The Heat Press ’25: Kit Round Up, 23rd July

The Heat Press returns for issue number 6 of it’s summer series looking at the kits released in English Football over the last few days, with 23 new kits launched since Issue 5

The first two issues can be found here – Issue 1 / Issue 2 / Issue 3 / Issue 4

A reminder that I will take a regular look at the Kits launched across the English Leagues and beyond, the discussion points and anything else Kit Related that comes up over these pre-season weeks.

I will only share those kits that have been officially released, as there are plenty of leaks that do the rounds but we will keep those official launches.

You will also find my Kit Overview illustrations for each of the four divisions which will used to document the Kit Usage of all 92 English Clubs.

You can also find the breakdown of the Kit Manufacturers this coming season here

Premier League – 30 / 60 Kits

New Kits:

Leeds United, Away: Leeds United’s return to the Premier League will be in a classic looking kit on the road this season, this all blue kit is a nod to the 2001 / 03 3rd Kit and one that I am sure will be popular with fans.

West Ham United, Away: Ecru is back for West Ham, with another Away Kit taking a nod from the past, this one is based on 1996 / 97 Away Kit and has claret trim to maintain that West Ham look!

Everton, Away: Its a return to cream for this Everton Away Kit, and nice clean design by Castore with a kit that is paying tribute to the dockland area of their new stadium. An interesting collar design here as well, very 70s in it’s look.

Manchester City, Away: Its all black for Manchester City’s away, one this is a “nod” to the original kit of the team that became Man City. The detailing is metallic but overly this is a very understated kit, simple and clean.

Arsenal, Away: The lightning design is back for Arsenal with this Navy Away kit, with red Adidas stripes. There is also a touch of the classic “Ipswich” template about this too. The lightning is taken from The Royal Arsenal Gatehouse.

Championship – 39 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Southampton, Away: Another 90s inspired kit, this time it’s Southampton’s Away and this is a good one, Puma have now given the club two wonderful kits for this season, a marked upgrade from the unremarkable kits of last season!

Watford, Away: Watford’s Away Kit is all about sustainability, the kit itself is green checked with black shorts and green socks, made from recycled polyester with a donation to ‘Your Tree, Our Future’ with every purchase and a new tree planted for every three shirts sold.

Portsmouth, Home: As you would expect from a Portsmouth Home Kit, there is a pattern in the shirt that is signifying the waves of the coastal history of the city.

Blackburn Rovers, Away: It’s all gold kit on the road for Blackburn Rovers this season, the shirt contains images of landmarks from Blackburn including Ewood Park and is part of the 150th Celebrations of the club.

Bristol City, Home: A good example of less is more with Bristol City’s Home Kit, a simple design, nice collar, white side panels give some balance to the overall kit, another win from O’Neills.

Leicester City, 3rd: Leicester City kicked off their pre-season games in their new 3rd Kit, this pink and black kit is a nice looking alternative kit, I am a big fan of the black / white stripe here!

Middlesbrough, Away: This feels a classic looking Middlesbrough Away Kit from Castore, the black and blue stripes are a nod the club’s Away kit used 30 years ago, their first season at The Riverside Stadium.

Sheffield United, Home: A simple striped design for Sheffield United’s Home Kit, there is an interesting design in the cuffs, which incorporate the “Blades” of the club crest.

Birmingham City, Away: As part of the club’s 150th Anniversary they have looked to their first kit for basis of the Away kit with the sash being part of this shirt, which transitions from black to blue.

League One – 47 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Burton Albion, 3rd: The vast majority of kits are inspired by the past and past looks, however Burton have called out this Kit as one looking forward to a “New Era” as part of their 75th Anniversary Celebrations, this “off white” (we won’t call it Ecru) kit with gold trim is nice clean look for the club!

Stockport County, Away: A cracker of Away Kit for Stockport County, the thicker stripes matched with light blue details in collar and cuffs work well.

Northampton Town, Home: As you would expect from Northampton Town with their Home Kit, there is a nice subtle stripe within the shirt, with white side panels, so more going on that you would first think.

Reading, Away: Reading have used kits inspired by local landmarks before, this Away Kit is one that pays homage to Reading Town Hall in it’s and it’s colour.

League Two – 45 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Crewe Alexandra, Away: Puma are now supplying Crewe and it’s a navy kit with swirl design in the shirt for the firsts change kit of the partnership.

Crawley Town, Home: Something very Italian looking about Crawley’s Home shirt this season, yes its made by Errea but the collar, the tapping the whole shirt gives me 90s Italian Football vibes!

Newport County, Away: This Away is another shirt looking at history for inspiriation but this time not within the club, this kit pays tribute to Athletic Club Bilbao, and the unique relationship between the clubs that saw Basque children sent to the area in 1937 during the Spanish Civil war and the formation of a local club, Basque Boys FC. The shirt will also be promoted by the Basque Giants this season.

Salford City, Home: The new Salford City Home Kit has a very subtle hoop pattern within it, this is inspired by the terraced streets of the city, the shirt also contains some gold detailing with side panels and Adidas Stripes.

MK Dons, 3rd: MK Dons complete their first kit set with Reebok with this Pink 3rd Kit, a new colour introduced into the club’s history and one designed to stand out.