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Evolution of Football Team Kits
As a fan of the English national team, you will undoubtedly have seen their stunning home shirt. This football kit is made with a combination of red and black, with a blue collar and two thin pinstripes on the flanks. On the chest is the iconic Three Lions badge and inside the collar, an abstract geometric pattern of jumbled lions. The England away shirt is a similar design, but with a different feel.
The 1990s marked a transitional period in football team kit design. The excessive detailing and extravagant designs quickly became dated, but still remain highly collectible. Tiger-print shirts were a particular highlight of the decade, worn by Hull City. While this may seem extreme, it was a fashion statement that lasted for several seasons and made them one of the most sought-after football team kits. During the 1990s, shirts began to have more generous cuts as lightweight fabrics became available. Long-sleeved shirts became a common sight, with the Arsenal team showcasing a tiger-print shirt.
Football team kits have come a long way since the early days of the sport. In the early days, players wore thick cotton shirts, knickerbockers, and heavy, rigid leather boots. By the end of the twentieth century, boots were made of lighter, breathable synthetic materials. The shirts themselves were also adorned with advertising, and replica strips became popular, generating substantial revenue for the clubs. A typical football team kit can cost as much as £500 for one season.
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The Evolution of Football Team Kits
In the 1970s, many clubs began changing their shirts. Some teams adopted modern designs, including stripe patterns, a slim silhouette, and a white stripe. While the shirts and t-shirts continued to evolve, there was also a period when football club kits became more colorful. Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Aberdeen, for example, all adopted the all-sky blue look. As a result, many traditional kits were phased out. Other traditional colours were only retained in the trimmings, and many teams adopted the chevron design. Some clubs changed their stripes, including Bradford City, as well as their kit.
The design of football team kits has become so sophisticated that it is virtually impossible to predict the future. Major manufacturers of football kits hire teams of designers and keep new designs a secret until they are unveiled by the clubs themselves. Major global manufacturers focus on major international competitions, such as the FIFA World Cup, the European Championship, and the African Cup of Nations. These manufacturers also produce their products in faraway countries such as China, Pakistan, and India, reducing competition and choice.
After a period when sponsors dominated the market, football kit manufacturers began to innovate. To make a more unique and more stylish product, manufacturers began incorporating their logos into the kits. For example, the Lotto company embroidered their logos onto the sleeves and stockings of the players. Many clubs used commemorative kits during the World Cup in 2006, and several teams wore them in the same season as the Munich air disaster.
