Category: Kit History

Premier League – Ten Looks a-Leaping

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Matchweek 16 of the 2025 / 26 Premier League Season delivered an early Christmas gift for this Kit Geek.

For the first time since I have been keeping detailed Kit Usage records (2016 / 17) Season every team playing away from Home wore a change kit in a single Matchweek, that’s a first in over 350 Matchweeks and 3,500 games!

There were Six Away Kits and Four 3rd Kits used by the Ten Clubs

I thought it would be worth documenting and calling out in case we do not see this again for another 10 years, you can find the full Matchweek Report here

Matchweek 16 (2025 / 26)

Saturday 13th December, there were four fixtures.

Everton wore their Away Kit with alternative navy socks at Chelsea, this was the first time this look has been used this season.

Brighton & Hove Albion who wore their Away Kit for the 3rd Time so far this season at Liverpool.

Fulham wore their Away Kit against Burnley, they were also the 2nd team to use an alternative variation this weekend with an Away, wearing alternative fluro green shorts and socks, for an all Fluro Look worn for 4th time this season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers used their Away Kit for the 3rd time so far this season at Arsenal, and in doing so have worn change kits in more games this season than 24 / 25 Season.

Sunday 14th December, there were five games due to European Football played the previous week.

Manchester City wore their much maligned 3rd Kit at Crystal Palace, the 2nd time it has been used so far.

Tottenham Hotspur were another team in their 3rd Kit, wearing their Yellow T90 Nike Template Kit at Nottingham Forest, just the 2nd time worn in the League this season so far!

Newcastle United played the “Tyne-Wear Derby” at Sunderland in their Adidas Trefoil 3rd Kit, the third time they have used this kit this season but second time in it’s default All Navy Look.

Aston Villa were another team in their Adidas Trefoil 3rd Kit, however this was alternative look used for the first time this weekend, with alternative purple short and socks at West Ham United.

Leeds United wore their Away Kit at Brentford, this was third time this season so far that they had worn this all season and was the only Away Kit used on Sunday.

Monday 15th December was the final game of this Historic Matchweek

AFC Bournemouth wore their Away kit for the third time as well at Manchester United, in what ended up being the game of the weekend with a thrilling 4-4 draw!

Again, something I have never seen since documenting the Kits worn in the Premier League, so wanted to call it out in a little more detail!

Any thoughts and comments please let me know over at my Socials…X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

Champions League 25/26: Match 5, Kit Review

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We are now over half-way through the League Phase of the Champions League this season, the fifth round of fixtures being played on Tuesday 25th and Wednesday 26th November 2025.

The current Kit Overview for Kits worn by The Champions League Teams.

Match 5 Fixtures

Total Kits Used

  • Kits Worn in Total – 98
  • 15 New Kits used this Matchweek

New Kits this Matchweek

The 15 new kits this week were the following:

  • Ajax – 3rd
  • Benfica – Home, All Red
  • Union Saint-Gilloise – Away (European Version)
  • Villarreal – Away
  • Barcelona – Away
  • Newcastle United – 3rd
  • Napoli – Away (European Version)
  • Athletic Club – Away
  • Monaco – Home with alternative red shorts / white socks
  • Bayern Munich – 3rd with green socks
  • Inter Milan – Home with white socks
  • Real Madrid – 3rd
  • PSG – 4th Kit
  • Tottenham Hotspur – 3rd
  • Club Brugge – 3rd

Kit Highlights

There are just two teams have just worn a single kit look in the five games so far, both from Germany – Bayer Leverkusen and Eintracht Frankfurt

The game between Ajax and Benfica was a game that gave us plenty of talking points in terms of kits. Firstly, Ajax were the Home Team and wore their 3rd Kit, the reason given for this was the lack of Kit Options from Benfica (who have a light grey Away Kit and white 3rd Kit).

This was also the 4th Kit Look Ajax have used so far in the competition (joint highest) and was the first alternative look worn by Benfica.

Two teams wore “European” Away Kits for the first time in the Champions League. Union Saint-Gilloise wore a plain white shirt (their domestic Away contains a map of the area in the body of the shirt) and Napoli wore an All White Away, with their domestic Away being cream in colour.

Newcastle United wore a change kit for the first time in Champions League this season, using their “Trefoil” 3rd Kit against Olympique Marseille.

Athletic Club wore their Away Kit at Slavia Prague, this was their 4th different Kit Look so far this season in the competition, the joint highest from a club.

It was 4th Kit v 3rd Kit, when Tottenham Hotspur visited PSG, who debuted their 4th Kit for this season (something we have seen them use in past few seasons in The Champions League). PSG are the first team to wear four distinct kits in the competition so far.

AS Monaco wore a different Kit variation for the first time this season, however it was still their Home Kit but paired with alternative shorts and socks, so red shorts and white socks, the opposite of their default look.

Bayern Munich wore their 3rd Kit for the second time in the competition, however this time with alternative green socks, rather than the default light gold / cream socks, this is the fourth Kit Look used so far.

There are eight teams that have now worn four kit looks in the opening five games, Galatasaray and Sporting CP (who used four in four games), Ajax, Athletic Club, Bayern Munich and PSG all mentioned above, with the other two teams Inter Milan (who wore white socks with their Home Kit) and Union Saint-Gilloise (European Away) making up the eight clubs.

My favourite Kit Match of the week was the game between Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal, the Spanish team are not one for changing their kit but against Dortmund was one of times when it was needed, so the Kit Match up looked good in action.

Kit Stats

Overall we have seen the following kits…

  • 19 Home Kits
  • 7 Away Kits
  • 7 3rd Kits
  • 2 “Cup” Kit
  • 1 4th Kit

There were just 4 Kit Variations seen this week…

  • Benfica – Home, All Red
  • Monaco – Home, alternative red short / white socks
  • Bayern Munich – 3rd, alternative green socks
  • Inter Milan – Home, white socks

Let me know your thoughts or other details you spotted this week in the comments below or at my socials.. X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek and I will be back after next round of Champions League games on the 9th and 10th December.

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Champions League – Match 1

Champions League – Match 2

Champions League – Match 3

Champions League – Match 4

Champions League – Knock Out Phase 24 / 25 Kit Review

Premier League – Matchweek 9

Premier League – Matchweek 10

Premier League – Matchweek 11

Premier League – Matchweek 12

Adidas World Cup Kits

England Kit History: 2020-2024

England Kit History: 2020-2024

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As regular readers will know I have documented the England Men’s National Football Team’s Kit History from 1960 to The Modern Day, creating some reference articles and documents for those that like to have quick reference to these things.

You can find the following, which takes a look at the decades in more details.

It is time to take a look at first half of 2020’s in some more detail, one of the most successful period’s in Men’s National team history which meant the team played 67 games across these five years, which is the most in a five year period in these records.

The Three Lions wore their Primary (Home) Kit 53 times and Secondary Kits 14 times. The use of the secondary kit was down on previous years to 21%.

This includes three tournaments where England have not worn a change kit, wearing only Primary Kits (including All White variations) in their 19 Major Tournament Games in this period of time.

2020

2020, a year like no other… with the World coming to a stop, football also stopped for a period of time and Euro 2020 was postponed until the following year. As domestic football was one of the first things to start up again after “lockdown”, International Football returned in September of that year with eight games played in September, October and November.

When the football did restart, England played in their Kits which were scheduled to used for Euro 2020, and originally planned to released in March. The Primary Shirt saw a return to the centrally placed Crest and Logo, this was the first time since 2004. The Secondary kit was Royal Blue, this was the first time the secondary kit was not red since since 2012, and the first time Royal Blue has been used since 1950s.

The first time the new kit was used was in The Nation’s League game Away to Iceland in it’s All White Variation, a look that would used a total of 10 times over the years this kit was used.

The default look with Navy shorts was used four times in total in 2020, including the first game at Wembley for the team in nearly a year against Wales.

The first time the secondary kit was worn was also at Wembley, this kit was used twice in 2020 both games at Home, in Nation’s League game against Denmark and the Friendly against Ireland.

2021

2021 was the year with the most games in a calendar year, with 19 games played in total with World Cup 2022 Qualifying and Euro 2020 all taking place through-out the year, with the kits launched the previous year.

England had their most successful tournament since 1996, reaching the final of Euro 2020. During their run to the final they wore their Primary Kit in all seven games, wearing All White in all group games and their last 16 game against Germany.

They only wore their default look in Quarter-Final and Semi-Final, with the Quarters being the only game played outside of Wembley Stadium, which was against Ukraine in Rome.

England used their Secondary kit five times in total in 2021, of which three of the games were played at Home.

2022

2022 was a World Cup year but a World Cup Year with a difference, with the tournament being hosted by Qatar it meant it was a Winter World Cup taking place in November / December, this also meant new Kits for The Three Lions before the tournament kicked off.

England started the year in kits from 2020 / 2021, meaning these kits had a life span of 33 games (24 for Primary Kit and 9 for Secondary Kit), the longest spell kits had been used since the early 1980s.

The final use of the Royal Blue Away Kit was against Germany in June, and was only the 3rd time it had been used in an Away game in it’s nine usages (being worn six times in Home Games).

The return Nation’s League fixture against Germany was first outing of the new England Secondary Kit, which was a return to red, the kit was All Red, although England had played in all red several times over the previous 12 years this was the first time All Red had been used as a default change kit since 1995.

The new Primary kit was a design that changed the overall look of the shirt. Turquiose blue returned as an accent colour, this was the first time since 1996 that we have seen this used in an England kit (it was also used in secondary kit with crest, logo and nameset).

The biggest design element was the use of the blues across the shoulders of the shirt, which provided a different take on the often plain white shirts and was first used against Italy in a Friendly in September.

You can find a more detailed review of these kits here.

The first competitive action this new kit was used in was the opening game of the World Cup against Iran, it was used with it’s default navy shorts. There was also saw a return of blue nameset which were last used in 2017.

England reached the Quarter-Finals of The World Cup, playing all five of their games in this Primary Kit with three games played in the default look and two games played with white shorts (USA and Senegal). The Knock-out games were also the first games England had played in December since 1995.

2023

This year was a relatively quiet year in terms of England Football, with qualifying for European Championship taking the majority of the game time.

The game against Ukraine (played in Poland) was the 2nd and final use of the current Secondary Kit, only being used twice in it’s life-cycle, this was least used kit since the first Nike Secondary Kit back in 2013, a real shame in my eyes as I believe this is one the best looking Kits that Nike has produce for England over the years.

The final use of the Primary Kit was against North Macedonia in November, which meant this kit was used 15 times in total in it’s 14 months being England’s kit.

2024

Another Major Championship year, meant new kits launched. The Primary Kit saw a return of red as accent / trim colour and more traditional looking white shirt. It was the Secondary Kit that was adventurous with its design, a new colour entering the change kit palette with the kit being marketed as “Dark Raisin”, a shade of purple.

You again find my more detailed look at these kits here

First wearing the new Kit against Brazil in the opening International Fixture of the Year.

The second game of that International Break in March gave us the debut of the new Secondary Kit at Belgium (who also wore their change kit in the fixture).

Euro 2024, was the third tournament of this 5 year period and also the third tournament in a row where England only wore their Primary Kit.

Again reaching the final meant they played 7 games in total, wearing their default Navy Shorts in 3 games and All White in 4 games, including the Final against Spain.

The All White variation was used eight times in total in 2024, the single most used look of that year, with the default navy shorts being used just six times.

Breakdown per year – 67 Games in Total

  • 2020 – 8 Games
    • 2 Primary Kit Variations
    • 1 Secondary Kit Variation
  • 2021 – 19 Games
    • 2 Primary Kit Variations
    • 1 Secondary Kit Variation
  • 2022 – 13 Games
    • 4 Primary Kit Variations
    • 2 Secondary Kit Variations
  • 2023 – 10 Games
    • 2 Primary Kit Variations
    • 1 Secondary Kit Variation
  • 2024 – 17 Games
    • 2 Primary Kit Variations
    • 1 Secondary Kit Variation

Well, that is the first half of 2020’s completed, 67 games in total, more games than any other five year period, there were three official primary and three secondary kits used and total of 9 different kit variations!

Let me know your thoughts and comments below or over at @Kit_Geek and a reminder that the overall visual page of the England Kit History is now also live on the site here

Resources for this article / project

England Football Online

Historical Football Kits

Champions League 25/26: Match 2, Kit Review

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The revamped Champions League format is now in it’s second season, and this is also the second season we will review the kits worn in each Matchweek, much like the Premier League Kit Reviews.

Round 2 of the fixtures have been completed, with each team now playing home and away, so plenty of new kits on show over the two nights of fixtures.

The current Kit Overview for Kits worn by The Champions League Teams.

This gives 107 of the 108 Kits of the 36 Teams, but there will be more thanks to a 4th Kits / Cup Kits that we are likely to see in use over the coming months!

Match 2 Fixtures

Total Kits Used

  • Kits Worn in Total – 61
  • 25 New Kits used this Matchweek

New Kits this Matchweek

There were 25 new kits this week:

  • Atalanta – Home
  • Club Brugge – Away
  • Atletico Madrid – Home
  • Tottenham Hotspur – Away
  • Galatasaray – Home
  • Liverpool – Away
  • Slavia Prague – 3rd / Home socks
  • Marseille – Home
  • Ajax – Away
  • Pafos – Home
  • Bayern Munich – 3rd
  • Qarabag – Home
  • Union Saint-Gilloise – Home
  • Newcastle United – Home / white shorts & socks
  • Arsenal – Home
  • Olympiakos – 3rd
  • Barcelona – Home
  • PSG – Away
  • PSV – 3rd / white shorts & socks
  • Borussia Dortmund – Cup Kit
  • Athletic Bilbao – Home / White shorts
  • Manchester City – Away
  • Napoli – Home
  • Sporting CP – Home
  • Juventus – Away

Kit Highlights

As called out by The Football Kit Podcast Galatasaray’s shirt mirrored the shirts worn by the mascots in the pre-game line up.

Slavia Prague wore a “mash up” against Inter Milan, using their Home (white) socks with their 3rd Kit (who’s default socks are pale blue), for an all white look.

Holders PSG are using their current Away Kit for a second season, however this is the first time it has been used in the Champions League, having just worn Home and 4th Kits in victorious campaign last season.

Juventus are the only club not to wear their Home (or Cup) Kit yet in their opening two games, after wearing their 3rd Kit in their Home game last match week, they wore their Away at Villarreal.

There were 11 teams that have worn the same kit (Home or Cup) in the opening two games, meaning over 70% of clubs wore different kits in the two appearances so far.

5 Teams, Athletic Bilbao, Borussia Dortmund, Newcastle United, Sporting CP and Union Saint-Gilloise have worn their Home (or Cup) Kit in opening two games in two different variations wearing alternative shorts (and socks in Newcastle’s case) with their Home Kit.

My favourite Kit Match of the week was the game between Borussia Dortmund and Athletic Bilbao, this season’s Cup kit for Dortmund is a simple classic looking kit, paired with Athletic Club wearing alternative white shorts with their Home Kit gave a wonderful looking match up.

Kit Stats

Overall we have seen the following kits…

  • 23 Home Kits
  • 6 Away Kits
  • 5 3rd Kits
  • 2 “Cup” Kit

Kit Variations seen this week…

  • Slavia Prague – 3rd, with Home (white socks)
  • Newcastle United – Home, with alternative white shorts & socks
  • PSV – 3rd, with alternative white shorts & socks
  • Athletic Bilbao – Home, with alternative white shorts

Let me know your thoughts or other details you spotted this week in the comments below or at @Kit_Geek and I will be back after next round of Champions League games on the 21st and 22nd October.

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Champions League – Match 1

Champions League – Knock Out Phase 24 / 25 Kit Review

Premier League – Matchweek 2

Premier League – Matchweek 3

Premier League – Matchweek 4

Premier League – Matchweek 5

Premier League – Matchweek 6

Premier League – End of Season Report, 24 / 25

The Heat Press ’25: Kit Round Up, 29th July

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The Heat Press returns for issue number 7 of it’s summer series looking at the kits released in English Football over the last few days, with 30 new kits launched since Issue 6

The first two issues can be found here – Issue 1 / Issue 2 / Issue 3 / Issue 4 / Issue 5

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 – 36 / 60 Kits

New Kits:

Crystal Palace, Away: “Gold is for winners” is the tag line for the new Crystal Palace Away kit for the coming season, celebrating the club’s FA Cup win. Was this is a quick change the away colours this season or has a narrative been added to an existing change kit, something we will unlikely ever find out! (PLEASE NOTE: We are still awaiting confirmation if this is Away or 3rd Kit, so calling Away for the moment).

Sunderland, Home: Inspired by the 1986 / 88 Home Kit, this Sunderland Home Kit sees a return to a centrally located club crest and Hummel Logo. There is also a subtle pinstripe in the white stripes which is part of the Keel Crossing bridge design.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Away: A turquiose Away kit for Wolves this season, not dis-similar to their goalkeeper kit last season, this shirt does contain a subtle Wolves head pattern within its details.

Brentford, Away: This is Joma’s first change kit for Brentford and it is a return to an unusual colour but one seen with the club in the past, the Kit also contains a new club crest with the “Bee” logo being used, the pattern within the shirt is also based on Bee’s wings.

Fulham, Home: Fulham are switching to all white for this coming season, a look that they have only used once in their history as first choice in 2011 / 12 season, the design features an emblem of the Craven Cottage balcony ironwork woven into the body of the shirt.

Newcastle United, Away: It’s a green Away for Newcastle United, the print in the shirt pays homage to the “arched-structure of the famous Tyne Bridge”, matched with white shorts and green socks there is also more than hint to this kit’s owners as well.

Championship – 46 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Swansea City, Away: It’s “Fig” for Swansea on the road this season, a nice alternative colour for the club, there is also green detailing with the kit which also contains a retro styled club crest.

Queen’s Park Rangers, 3rd: A return to those classic green and white hoops for QPR and their 3rd Kit, a look like most Kit Lovers I really like, so glad to see it return, some black and gold trim (including logo and crest) to add the detail of the kit.

Norwich City, 3rd: Its a vibrant pink kaleidoscope effect shirt for Norwich City’s 3rd kit this season, paired with darker pink shorts and socks for a new balanced looking kit overall.

Sheffield United, Away: It’s an all white Away kit for Sheffield United, the shirt contains a gold pinstripe, with additional gold and black detailing within the rest of the kit.

West Bromwich Albion, 3rd: It’s something different for West Brom’s 3rd kit, a stone denim look, with red / white detailing and white socks for that contrasting look. The kit pays homage to the Black Country region and it’s flag.

Leicester City, Home: Leicester have not officially launched their kits so far, just worn them in their pre-season friendlies. This Home kit much like their home kits over recent seasons has gold detailing, and also contains a subtle pinstripe in the body of the shirt.

Derby County, Away: The away kit draws inspiration from the industrial heritage of both the city of Derby and the Derbyshire area, grey / indigo in colour, with some nice orange (almost Peach) detailing, makes for a nice looking kit overall.

League One – 56 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Peterborough United, 3rd: This white shirt and grey shorts / socks completed the kit set for The Posh this season, there is a design with the shirt which is a “deconstructed version of the current crest”.

Exeter City, 3rd: Exeter’s 3rd kit will incorporate white, grey and pink in its design, and will be paired with grey shorts and socks. Exeter City have also confirmed that they will be using the same Away Kit from last season, so this completes their set.

Huddersfield Town, Away: Huddersfield complete their first Castore Kit Set with this Ecru shirt, some nice detailing in the collar and cuffs, which contains a nice shade of blue.

Stevenage, Home & Away: Stevenage have launched both Home and Away Kits, the Home takes a more simple look than previous seasons, with a reverse Arsenal look, the Away is another more simple look with all Navy, the carries a diagonal pinstripe, both kits have matching collars and cuffs which is a nice touch.

Bolton Wanderers, 3rd: Another season of Bolton Wanderers using their 3rd Kit to go a little crazy in terms of design… this neon pink kit will be a great alternative look to the Home and Away kits this season!

Mansfield Town, Away: A Wycombe-esque

Blackpool, Away: Blackpool’s Away is the reverse colours of their Home, as we have seen over the past few seasons this will open up mash up opportunities for both Home and Away kits!

League Two – 56 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Grimsby Town, 3rd: This Kit is a homage to the colours worn when the club first moved to Blundell Park, with brown and blue details withing the kit and completes the Kit set from Umbro this season.

Tranmere Rovers, Away: An interesting Away kit for Tranmere, with a pastel blue, with pink detailing given the light colour of this kit, will it provide enough of a contrast to the white home kit? Tranmere have also confirmed that their Away Kit from last season, will be this season’s 3rd kit a trend that have maintained over recent season.

Notts County, Home: A return to a more classic stripe for Notts County’s Home Kit from last season’s different take on the look.

Oldham Athletic, Home / Away / 3rd: Oldham Athletic were the final team to secure their place in League Two this season, returning to EFL after an absence of three season. They have released all three of their kits in one hit, with the Home an “Ajax” Style looking kit, Away is Red with a nice checked pattern and final 3rd is a gray shirt with orange “stitch” pattern included.

Colchester United, Home / Away: Colchester have released both Home and Away Kits, the Home kit is one that pays tribute the kit worn in 2025 / 06 season when the club won promotion to The Championship, the Away uses a geometric pattern within the yellow shirt, interestingly both kits have the same blue shorts, Home has white detailing, Away has yellow detailing.

Fleetwood Town, Away / 3rd: Fleetwood Town complete their set of kits for the season, with a new Away kit which represents the waves of the local beached in this vibrant blue and yellow kit. The club also confirmed that last season’s Away (White Shirts / Red Shorts) will be this season’s 3rd Kit.

This week’s Kit News…..

A reminder that the Liverpool Kits (yet to determined which ones, but let’s guess at Home and Away) will be released on Friday 1st August.

The only other club to release their Home Kit this season is Queen’s Park Rangers.

League One and League Two kick off this weekend, so expect to see a few more kits in those leagues launched over the coming days.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or over at my Socials…

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Premier League – Kit Observations

Premier League – One Kit Wonders

Premier League – End of Season Review

Premier League – Top Trumps

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

Posted in EFL, General, Kit History, Kit News, Premier League Kit Log, The Heat PressTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

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.

This week’s Kit News…..

There was no additional Kit News since last Issue.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or over at my Socials…

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Premier League – Kit Observations

Premier League – One Kit Wonders

Premier League – End of Season Review

Premier League – Top Trumps

The Heat Press ’25: Kit Round Up, 16th July

Posted in EFL, General, Kit History, Kit News, Premier League Kit Log, The Heat PressTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

The Heat Press returns for issue number 5 of it’s summer series looking at the kits released in English Football over the last few days, with 21 new kits launched since Issue 4

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

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.

Premier League – 25 / 60 Kits

New Kits:

Nottingham Forest, Home: Well this is a great looking kit, the pinstripes is a nod to kits of the past for Nottingham Forest but this one may be one of the best, the “Garibaldi Red” pinstripe gives the shirt a little more depth, but overall a cracker in my eyes.

Crystal Palace, Home: Macron have delivered one the nicest Home Kits in their relationship, introducing white into the shirt, with white pinstripes with the shirts and white sleeve “tapping”.

AFC Bournemouth, Home: Another nice offering in terms of Home Kit from Umbro for Bournemouth, you just cannot go wrong, however this is a shirt that is let down by the sponsor but luckily there is an option for sponsor-less version for fans to buy.

Aston Villa, Home: Aston Villa are in their second season with Adidas and their new Home Kit fits the current Adidas template, with some gold trim and details which pays tribute to the Holte End at Villa Park.

Manchester United, Away: Manchester United introduce a new colour to their away kit this season, using lilac and plum, this is a kit that is using the classic “snowflake” pattern from their early 90s Away Kit, however much larger in the design than that kit, paired with plum shorts and lilac socks, there are also alternative lilac shorts which I am sure we will see through out the season.

Championship – 30 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Queen’s Park Rangers, Away: QPR are another team that often look to their past for inspiriation of their change kits, this one looks back 50 years to 1975 / 76 season where they finished 2nd in the old First Division, using pink to give it a modern twist.

Bristol City, 3rd: A funky looking kit is the first offering from Bristol City and O’Neills this season, this all black kit has neon flashes across the shirt (almost northern lights like).

Coventry City, Home: Hummel and Coventry continue their productive relationship, a nice looking kit for this season. It will be all Sky Blue with the rest of the kit in the same shade.

Wrexham, Away: Following a similar template to the home kit, Wrexham’s Away is inspired by colours of the Daffodil, the Welsh National Flower, this will be the first time the club have worn yellow and green since the 90s.

Sheffield United, 3rd: This 3rd Kit is another shirt that is looking to home location for inspiration, this time it is the cultural aspect of the city of Sheffield “Thread Through the Noise, begins at one of Sheffield’s most storied cultural landmarks: The Leadmill. A cornerstone of the city’s music scene since 1980” .

Millwall, Away: A new colour for Millwall’s Away Kit palette, with an all “cream” or dare I day Ecru Kit, paired with navy and mint trim, another nice clean Millwall Kit for this season.

Hull City, Home: Kappa’s only team in English leagues is Hull City and it is a partnership that seems to deliver in terms of design, this season’s Home Kit is another wonderful looking shirt, with the use of “tiger stripes” on the sleeves and a return to amber as the first choice base colour .

Swansea City, Home: The kit launch you did not expect to see, Snoop Dogg and Swansea…. this kit is a “nod” to the Kit worn by 96 / 97 team that reached the Division 3 Play-Off Final under Jan Molby, the kit has a checkered pattern in collar and cuffs, which also appears more subtly within the shirt, shorts and socks.

Sheffield Wednesday, Home: Thicker stripes return for Sheffield Wednesday for this season, and those stripes contain SWFC within them, giving a retro vibe to the shirt. The kit will be matched with blue shorts and socks, the time this colour has been used since 2016 / 17 season.

League One – 43 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Bradford City, Home: Bradford complete their set for their return to League One by launching their Home Kit, the claret shirt which will contain a thin stripe in amber is a change from the recent years but gives a nice balance in it’s look.

Luton Town, Away: Reflo are looking to make a mark and this away shirt certainly takes a chance, the use of white sleeves really breaks the shirt up and gives it a balance that works with the body of the shirt’s design.

Huddersfield Town, 3rd: This green and gold 3rd kit for Huddersfield Town is a nod to the Yorkshire heritage of the club, the colour is being called “Regal botanical garden green” and there is theme in floral tones with “the main body of the shirt subtly patterned with our floret and the unmistakable Yorkshire rose, the design is inspired by the idyllic hillsides and landscapes present across our home within God’s Own county”, one for those Yorkshire folk!

Port Vale, Away: Port Vale complete arguably the finest set of Retro Home and Away kits this season with this classic looking Away Kit as part of their 150th Anniversary celebrations. The Kit is inspired by the 110-goal title winners of 1958 / 59 Season.

Bolton Wanderers, Away: This all navy kit is a nice alternative to the Home Kit, and looks back to the club’s first European campaign 20 years ago.

League Two – 40 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Walsall, 3rd: Another team to complete their Kit set, with an all light blue 3rd Kit, Walsall have be a team that have used their kits well in combining elements for Home, Away and 3rd Kits to provide alternative looks to avoid clashes, the black away shorts and shorts may combine well with this shirt, fingers crossed it’s something we will see this season!

Accrington Stanley, Home: Accrington going for a new look this season with this Home Kit, the shirt has a white chest and sleeves with details in red that then continue throughout the rest of the kit.

This week’s Kit News…..

Congratulations on Chelsea wining the FIFA Club World Cup, this will impact the club’s kits moving forward over the coming seasons as they will be wearing a “Champions Badge” on their shirts until the next competition scheduled at the moment for 4 years time!

Manchester City have announced an extension of their Kit Deal with Puma, it has been announced as a multi-year deal but being reported as a minimum of 10 years worth over £1bn throughout that period, this would make it the most lucrative Kit Deal in British Football History.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or over at my Socials…

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Premier League – Kit Observations

Premier League – One Kit Wonders

Premier League – End of Season Review

Premier League – Top Trumps

Kit Manufacturers Breakdown: 2025 / 26

Posted in General, Kit HistoryTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 10 Comments

Following on from my reference article last season, which you can find here. I thought it was time to get update one for the forthcoming season.

Overview of Kit Manufacturers

11 Clubs in total have change their Kit Manufacturer for the start of the 2025 / 26 Season.

Breakdown per Manufacturer (In good old fashioned League Ladders Style)!

Puma – 18 Teams (+1 Team from 24 / 25), 1 new club (Crewe A) and Oldham A being promoted to EFL, 1 left (Barnsley)

Macron – 17 Teams (Same Number of Teams)

Adidas – 12 Teams (+1 Team), 1 New Club (Liverpool)

Errea – 6 Teams (same number) 1 New Club (Mansfield T), 1 left (Middlesbrough)

Castore – 5 Teams (-1 Team) 2 new clubs (Middlesbrough / Huddersfield T), 3 have left (Charlton A, Mansfield T, MK Dons)

Nike – 5 Teams (-1 Team) 1 left (Liverpool)

Umbro – 5 Teams (-5 Teams) 4 teams left (Brentford, Luton T, Huddersfield T, AFC Wimbledon) Carlisle United relegated to National League

Oxen – 4 Teams (+1 Team) 1 New Club (Barnsley)

Hummel – 3 Teams (Same Teams)

Joma – 3 Teams (+1 Team) 1 New Club (Brentford)

New Balance – 2 Teams (Same Teams)

Reebok – 2 Teams, 2 New Clubs (Charlton A, MK Dons)

That Leaves ten teams this season that are the only club that their manufacturer supplies.

Kappa – Hull City (Championship)

Kelme – Watford (Championship)

Lotto – AFC Wimbledon (League One)

Mills – Tranmere Rovers (League Two)

O’Neills – Bristol City (Championship)

Reflo – Luton Town (League One)

Stanno – Barnet (League Two)

SUDU – Wolverhampton Wanderers (Premier League)

TAG – Burton Albion (League One)

VX3 – Newport County (League Two)

So there we have it, 92 Team, 22 manufacturers, 2 more than last season with four new suppliers in Lotto, Reebok, Reflo and Stanno joining the ranks this season but we have lost The Terrace after Morecambe’s relegation and FBT with Crewe Alexander moving to Puma.

Any surprises there, any thoughts and comments please let me know over at my Socials…

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

The Heat Press ’25: Kit Round up, 4th July

Posted in EFL, General, Kit History, Kit News, The Heat PressTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , 5 Comments

The Heat Press returns for issue number 3 of it’s summer series looking at the kits released in English Football over the last few days, with 26 new kits launched since Issue 2.

The first two can be found here – Issue 1 and Issue 2

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.

Premier League – 20 / 60 Kits

New Kits:

Brighton & Hove Albion, Away: Just a day after releasing their Home Kit, Brighton launched their Away, and it’s an Ajax style design in 2 tone purple, nice to another colour added to the Premier League colour palette. With this they become the first team to complete their “Kit Set” for the season ahead.

Burnley, Home: The second offering from Castore and Burnley move away from light blue sleeves for the first time since 2016 / 17 season, using the club’s traditional light blue in cuff and collar. There is a subtle map detail within the shirt with mapping and the contour lines of the surrounding hills.

West Ham United, Home: This will be last West Ham / Umbro Home Kit as The Hammers will move to New Balance next season after 11 seasons. Not much Sky Blue in this final kit and given some of the home kits produced by Umbro over their partnership this kit is not really going out in style.

Sunderland, Away: Its a blue Away kit for Sunderland on the return to the Premier League, a re-imagining of the Hummel kit worn between 1989 and 1990, it also pays tribute to Sunderland’s maritime identity, the kit features a “bespoke pattern inspired by the view of the Roker Beach lighthouse”.

Leeds United, Home: The new Leeds kit from Adidas is everything you would expect from Leeds United Home Kit, with some nice yellow / blue detailing in the collar and cuffs.

Brentford, Home: This is the first kit in the Joma / Brentford partnership and its a good one, celebrating the club playing in red and white for 100 years this is a nice design, interesting collar which feels like a modern take on a laced up collar. The replica version will carry stripes on the back of the shirt, however the authentic (player) version will have a red block on the back in line with Premier League regulations.

Championship – 16 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Middlesbrough, Home: Another club who have moved to Castore, this first offering is everything you would expect from a Middlesbrough Home Kit, with its classic look that appears to be delivered well.

Southampton, Home: Southampton in their second season with Puma and have been delivered a much better looking shirt than last season, taking homage to one of their classic looks from 70s.

Charlton Athletic, Away: It’s interesting design for Charlton’s Away, the white / blue / grey kit contains a pattern of fish scales, but it is not as random as you may first think… the kit “pays tribute to legendary local fishmonger Arthur Bryan. Charlton’s nickname, The Addicks, originates from the haddock meals Bryan provided to players”

Derby County, Home: Its a return to a classic Puma x Derby look from the 90s, with the use of black / white sleeves, with this wonderful Puma template that has delivered so many good looks so far this season.

Norwich City, Home: This is the 5th season of the Norwich / Joma partnership and this again delivers what you would expect from a Norwich Home Kit, there some detail in collar and cuff which is inspired by a kit look in the 90 from Mitre.

Watford, Home: Kelme have often taken a chance with Watford Home Kits and this one is no different with red stripes included in the shirt, the kit is paired with red shorts and socks as was also seen last season.

Blackburn Rovers, 3rd: This 3rd Kit is based on the local council’s “Coat of Arms”, using a dark green shades to create their iconic halved shirts in another look.

League One – 31 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Wigan Athletic, Home: The Wigan / Puma partnership continues for eighth season, this new home shirt has an interesting “yolk” shoulder panel to break the traditional stripes up, that looks like it is taking inspiration from 2005 / 06 Shirt (the club’s first season in Premier League).

Peterborough United, Away: It’s an olive green away kit for The Posh on the road this season, trimmed with navy with some additional darker green detailing on side panels and sleeves.

Lincoln City, Away: Lincoln’s Away Kit takes influence from the flag of Lincolnshire, featuring blue, green, yellow and red colour scheme that makes up the flag, which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year and the fleur-de-lis motif running through the shirt.

Doncaster Rovers, Away: Another Oxen Away kit and similar use of blues as the above kit, this is being marketed as a “Tribute to the City”.

Stockport County, Home: Stockport County will be in a lot more white than is normally seen with their new Home Kit, the shirt goes from their traditional blue into white, with white shorts.

Luton Town, Home: A new manufacturer in English Football, with Reflo taking over supplying Luton Town’s Kits from this season, and is a nice, classic look for The Hatters with navy sleeves being used for the first time since 1995, however that was white a white Home shirt… this shirt is one that pays homage to a popular Adidas Away kit of the early 80s, a solid start in terms of design for Reflo.

Bolton Wanderers, Home: Another solid offering from Macron, some nice details in side panels and within shorts to give the look a fresh feel…

Wycombe Wanderers, Home / Away / 3rd: Wycombe have launched all three kits at the same time and these are first new kits in two seasons for the club who used the same three kits for the last two seasons. A nice take on the classic Home Quartered shirt, a yellow Away shirt and the club alternative colours of green and white are used in the 3rd Kit this time, with a checkered shirt.

League Two – 24 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Grimsby Town, Away: Umbro and Grimsby Town are another one of the partnerships that seems to deliver with all elements of the kits, including training wear. This Away kits is a tribute to 1995 / 96 Away and one of the former cult-hero Ivano Bonetti, who features in the video for the kit, and one that I am sure will be popular with the fans.

Crawley Town, Away: A simple but classic looking white Away Kit for Crawley Town, with some nice detailing on side panels and cuffs. There is also an additional detail within the shirt which contains the names of the local neighbourhoods in the Crawley area.

Newport County, Home: Newport County will be in halved shirts, the design features a map that traces the route between Newport and Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, the town where the club played in 1989. There is something timeless about this kit, it works really well.

This week’s Kit News…..

Crystal Palace and Macron have announced a “Multi-year” extension to the partnership, having first reunited in 2022 there is no details on the length of the contract but it looks like we will see them in Macron kits for the foreseeable future.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or over at my Socials…

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Premier League – Kit Observations

Premier League – One Kit Wonders

Premier League – End of Season Review

Premier League – Top Trumps

The Heat Press ’25: Kit Round Up, 27th June

Posted in EFL, General, Kit History, Kit News, The Heat PressTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 8 Comments

It’s back…..!

As we approach the end of June, teams are now starting to kick off their pre-season training and of the course the Club World Cup is still in full swing with the completion of the group stages, I thought it was time to dust off The Heat Press and take a look at some new kits….

To pass these summer weeks I will take a weekly (or maybe more) look at the Kits launched across the English Leagues and beyond, the discussion points and anything else Kit Related that comes up. 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 this official.

You will also find my Kit Overview illustrations for each of the four divisions.

Premier League – 11 / 60 Kits

New Kits:

Everton, Home: The first kit to be worn at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, which takes inspiration from the new stadium’s location on the banks of the River Mersey and shows a ‘wave’ that flows throughout the shirt. Blue socks will also return as first choice colour, the first time since 2014 / 15 season, although they were navy blue, this is time royal blue socks will be used in the kit’s default look since 2012 / 13.

Tottenham Hotspur, Away: Tottenham Hotspur have followed up their Home Kit, by launching their Away Kit, this is all black kit with a subtle checked pattern within both the shirt and shorts, the kit is being labeled as “In Darkness we Dare” which is a spin on the club’s motto “To do is to dare”. The first team in Premier League to launch Home and Away kits.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, Home: The second season with Sudu as manufacturer and it’s another classic looking Wolves kit, simple but effective, I like that they keep the Home Kits simple and it works well in my eyes, nice collar too and detailing within the shirt.

Championship – 6 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Preston North End, Away: A fairly standard offering from Castore in terms of the Home Kit, some nice details within the shirt which take inspiration from Deepdale. The talking point here is the sponsor, Spud Bros… but from my point of view, they are local company supporting their local team, so fair play to them, much more appealing than a betting company, so a win from this Kit Geek.

Millwall, Home: If you follow me on Social Media you will know that I’m a Millwall fan, so been waiting for this one, last season’s Home Kit was wonderful, one of my favourite Millwall kits of all time, so any kit this season will have some big shoes to fill in my eyes…! And they have delivered, a simple and clean look, something classical about this shirt with it’s central placement of logos, one happy Millwall Fan here.

West Bromwich Albion, Home: Macron 2nd season with WBA, an interesting collar and some additional detailing in the socks, which also contain a single stripe.

League One – 14 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Bradford City, Away: Bradford City launched their new Away Kit at the end of last week, and its light, almost metallic all blue look on the road this season, paired with a Pink 3rd Kit which was released at the end of last season! This kit also carries “UK City of Culture” detail on this shirt.

Northampton Town, 3rd Kit: Its the 3rd Kit first up for Northampton Town and another almost metallic futuristic look in League One, with aqua green, gray kit and detailed with neon yellow… a nice look, that works well for me.

Cardiff City, Home: New Balance remains as Cardiff’s kit manufacturer for a 4th season, and this season will see the club play in pinstripes with white shorts and blue socks!

League Two – 18 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Shrewsbury Town, Home: A nice looking kit, based on one worn by the club between 1983 and 1985. Some nice details within the shirt and the red trim is something that I particularly like and works for me. Oxen delivering some nice designs again.

Cambridge United, Away: Umbro and Cambridge United are a partnership that have consistently delivered and this season looks to continue that trend, with new Home Kit launched last week and the Away proving to be a classic look that will work perfectly as a change kit!

Cambridge United, 3rd: The full kit set is completed for Cambridge, with this black kit which is paired with gold shorts and black socks, a nice balance from Home Kit.

This week’s Kit News…..

Chelsea wore their 2025 / 26 Away Kit for the first time in the Club World Cup Group Game against ES Tunis. The Kit was worn with alternative socks, rather than the Green default socks.

It appears the Brentford x Joma deal is confirmed, with the launch of their training range this week.

Barnsley have confirmed they are moving away from Puma have signed a new Kit deal with Oxen, who now will supply at least three teams in League One this season and four in total in EFL.

Carlisle United who were relegated into National League last season, launched their new home kit and its another look to the past with Umbro, this time taking one of their classic Away kit looks but giving it a home kit spin as they look to bounce back to League Two this season!

You might wonder why the announcements of Liverpool’s new signings has been using last season’s Nike Kits, the new deal with Adidas does not start until 1st August, so all activity including pre-season friendlies in July will be in Nike playing and training kits.

Manchester City used their alternative shorts and socks with their Home Kit in the final World Club Cup Group game against Juventus, the navy shorts and socks give a really interesting look that I think works well with the navy details within the shirt, a look I hope we see in Premier League this season!

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or over at my Socials…

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

If you liked this, then check out the below posts that have recently been published on the site…

Premier League – Kit Observations

Premier League – One Kit Wonders

Premier League – End of Season Review

Premier League – Top Trumps