Football kits have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 19th century.
At that time, footballers didn’t have access to customised jerseys and instead chose to wear whatever clothing they had at hand, such as button-down work shirts or even their own everyday clothes. This often resulted in teams wearing mismatched uniforms. As the game grew in popularity, so did its outfits.
The first shirts
Football kits began to become more unified, with teams such as Sheffield FC wearing matching white jerseys in 1867.
Football clubs soon realised that having a striking kit was an important part of their identity, and manufacturers started producing customised jerseys for teams across Britain. Footballers were now able to wear jerseys that matched their team’s colours.
Classic football shirts became popular during the early decades of the twentieth century, with teams such as Manchester United and Liverpool creating iconic designs that have remained popular to this day. These classic shirts are often considered vintage memorabilia and remain highly sought-after by fans and collectors.
In the 1970s, a new trend emerged in football kit design with the introduction of more adventurous colours, patterns and styles. Footballers even began wearing name and numbers on their shirts, making it easier to identify individual players. This era also saw an explosion in the popularity of replica kits, allowing fans to show their support for their favourite teams by wearing the same kit as their idols.
The 1990s saw a further evolution in football kit design with the introduction of more modern materials such as polyester and lycra, allowing for greater comfort and breathability. Footballers also started to show personality on the pitch through clothing, with bright colours and unique designs becoming more popular. Football teams also began to experiment with different colours and patterns, creating iconic designs that are still recognisable today.
Modern day shirts
The 2000s saw the introduction of fashion-inspired looks for football kits, with many clubs taking inspiration from the latest catwalk trends. Footballers were now able to express themselves through their clothing choices and this led to the rise of football kit culture. Football teams also began to strike deals with sportswear manufacturers, resulting in even more unique and stylish designs for their kits.
Today, the modern football kit has come a long way from its humble beginnings. Footballers have access to the most advanced technologies and materials, allowing them to perform at their peak onring mismatched outfits.
