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 – 5Teams (-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…
One of my most popular posts of 2024 was an in depth look at the Kit History of one club, in that case it was Crystal Palace. The next club that I want to take a closer look at is Aston Villa, a club who is celebrating it’s 150th Year Anniversary in 2025, so given that feels like a good time for us to take this time and celebrate all things Football Kit with them.
With these review we look at the manufacturers, the kits, the highs and lows over the years. I will start these reviews from 1970’s where Kit Manufacturer details become more prevalent in kit design and for the moment will only look at the club’s Home Kits (maybe change kits will come in the future).
Kit History Overview
Umbro – 1974 to 1981
Le Coq Sportif – 1981 to 1985
Henson – 1985 to 1987
Hummel – 1987 to 1990
Umbro – 1990 to 1993
Asics – 1993 to 1995
Reebok – 1995 to 2000
Diadora – 2000 to 2004
Hummel – 2004 to 2007
Nike – 2007 to 2012
Macron – 2012 to 2016
Under Armour – 2016 to 2018
Luke 1977 – 2018 to 2019
Kappa – 2019 to 2022
Castore – 2022 to 2024
Adidas – 2024 –
That makes 16 changes in Kit Manufacturer, with 14 different Kit Makers over a 50 year period, another reason why Aston Villa a great club to look in their Kit History in more depth.
Umbro – 1974 to 1981
Aston Villa like many clubs went through minimal change in kit design since the early 1900s, the traditional claret body, with sky blue sleeves for the shirt, white shorts and it was the socks that saw the most change, with claret, white and blue all used!
The first brand to appear on the shirt was Umbro and they are one of only two brands to have two separate stints as manufacturer of the club. Their Home Kit remaining in place through out this seven year period, the only change in this time was the update to the Umbro logo for the final couple of years of the kit’s life.
Le Coq Sportif – 1981 to 1985
It is time for the first change of Kit Manufacturer for Villa and it is a continental change with French Brand Le Coq Sportif providing kits for the next four years. For the first time there was more than one kit design by a manufacturer in this period. The first version of the shirt, worn between 1981 and 1983, had the classic sky blue sleeve look but with blue also playing through the body of the shirt, giving almost an “Ajax” look to the kit, however there were a couple of changes to this shirt over this time which include the club’s first shirt sponsorship and a change of logo placement for European games. The Le Coq Sportif logo mainly placed on the sleeves of the life of this kit but appeared in a more traditional position in 1983 European games.
In 1983 the second Le Coq Sportif Kit was first significant change in kit look at Aston Villa went through, the sky blue sleeves were removed, with the kit in main being a claret shirt, with sky blue side panels and a deep “V” collar panel to give new look. The kit was initially worn with claret shorts and sky blue socks, however in the 1984 / 85 season, the final season with the French brand, white shorts returned as first choice look.
Henson – 1985 to 1987
If you were playing “Pointless” on who produced Aston Villa Kits through out their history, I would place a significant amount on Henson being your Pointless answer… The Icelandic company seemingly came out of nowhere to produce kits for Villa and produce another look that stepped away from tradition, the claret shirt was paired with two Sky Blue (with white trim) horizontal stripes across chest and down the arms for an interesting design look and choice. Another interesting choice in this kit was the removal of the club crest in the shirt, replacing it with “AVFC” wordmark, which gives some symmetry with brand name, but I am not sure something like that would go down well with fans nowadays – Club crest did remain on the shorts.
Hummel – 1987 to 1990
The second of the manufacturers to have two spells providing kits for the club was Hummel and the first kit they provided was one of those classic kit looks of the 1980s, the Hummel “Mexico” template, this version being in the club’s Claret and Sky Blue for a unique take on the club’s home kit! Worn over two season, one with claret shorts and sky blue socks and one with white shorts and socks!
Hummel’s final season in this stint with the club, 1989 / 90 was the first time since 1982 / 83 season that the traditional Sky Blue sleeves returned for a much more simple look in terms of design, but one that works really well.
Umbro – 1990 to 1993
Umbro return as the club’s kit manufacturer in 1990, with an interesting design. The sleeves contained some additional claret detailing, Umbro also brought back a collar to the shirt, this was the first shirt to have a collar since Umbro first stint with the club in 1981.
1992, and we are now in The Premier League Era and this season was the final season with Umbro but they produced what is my favourite Aston Villa Home Kit through out their history and one that I did not realise was used for just the single season! The laced collar, the claret hoop around the neck, the contrasting hoops on the sleeves, one the finest Umbro kits of this period, simply wonderful homage to early Kit History of the club.
Asics – 1993 to 1995
Another change of manufacturer and it is now over the Japanese kit maker Asics to take the reins for the club, one of several clubs they supplied at this time, and their Home Kit was a template that was used by most of these clubs, however Villa were the only team that had this as their Home Kit look. The shirt was a claret shirt with thin sky blue stripes. This kit was worn for the two seasons that Asics supplied their kits.
Reebok – 1995 to 2000
Aston Villa were one of the two major clubs that Reebok started supplying in 1995 (the other being Liverpool) and ended providing kits for them for five season. The first Reebok kit was worn for two season from 1995 to 1997, this is the final time that Aston Villa have used a Home Kit for more than one season.
A new kit each season for the next three years with Reebok… the design remained fairly consistent until 1999, classic sky blue sleeves with small changes to collars and Reebok logo, the biggest change would be around socks with claret, hooped and sky blue socks all being default looks with these kits.
1999 was a season where there was another significant change in kit design with thick stripes being used in the shirt, paired with claret shorts and socks. There was also a move of the Club Crest and logo to be central in the shirt, the first time the crest had been placed there since 1983. A Kit look which is one of my favourite looks, but not sure is one for the traditionalists.
Diadora – 2000 to 2004
The 21st Century starts and it is a change of manufacturer again, this time it is the turn of Italian Brand Diadora, they supplied kits over four seasons and each of those years gave us a new home kit look! The first was a return after the Stripes to a more traditional look in terms of the shirt but blue shorts and claret socks were used in it’s default look, the central Club Crest remained for this season.
2001 / 02 Season was another shift in kit look, with claret shirt with blue trim used, the first use of a predominantly claret shirt since the mid 80s. However this was quick replaced with a more traditional look the following season and there was little change apart from use of sock colour again in Diadora’s final season.
Hummel – 2004 to 2007
The second of the manufacturers to have two stints supplying the club was Hummel and they returned in 2004 for another three seasons. Although maybe not quite as memorable as their first spell these three years were all about the “chevrons”. In their first season back the chevron were placed down the sleeves to give a wonderful classic Hummel look, the rest of the kit was very simple and a classic Aston Villa in its appearance. The second season, 2005 / 06 the chevrons moved the side panels for a really interesting design choice which continued into the shorts in a claret panel and also contained some yellow / gold trim, something different in terms of look and one that I really liked!
The final Hummel season was almost a combination of the two previous kits, the side panel chevrons remained, however the colours were reversed, so claret chevrons in a sky blue panel on both shirts and shorts, the yellow trim was removed
Nike – 2007 to 2012
In 2007 it was time for US Sports Giant Nike to take over as Kit Manufacturer and it was for five seasons, with a new Home Kit in each of these years. For the first three seasons there was little to talk about with the Kits, simple and very traditional looking Aston Villa kits, with minimal changes between round and “V” neck collar, trim on shorts and socks.
When we get to 2010, there is more of an interesting take in terms of design, the side panels return however in this case it is a claret / blue check pattern that used in the shorts and socks as well as the shirts, reminiscent of the final two Hummel kits a few years previous. In the following season and the final one of the Nike years was certainly the most stand out in terms of Kit design, the checked pattern was taken a step further and the shirt had full checked pattern. The most interesting part of the kit was the socks, the default look saw Villa use black socks for the first time since the 1950s to top off a nice looking overall kit, the best of the Nike years and one of my favourite Aston Villa looks.
Macron – 2012 to 2016
Italian Kit manufacturer Macron were the next provide of Aston Villa kits, this deal was over four season and as is now the norm, there was a new Home Kit in every one of these seasons. In the main there was very little change over these years, the most significant design choice was the return of the “Ajax” style shirt in 2013 / 14, this would have been the first time this look was used since the Le Coq Sportif period 30 years prior. In 2014 / 15 season, there was a blue pinstripe within shirt for something different. One highlight of the Macron years was the use of hooped socks, each of the four kits using this look and something not seen since 1998 with one of the Reebok kits.
Under Armour – 2016 to 2018
US manufacturer Under Armour were the next brand to produce Villa Kits with a two year deal with the club. A trend we have seen is for manufacturers to provide something of simple and classic look for the club in their first season, and this one from Under Armour was no different, a nice looking kit but no surprises in its appearance. The 2017 / 18 Kit, was a slightly different shade of claret with a subtle Lion pattern repeating through the shirt, and was paired with claret socks… so both colour socks were used in the two seasons.
Luke 1977 – 2018 to 2019
The 2018 / 19 season was one of the most interesting of Aston Villa’s Kit History, the middle season of three consecutive seasons with different Kit Manufacturers. Produce by Local clothing brand Luke 1977 (Owner Luke Roper is a fan of the club) and sportswear manufacturers Fanatics. The kit itself was a stripped back kit, simple in its design with it’s claret body, with thick claret stripes and delivered a classic look with a nod to the Le Coq Sportif Kit from 1984 with the sky blue side panels and was worn with the club winning promotion back to the Premier League via the playoffs after three seasons in The Championship.
Kappa – 2019 to 2022
2019 / 20 season started with Aston Villa in their 3rd different kit brand in the last three years, Italian manufacturer Kappa now being suppliers. Kappa and Villa for me was a partnership that delivered every season they were together, the club colours and that Iconic logo just seem to work together! The kits, much like the Luke 1977 Kits were simple and classy in design, the Kappa logo on sleeves and shorts works so well with this look. In 2020 / 21 season, saw a slight change in the shade of blue and simplistic look of Kappa kits remain for another nice looking Kit.
The final Kappa Kit is my favourite of their offering, bringing back the short logos but also introducing a subtle stripping within the kit giving us a new take on the classic look, this would definitely make it into my top 3 Aston Villa Kits of all time, a wonderful Kit and not since the Nike years has we seen the best offering by a manufacturer to be in their final kit with the club.
Castore – 2022 to 2024
Castore became the club’s 13th Kit Manufacturer, unlucky for some… Kappa was always going to be a tough follow which was not going to help Castore. In terms of design, both kits over these two seasons were safe options, sticking to tried and tested formula. Personally I preferred the look of the 2022 / 23 Kit, the shoulder panels used in 2023 / 24 is something seen used over the Kit History of the club, the claret trim breaking up the sleeve and shoulder panels nicely. The contract with the manufacturer was eventually cut short due complaints around quality of the kits from players (and fans) which has not helped the overall relationship between Castore and Aston Villa.
Adidas – 2024 to ?
This takes us to this season and with the Castore deal ended earlier than expected Adidas stepped into to provide the Kits for Villa. The first kit was one that appears to have made some slight changes in the shades of claret and blue, the claret appearing a lot darker that we have seen before and the blue a little lighter than usual to give a more of a contrast between the club colours, a nice start to a Kit Deal that will continue over the coming years.
A special mention to one more kit, Adidas also supplied the club with a one off 150th Anniversary kit and it took inspiration from the club’s first kit, Black shirts, white shorts and black socks also paired with Red Lion for the club’s crest. The Kit was worn in the FA Cup 3rd Round tie at Home to West Ham United on 10th January 2025 and was worn with no sponsor, a blacked out Adidas Logo and just numbers, no player names.
There we have it, 51 years, 40 kits, 14 manufacturers… what are you favourite Aston Villa Kits from over the years and what clubs would you like to see feature in future Kit History Deep Dives, let me know your thoughts in the comments below or over at my Socials…
Euro 2024, Hosted by Germany Kicks off on Friday 14th June with the Hosts taking on Scotland in the opening fixture. The 17th Euros Tournament since they started in 1960 and will be contested by 24 Teams across 6 Groups with 4 Teams in each group, the 3rd Tournament to take this format.
I wanted to document the Kits used in the tournament here as a reference piece for those that want a quick reference Kit Guide.
There will be follow up post of the Kit Usage as we move through the tournament but lets kick off with a Kit Overview…
The Groups
Group A: Germany / Scotland / Hungary / Switzerland
Adidas are prominent in Group A, suppling 3 of the four teams with Puma suppling Switzerland.
Group B:Spain / Croatia / Italy / Albania
Adidas leading the group here, with two teams, Nike and one of the two Teams supplied by Macron (Albania) in this group. Albania also one three teams with a registered 3rd kit, they did manage to wear three different kits in their three group games in EURO 2016
Group C:Slovenia / Denmark / Serbia / England
Nike taking the lead in Group C, with two teams, Puma and the only Hummel kit of the tournament making up the rest of the group.
Group D: The Netherlands / France / Poland / Austria
Nike again leading a group, this time with 3 Teams, Puma making up the group with Austria.
Group E: Ukraine / Slovakia / Belgium / Romania
Joma are supplying two teams in the competition, they are both in Group E (Ukraine / Romania). Adidas and Nike being the two other manufacturers. Romania are one of the three teams that will have three kit options available to them.
Group F: Portugal / Czechia / Georgia / Turkey
Another group with 2 Nike Teams, Puma and the second Macron Nation in this group, interestingly both Countries (Georgia here) supplied by Macron have three different kits (Primary, Secondary, 3rd).
Kit Manufacturers Breakdown
There are just 6 Kit Manufacturers supplying Nations in Euro 2024, with Nike having the most Teams with 9 (37.5%) of teams. Hummel, the only team to provide just one Nation… of course, Denmark.
There will be regular updates across my Social Media Channels of the kits used over the tournament, with my regular deep dive looks after the Group Stages and then a Final Look at the end of the Competition.
There we have it, a reference piece to get you set for the Euros, let me know your thoughts and comments at @Kit_Geek and I hope you enjoy the tournament.
Can you remember that first shirt or kit that sparked your interest in Football Kits??
For me it was the set of Tottenham Hotspur kits made by Hummel, used between 1985 and 1987, as a 9/10 year old this was the first time I can remember just loving the look of a team’s kit, so much so I was drawn to support Tottenham through this period mainly due to their kit (and Chris Waddle)… and pictures of the kits within Shoot or Match Magazine, these truly were the kits that sparked my love of all things football kit now.
I want to take some time to look into these kits in a little more detail and maybe get all nostaligic about them!
Home Kit
The home kit, probably the most iconic in terms of design from Hummel with its famous chevrons playing a prodement role within the shirt itself, from their traditional location on each sleeve but also running across the middle of the shirt to create solitary band.
This chevron band seeing pinstripes coming on the yolk of the shirt at 45′ angle creating a look that has remained almost unique in the past 35 years, with only the Danish National Team have a similar look at the same time with their away kit (the kit before their own iconic Hummel Kit of the Mexico 1986 World Cup), see the end of post for a picture of that kit.
These kits were used for two seasons, in the 1985/86 season was paired with white shorts in the following season the kit was used with navy shorts as first choice, which complement the navy detailling of the shirt well.
The Home kit was also used in other forms of Mash up, looking at the wonderful Museum of Jersey’s article – Tottenham Hotspur: The Hummel Years the home kit was used with away shorts (at Manchester City in August 1985) and Away socks (at Southampton in November 1985).
Illustrations from Museum of Jerseys
Away Kit
The away kit, a sky blue kit with navy and white detailing on shirts and white trim on shorts. This was used as the away kit in 1985/86 and 1986/87 season but also made an appearence as a third kit in 1987/88, more on that shortly.
Although Sky blue is colour that is considered fairly common within the Tottenham Hotspur change colour palette nowadays, this was only introducted by Le Coq Sportif as a away kit colour choice in 1982 so was still a new choice as alternative colour for Spurs at this point. From my research there are not many pictures of the kit in action, I did find this video where the kit was worn at Newcastle United in March 1987 – Highlights Here
Also used in 1988 FA Cup game against Port Vale, which saw the 1987 Runners Up knocked out by then Division 3 (Now League One) team.
3rd Kit
The 3rd Kit, which had a similar template to the away but in navy blue with sky blue and white detailing, initially intorduced as a 3rd kit in 1986/87 season and then got moved up to “Away Kit” status in 1987/88 season however paired with the home shorts from that season.
Navy blue a more common colour for a Tottenham Hotspur change kit with it being used through the clubs history but regularly within 1960s and 1970s. Again not many pictures of the team in action in this kit, the image below was taken from 87/88 season and Spurs’ trip to Coventry City.
Goalkeeper Kit
Ray Clemence used a couple of different kits, using a similar template seen on this Tottenham Hotspur Home Kit.
Memorable Moments
Tottenham reached the FA Cup final in the 1986/87 season, where they played (and eventually lost to Coventry City After Extra Time), although using these kits that season then played in the final in their new Home Kit (which was used between 1987 and 1989)… if they had not used their new kit and carried on with this home kit as kit enthusiasts we would have been robbed of one of the most famous kit tales in football history… those sponsorless shirts!
Who remembers this advert in Shoot or Match at the time…
Maradonna wore the home kit in Ossie Ardiles Testimonial in 1986 against Inter Milan
Mordern versions
A popular set of kits with the fans has recently seen Score Draw Remakes for home and 3rd kitd that are curently available via the Tottenham Hotspur shop
AFC Sudbury’s Goalkeeper worn a version of this classic template in the 2021/22 FA Cup against Colchester United.
Denmark, as mentioned above the only other example I am aware of used at the same time with their 1985/86 Away kit.
Denmark’s Jan Molby in their Away kit (1985/86)
In 2018/19 season, Tottenham’s 3rd Kit drew some inspriation from the Hummel home kit with its diagonal pinstripes in the upper yolk of the shirt, this kit was famously worn in the Champions League Semi-Final second leg with saw a Lucas Moura’s second half hat-trick take the North London team to their first Champions League Final.
Let me know what you think of this Tottenham Hotspur Hummel kit set and I would love to know what your first kit loves were? Please use the comments below or over at Twitter – @Kit_Geek
Books / Links to sites used for research for this postand thanks to Denis Hurley for allowing me to use his illustrations as part of my article.
I created a graphic this week that showed a breakdown of the Kit Manufacturers of the current 92 English League Clubs from Premier League and EFL for this current season.
So thought I would create something with a little more detail for those Kit Nerds and Geeks out there, a form of reference guide for Kits and Clubs for the 2023/24 Season.
The Premier League is now seven weeks into the season and it is time to have a more in depth look at the kits worn this weekend and some of the stories and news around Premier League Kits.
As always you can find Matchweek 6’s review – here
The current Kit Overview for Premier League is below, we now have all 60 shirts released… still waiting for confirmation of the shorts that will be used with Luton Town’s 3rd.
Matchweek 7 Fixtures
Total Kits Used
Kits Worn in Total – 55 (+1 from Matchweek 6)
Goalkeeper Kits – 46 (+1 from Matchweek 6)
New Kits this Matchweek
As we start to get into the season, the new kits on show will of slow down and this was seen this week where there was just one new kit look on show this weekend…
Luton Town in a nice looking kit mash up with Away shirt with Home shorts and socks, celebrating this new look with their first ever Premier League victory.
1 New Goalkeeper Kit:
Manchester City (Purple / Pink)
Kit Highlights
The only place to start, is Manchester United “SOCK WATCH” ….
This week it was a return to the Adidas Teamwear socks that include the Adidas Wordmark! This becomes the first look that Manchester United have used more than once in Premier League this season.
Cheslea’s kit was used for the first time with their new front of shirt sponsor, more details below but worth calling out as a kit highlight for the week.
Sheffield United have played all three of their away games this season in their All Yellow Away Kit.
They are not the only team to play in change kits in all their Away Games so far, with both Brentford (Away x1, 3rd x 2) and Crystal Palace (Away x2, 3rd white Away socks x2) continuing their use of change kits on the road this weekend.
My favourite kit match up of the weekend was the game between Everton and Luton Town, the mash up of the Luton Kit working really well and giving a nice balance with the Everton Home Kit, something very nostalgic for me with this game, so calling this one as my favourite of the week!
Kit Stats
Overall we have seen 14 Home Kits, 5 Away Kit and for the 4th time this season just one 3rd kit in action.
However there were just variations on show, one home and one away kit.
Manchester United in those teamwear socks
Luton Town in their Away / Home Kit Mash up (as mentioned above).
We still have two teams who have only worn 1 kit this season in the opening 7 games and with both teams playing each other next weeked, likely to make it 8 games in just the one kit!
Brighton and Hove Albion
Liverpool
And again Everton have used just the one Goalkeeper kit
Kit Grid – Up to 3rd October
Kit News
Chelsea have finally confirmed their front of shirt sponsorship with “Infinite Athlete”, the Sports Technology Company was much rumoured to take the spot on the Chelsea shirt in the past few weeks after initial sponsors Paramount were not sanctioned by the Premier League due to their Broadcast deal with NBC in USA and then fans reacted negatively to the rumours of Stake becoming the headline sponosor of the club.
The Sponsorship with Infinite Athlete was debuted in the West London Derby with Fulham on Monday 2nd October.
Hummel have launched a range of shirts called the “Equality Jersery” to celebrate equality and inclusion in the world of sports. Several of the teams in the Hummel stable will have this shirt, likely to be a pre-match shirt… Premier League’s Everton included in this group. The shirt is the classic “Mexico” template in rainbow colours and goes on sale on 29th September 2023.
There were reports last week coming from Aston Villa that players were unhappy with the quality of the shirts from Castore and that they were impacting performance but holding sweat within the shirt. Added to this, the often seen ripping of Castore shirts certainly brings the quality of the products into the spot light, with Newcastle United already confirmed to moving away from the manufacturer next season, will Aston Villa be the next team?
The game between Luton Town and Burnley which was postponed from Matchweek 2 is being played on Tuesday 3rd October, any additional kit details will be added in next week’s Kit Review.
That wraps up Matchweek 7 and a lot to consider from this recent round of fixtures.
And a final reminder, that the latest Episode of The Football Kit Podcast is out now, we have a chat with @TinyJerserys about all things minitaure kit and create our own “Mount Kitmore”, find it at your Podcast Catcher of choice here
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below or at @Kit_Geek and Matchweek 8 will be out next week!
Hummel is a sports brand that has had a resurgence in the footballing world over the past few years and the manufacturer is celebrating their 100 year anniversary by producing one their and football’s most iconic kit designs.
The “Mexico” template, most famously worn by the Denmark National Team in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico was also worn by several teams in the late 80s includng English clubs Southampton, Coventry City, Aston Villa and Pisa in Italy.
Several teams across Europe currently supplied by Hummel are being given their own version of the kit this season to celebrate the 100 year anniversary, so I wanted to collect them all in one place… well just because I thought it is only right to have that one place to visit them all in one go!
Denmark
I will start with the spiritual home of the kit design, the Danish National Team who first saw a return to this template with “Red Out” version most famously worn in their Euro 2020 Semi-Final Against England in 2021.
The team have had several Hummel Templates of the 80s and 90s revisited over the past three years, so it was no surprise when there was a return their iconic away kit from 1986 earlier this year and kicked off the 100 Year Celebrations.
Brondby IF
One of the most well known clubs in Denmark, supplied by Hummel, it was always going to be on the cards that Brondby were one of the clubs to showcase the 100 Year Celebration Kits. The design is more a sublte one with slighlty different shades of yellow to give us that iconic striped look.
Coventry City
Coventry City have one of the key clubs in the return of Hummel to the football kit mainstream world, and had versions of this template in 2019/20 seasons with home and away kits using a modern twist to this look.
However this season it will be their 3rd Kit that is part of the celebrations, with this Green and Black version of the kit… at the moment the latest of the kits to be released.
Everton
Everton have been in a partnership with Hummel since 2020 and this is the first time we have seen Grey used as a change colour for The Toffees in this time, a colour that has been used several times over the years since 1980s. This 3rd kit uses a two-tone grey in its design to give a nice look for the template!
FC Koln
The first of German teams to have the kit, FC Koln are using this red version as their away kit this season. It is very similar in design to the “Red Out” kit used by the Denmark team but this one with a round collar, the only playing version of the shirt to do so with more white detailing in collar and chevrons.
Southampton
Probably the most classic in design of all the 100 Year Kits, this kit, like the Denmark Away shirt is a remake of the same kit worn by the club between 1987 and 1989, the remake also goes for the shorts and sock here as well, this is also one of three home kits to use this design.
Malaga
The Spanish Second Division team probably have the boldest designs in terms of colour with their Away and 3rd Kits this season.
Away, combines Purple and Green for what would be an outstanding choice in colour design if it was not for their 3rd Kit…!
3rd Kit uses Neon Green and Neon Yellow, combined with Neon Pink details with Club Crest, Hummel Logo / Chevrons and Sponsor, absolutely my favourite of the 100 Year Celebration Kits!
Real Betis
Real Betis and Hummel is another relationship that goes back to the 80s and 90s, so no surprise when they had their own version of the template for this season. Much more subtle in design than Spanish compatriots Malaga, this all black version is a classic looking kit and with its Green detailing is wonderful looking kit.
St Etienne
Another low key version for French Ligue 2 side St.Etienne, with a predominantly white shirt with a very pale green strip used within the shirt for their away kit, green being the club colours being used here gives a great alternative kit for the team to use on the road.
Werder Bremen
In their first season with Hummel, Werder Bremen will have this home kit. The green and white look for this kit is a look also harks back to the 80s, with rumours of a similar Green Verison of this kit created for Denmark to be used as a 3rd Kit back in 1986. The look perfectly ties in with club colours of the Bundersliga team and finally gives kit lovers the opportunity to see this kit in action.
Wycombe Wanderers
One of four English clubs to have their kits supplied by Hummel, each of them having their own version of this kit. Wycombe Wanderers, also in their first season with Hummel have the “Red Out” look as their away kit, this one does have a similar collar to the Danish version of the kit used in 2021 and Red Chevrons are included!
Equality Shirt
Released on 26th September the Hummel Equality Jersey was created as a limited edition shirt to celebrate equality and inclusion in the world of sports and will be worn by several of the teams mentioned above.
It is yet to be seen how this will be worn but based on last season’s Equality Shirt it is likely to be a “Pre-Match” shirt.
There we have it, 12 shirts from 9 Clubs, 1 Nation and a Pre Match shirt all pulling from an iconic design. It raises as many negative comments as it does positive comments but it drives conversation about kit design and for me that is a positive thing and using templates in football kit design is not a new thing and will always be with us, so lets celebrate when there is a good one and join Hummel in celebrating their 100 year Anniversary.
Let me know your thoughts or if I have missed any kits in the comments below or over at @Kit_Geek I will update the post with the kits missed and of course give you credit for my oversights!
As many you of you know I am Millwall supporter and have been over 30 years now, when it comes to posting and writing articles I always look to remain neutral and do not tend to focus on my own club, however for one post I need to make an exception and here’s why….
Today (Wednesday 20th April 2022), Millwall announced a new Kit Partnership with Hummel and honestly this makes me feel like I am 10 years old again…. in fact, the closest feeling to this is when Millwall first had their kits produced by ASICS, which at the time I found amazing that we had the same kit manufacturer as two of the biggest clubs at the time, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers (1994)
Looking at my years of supporting the club the Kits have been produced by likes of Spall, Errea, Bukta, Macron and even a brand owned by then club owner Theo Paphitis (Strikeforce), so the thought of my club having what I would view as a World Class Kit Manufacturer really makes this Millwall Supporting Kit Geek excited.
Over the past few seasons in Macron’s second spell with the club have really delivered some wonderful kits, very much taken their influence from kits from late 80s, early 90s and I thank them for this, so there are decent size “shoes” to fill but given some of kits designed and produced over the past few seasons for clubs in English Football I cannot wait to see what this iconic brand have in store for my club.
The deal is a long-term deal for the next five years, starting from 2022 / 23 season and will provide “Bespoke” kits for the club’s teams and coaching staff, as well as taking control of Club Shop and online retail, this is a huge step for the club.
In the meantime, here is a Concept Kit design created by a “Friend of Kit Geek” @KonceptKitz just to give you an idea of what Millwall x Hummel kit could look like!
Let me know your thoughts, especially you Millwall fans out there!
Thank you for indulging me in this little love in… normal service will resume.
Time for Issue Number 12 of The Heat Press – a brief roundup of news in the Kit World and Kit Community, to catch up on Issue 11 click here
The Headlines
Real Madrid– 120th Anniversary Kit
Canada Premier League Kit Launch
Denmark
Colchester United– Special Kit
Inverness Caledonian Thistle – 2022/23 Kit Launch
Real Madrid – 120th Anniversary Kit
Real Madrid have released a special kit to celebrate their 120th Anniversary, the kit which was designed in collaboration with Yohji Yamamoto under the Y-3 Brand. The all black kit is one for collectors with the price of the shirt alone being £160 / €180 and if you wanted to pick the whole kit up it will cost over £300.
The kit was worn last weekend in “El-Clásico” against rivals FC Barcelona, who themselves wore their “Senyera” kit which is in it’s 4th calendar year of use, this gave us one of the world’s classic derby matches a very unique look…
Canada Premier League
The was a large kit launch across the Atlantic last week with the launch of the Primary Kits for the Canadian Premier League. All kits are produced by Macron and they have delivered some great looks for the eight teams in the competition…
My favourite looks are…
FC Valour
And York United
The “Secondary” kits are launched over the next week, ready for the League to kick off in the first week of April, so we will take a look at those kits in the coming weeks but interested to see what they produce in follow up to the “Primary” kits.
Denmark – Special Edition Kit
Hummel have teamed up with fashion brand “BLS Hafina” to produce a special kit for the Denmark’s national team, this kit is to pay tribute to a new generation and will be worn on 29th March 2022 in their friendly against Serbia.
Can you feel it? A breath of fresh air, a unique look for the new generation. BLS Hafnia and hummel have come together to design a limited edition national team shirt for Denmark, which pays tribute to the new generation.#hummelsport#ForDanmarkpic.twitter.com/E69M54yJ9m
On Monday 21st March, Colchester United took to the field in their League Two game against Forest Green Rovers in a special kit to show their solidarity with the people of Ukraine. The team wearing the yellow and blue kit, as will has ticket proceeds and other fund raising raised over £65,000 for the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, via the British Red Cross.
One of the first kit launches of the 2022 / 23 season has now happened, with Inverness Caledonian Thistle have launched their home kit for next season, which the club are stating…
“Inspired by the fans who follow the Caley Jags both at home and on our travels, our “Inverness is Wonderful” song” with the words “Inverness is Wonderful” wovern into the shirt.
More details can be found here but the team are currently in the playoff positions in the Scottish Championship so will be hoping this kit is one we see in the Scottish Premier League next season.
And Finally….
Whats happening in the Kit Community.
I like to end each issue with some of the “going ons” within the Kit Community.
The Spark Academy have now taken their wonderful “Kit Breakdown” across to YouTube where they are looking at the authenic and replica versions of the Manchester United 2021 / 22 home shirt.
Our friends over at the Kit Mag have recent tweeted about contributing in future issues of their magazine, if you are interested take a look at their site and just follow the instructions laid out here – I think I might even try and submit something myself….
@ArsenalShirt shared an interesting tweet this week, where the club were offering fans who hold “fan tokens” the chance to vote for what kit the team should wear in their game against Southampton on 16th April… interesting to see and is this the future??? (I would go 3rd kit, the more we see that the better in my eyes)!
Let me know your thoughts and comments and if there is any content that you would like me to share in future issues, please message me and let me know the details or use the comments field below or contact me over on @Kit_Geek on Twitter
Kit news is coming thick and fast, so I thought it was a good opportunity to have a look at what we have seen over the past few days in terms of Kit News.
Confirmed Kits
Middlesbrough – Hummel have delivered a look in the new home kit for Middlesbrough that is a return to a classic look for Boro and one that synonymous with the club.
Inter Milan – Striped kits are always difficult to deliver something new or give a fresh approach to the design, however Inter Milan are a club that often looked to do this over the years and this effort from Nike for 2019/20 is something different and does stand out from the others
Cambridge United – A new Kit deal for Cambridge United with Hummel and the first home Kit is a real classic in design, a clean and simple look on The U’s traditional amber and black. Looks like Hummel will be bigger players in the kit market in 2019/20 and if what we have seen so far is anything to go by we should be in for a treat.
Leicester City – The launch of Leicester City’s away and 3rd kits was no surprise with these kits leaked a few weeks ago. The Away, a pink version of the kit worn by Germany in 2018 World Cup and 3rd Kit, a dark grey version of the Adidas Tiro 19 template. After the introduction of their new home kit in the final game of the season, this completes the kits for the Foxes in 2019/20.
Olymique de Marseille – OM in the second season with Puma have seen the launch of their new home kit sees an introduction on sky blue pinstripe with an all white kit. The kit is also being marketed as 120th Anniversary kit.
AS Roma – Nike have returned to a more classic look for AS Roma this coming season, with the traditional red shirt being paired with white shorts and red socks. There is some “lightening” detailing on the collar, inspired from Roman iconography, which is also continued into name/number fonts for the season.
Ipswich Town – Quick to move on from their recent relegation from Championship, Ipswich Town have launched both their new Home and Away kits from Adidas, both kits from the Adidas template catalogue and the away sees a return to red/navy stripes. A big change with the kits is the sponsor, moving away for black and pink logo to a plain white one that fits with the overall aesthetic of the shirt. It is also worth highlighting that the Children’s versions of the kits will have a local charity as sponsor.
Preston North End – The final kit that I am looking at this first edition of Kit News, is the Nike kit for Preston North End, this template looks like a return to Nike Legend template, most known for its use by several teams in 2002 World Cup, this particular version really reminds me of the England Rugby Union kit worn when they clinch the World Cup in 2003.
Other News:
Aston Villa after a solitary season with local designer Luke1977 (which delivered some amazing kits) have signed a 3 year deal with Kappa
Burnley FC are rumoured to be wearing Umbro next season after leaked photos seen on Twitter
Millwall to have a brown away kit based on their sponsor, chocolate manufacturer Huski
A new badge for FC Nantes
Leaked Arsenal / Adidas kits
New sponsor for PSG
I will follow up with Edition 2 over the coming weeks, let me know your thoughts at Twitter @Kit_Geek or on the comments below.
Football Kit Geek - @Kit_Geek 