championship game. The repair patterns, stitch placement, and visible stains line up with the broadcast footage.