Tag: Kits

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, 10th July

Posted in EFL, General, Kit News, Premier League Kit Log, The Heat PressTagged , , , , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

The Heat Press returns for issue number 4 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 3

The first two issues 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

No New Kits since 4th July

Championship – 21 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Ipswich Town, Home & Away: Returning to the Championship, Ipswich Town have launched both Home and Away Kits and they are are pair of classic looking shirts, one call out with these shirts are they have matching collars and cuffs on both Home and Away, a small but really nice touch design element.

Preston North End, Away: Preston are another team that are looking to the 90s for inspiration, with this two tone blue away kit, a nice looking kit and trimmed with neon yellow.

Wrexham, Home: After three promotions in a row, Wrexham are now in The Championship and their new Home kit pays tribute to the Club’s history, “drawing inspiration from the design worn by the Red Dragons between 1981 and 1983.” The kit is paired with white shorts, however there will be red alternative shorts available if they are needed.

West Bromwich Albion, Away: Some things are just traditional and West Brom in a yellow and green Away kit is one of them, its nice to see them return to these colours for the first time since 2022 / 23 season.

League One – 38 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Cardiff City, Away: It’s Mint Green with Emerald Green details for Cardiff City on the road this season, the kit is paired with emerald green shorts for unique colour scheme so far in the English Leagues.

Leyton Orient, Away & 3rd: Leyton Orient have now completed their Kit Set for the season with the launch of their Away and 3rd Kits, a change of colours for their alternative kits with an all “calming green” for the Away and a vibrant 3rd kit in aqua blue.

Plymouth Argyle, Away: Plymouth in all black for their Away Kit, this kit is has subtle pattern which is an homage to Charles Church, which stands as a memorial to the citizens of Plymouth who lost their lives in air-raids on the city during World War II.

Wigan Athletic, Away: A smart all navy kit, trimmed with silver detailing is the Away kit for Wigan this season, sometimes less is more…

Burton Albion, Home: Burton are celebrating their 75th Anniversary and have launched this wonderful shirt to celebrate this season which is the same as one first worn in 1950, in a club statement the colours are called out “The amber and black not only mirror the original colours worn on that historic day but are also said to represent mild and bitter – paying tribute to the brewing tradition that runs through the heart of our town.”

Mansfield Town, Home: Switching to Errea for this season, this first Home Kit is an interesting one, with the introduction of two narrow stripes within the shirt, a design that was winner in a competition from a 13 year old fan.

League Two – 36 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Swindon Town, Home: Swindon’s new Home Kit is supporting “My Town, My Shirt” and looks at “diversity of the local football community, celebrating supporters from a range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.” The Kit also see’s a return to white shorts as first choice.

Harrogate Town, Home & 3rd: Harrogate Town complete their Kit Set for 2025 / 26, with their new Home and 3rd Kits, what you would expect with yellow and black Home and nice all purple kit for their 3rd choice.

Barnet, Home & Away: Barnet return to EFL after an absence of seven seasons, and will be the only club supplied by Stanno. It’s a traditional club colours for both kits, which also appear to be the same template.

Salford City, Away: A black and yellow away kit is the choice for Salford this season, an interesting Adidas design and paired with black shorts and socks.

Bristol Rovers, Away: All black, graffiti style shirt and shorts are part of this Away Kit, and is design to highlight the creativity of the city and it’s people.

MK Dons, Away: The first Reebok Away kit for MK Dons, is one that looks to local history with the kit being inspired by the code-breakers of Bletchley Park, the shirt carries a subtle pattern that uses the various coded numbers. The use of grey is something new for MK Dons who traditionally wear black or red in the change colours.

Notts County, Away: Notts County take inspiration from University of Nottingham’s sports teams traditional colours in their Away Kit, the green kit will be paired with white socks and yellow trim details.

Cheltenham Town, Away: Cheltenham’s Away Kit takes inspiriation from a past kit from 1999, with this white shirt including a thin chest band. We also understand that Cheltenham will continue to use their Home Kit from last season, as the club are committed to a 2 Year Cycle of their Kits.

Shrewsbury Town, Away: This Away kit was the winner of a competition for kit designers under the age of 14 to compete in, a final short list of four was presented to Oxen who went with this lilac kit as the winner.

This week’s Kit News…..

Chelsea have reached the final of the Club World Cup, they have worn their new Away three times during the tournament and have worn it in three different looks, none of them being the default look with light shorts and green socks!

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, 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, 1st July

Posted in EFL, General, Kit News, Premier League Kit Log, The Heat PressTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 5 Comments

The Heat Press returns for issue number 2 of it’s summer series looking at the kits released in English Football over the last few days, with 15 new kits launched since Issue 1.

Issue 1 can be found here

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 – 14 / 60 Kits

New Kits:

Newcastle United, 3rd: The Adidas Trefoil logos are back for their 3rd Kits this season, and this is Newcastle’s first one, a kit that looks back to another Adidas kit from the past, with the use of blue with orange trim as with 1997 Away Kit. An interesting collar design, we wait to see what this looks like in action.

Brighton & Hove Albion, Home: Interesting use of stripes with the new Brighton Kit, with a change between the white and blue either side of the sponsor band, this kit appears to be paired with blue socks as first choice this season and also contains “Hyperturk” accent details, from the popular change kit used over 2 seasons between 2021 and 2023.

It also appears that The Seagulls will be keeping their now tradition of using the previous season’s away kit as the coming season’s 3rd Kit, the all yellow kit will be their 3rd kit this season!

Championship – 9 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

Stoke City, Away: Return to one of their looks in the 90s, this striking purple kit will be the Away kit for Stoke City this season, the yellow detailing really works well with this kit and one I am looking forward to seeing in action.

Birmingham City, Home: It’s 150th Anniversary kit for Birmingham City this season, the shirt which is the same Nike Template as the England Home Kit will be blue with gold detailing, including a special gold club crest.

Oxford United, Home: The tagline for Oxford’s new kit is “Inspired by heritage” and this is certainly a classic looking shirt for the coming season.

League One – 21 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

AFC Wimbledon, Home, Away, 3rd: Lotto returns to English football with AFC Wimbledon launched all three shirts on the same day, delivering a nice looking Home shirt, with a simple but classic feel but some nice detailing in the shirt.

An interesting colour choice for AFC Wimbledon away kit, fluro green has been used in the past as alternative colour for The Dons but not paired with black, it’ll be interesting to see this kit in action.

The final offering is possible the best of the lot with the yellow 3rd Kit, the side panels of this shirt carrying the “lotto” logo is simply wonderful.

Huddersfield Town, Home: Another team that have change suppliers over the summer, Castore have delivered a nice looking kit, this kit celebrates 100 years since their 3 League Championship titles won in a row.

Exeter City, Home: Exeter City continue their partnership with Adidas, their last home kit was used for two seasons, it is yet to confirmed if this will also be used for two season. Nice take on the stripes with this shirt.

Barnsley, Home: Oxen are a Kit Manufacturer that come up with interesting design concepts, at first glance this appears to be a simple design, but a closer look you will see details in the shirt of Yorkshire rose, as well as side panels that take inspiration from some 90s shirt elements, also the Yorkshire rose detail is part of the short design!

Leyton Orient, Home: Following last season’s home kit was always going to be a tough ask, this is a solid effort, there are some side panel checked details within the shirt that makes it stand out from just a generic template.

League Two – 21 / 72 Kits

New Kits:

MK Dons, Home: Another club that has joined the Reebok return to English football, a little more gold detailing than we have seen over recent years, a solid start in terms of design.

Harrogate Town, Away: Plenty of neon on show for Harrogate Town on the road this coming season, with a “highlighter” blue away kit, trimmed with neon pink.

Tranmere Rovers, Home: The new kit from Mills see’s a return of the classic blue and green detailing with the Tranmere Rovers Home Kit, the shirt contains a blue pinstripe.

This week’s Kit News…..

Have you ever heard of kit design being launched, then pulled for design reasons, well this has happened with Ebbsfleet United’s new away kit from Admiral.. the statement on the club’s website..

“The design change is due to the impending release of a similar kit in the global market which was only brought to our attention after our initial, well-received kit launch, and it was suggested the design be altered”

Looks like there is more to come here, especially a kit coming soon with the Gulf Racing Colour Scheme.

Mansfield Town have announced their new kit partnership with Errea, described as a multi-year partnership, Mansfield become the 3rd club to move away from Castore for the upcoming season.

We got our first official look at the Adidas Trefoil Goalkeeper template for 2025 / 26 season, with Newcastle United launching their 3rd Kit this week with a yellow version of the template.

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

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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

Premier League: Top Trumps 2024/25

Posted in Kit History, Premier League Kit LogTagged , , , , , , , , , , , 7 Comments

I like to look at Football Kits and Kit Stats in many ways, one way that always seems popular is the “Top Trump” format.

You can find 2023 / 24 Top Trumps look here

So for those of a certain age will know all about Top Trumps, so for this set I have looked at the kits of each of the 20 Premier League Teams, Home, Away and Third kits and stats around these kits, the stats I have picked are the following:

  • League Games Worn – How many league games was the kit (and variations) worn
  • Variations of Kit – The number of variations of that kit were worn
  • Games Won – Number of games won wearing the kit(s)
  • Points Won – Number of points won wearing the kit(s)
  • Points per game – The average number of points per game (total points / games worn) per kit

I have not included games where 25 / 26 kits were worn, for example their final Home game wearing their new kit is not included in the card data.

I have highlighted the “Top Trump” in each section in “Gold and Black”.

The cards by each team….

There they are, 60 Top Trump cards… any surprises there, Wolverhampton Wanderers wearing their Home Kit in 34 games, Fulham’s 2.25 points per game in their 3rd Kit, Aston Villa scoring 52 points in their home kit, Nottingham Forest’s 4 variations of their 3rd Kit?

What would you consider as the overall “Top Trump” card, Liverpool Home Kit or something else?

Are there any other stats that you think I should have used for future Top Trump looks at Football Kits.

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 2024 / 25: One Kit Wonders

Posted in Kit News, Premier League Kit LogTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 8 Comments

The 2024 / 25 Premier League season ended with total of 113 different kits used by the 20 teams, you can find details of all of those kits in my in depth End of Season Kit Review, however of those 113 kits there was 33 kit looks that only got one appearance, these are our “One Kit Wonders”!

Thirteen teams used a kit look just once and for those regular readers and followers, there is no guessing which team provided the most of these….. lets take a closer look at these kits!

Arsenal – 2 Kits

Kicking off with Arsenal, the two kits they used just the once were in games 36 and 37 of the season, wearing alternative white shorts / socks with their Away kit and then in their final home game of the season they wore they 25 / 26 Home Kit.

Aston Villa – 10 Kits

Aston Villa who wore 13 Kits in total make up over 30% of the “One Kit Wonders” this season, with 10 Kits they wore just the single time! They had two Home Kit looks worn once, three Away Kit looks including a look they wore on the opening day of the season (sky blue shorts / socks) and the default Away look (with sky blue shorts), each of the four combinations of 3rd Kit usage was used just once and finally they wore their 25 / 26 Away Kit (with alternative white socks) in their final game of the season.

AFC Bournemouth – 2 Kits

Bournemouth were another team that used two different kits twice both kits were worn on visits to the Manchester clubs, with alternative purple shorts worn with their Away Kit against United and in Bournemouth’s final Away game of the season they used alternative red socks with their Home Kit playing City.

Brentford – 1 Kit

One of my Kit oddities of the season was the the appearance of Claret Socks with Brentford’s Away Kit at West Ham United. Initially it was believed that visitors had used a pair of change socks from their hosts but closer inspection shows that these were standard Umbro Teamwear socks, not from West Ham Kit room…!

Chelsea – 1 Kit

Chelsea are the only team in this list that wore a default kit look just once, their 3rd kit was only used once in Premier League at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Everton – 2 Kits

Everton wore three different variations of their Away Kit, two of these were seen just once, with yellow socks at Manchester City and yellow shorts at Chelsea!

Leicester City – 2 Kits

Leicester City used variations of Home Kit (with 3rd socks) and 3rd Kit with Navy socks, and as Everton were used at Manchester City and Chelsea.

Liverpool – 1 Kit

Liverpool just used the one alternative variation this season and this was the use of white socks with their Away kit at Brentford, these were bespoke alternative socks for this kit.

Manchester United – 5 Kits

Manchester United used ten different looks this season, five of these looks were used just once… with one Home Kit look, two Away and two 3rd Kits, all looks used bespoke alternatives to each of the kits, no mash ups.

Newcastle United – 3 Kits

With Newcastle United being another team using ten kit variations through the season they were always going to have a couple of kit looks used just the once, however it was only their Away Kit looks (white shorts / socks and navy short / white socks) that make up their 24 / 25 kit set that were used just the once, the third single use kit was their 25 / 26 Home Kit which they debuted in the final game of the season.

This also means that the Toon Army also wore the most kit variations multiple times, with 7 different kit looks being worn more than once.

Nottingham Forest – 2 Kits

Nottingham Forest wore their 3rd Kit in four different kit combos with white and sky blue shorts and socks, two of these looks were used once, blue shorts and white socks at Aston Villa and white shorts / socks at Crystal Palace.

Tottenham Hotspur – 1 Kit

Tottenham Hotspur used alternative navy socks with both Home and Away Kit, the Away kit look was used just the once at Southampton, this was also one of two victories in their Away Kit in eight games in total it was used.

West Ham United – 1 Kit

On the final day of the season West Ham United used their Home Kit with alternative sky blue shorts, this was their 3rd different Home Kit look of the season but the only time these shorts were used.

There we have all the 33 Kits worn just once in the 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

The Championship – 2024 / 25

League One – 2024 / 25

League Two – 2024 / 25

FA Cup – 2024 / 25

Champions League 2024 / 25: Knock Out Phase Kit Overview

Posted in General, Kit HistoryTagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 8 Comments

On Saturday 31st May, Paris St.Germain lifted the Champions League trophy for the first time.

This ended competition in it’s first season of the revamped format with the expanded league, where each of the teams played 8 games and a total of 144 games at that stage.

Kit Details can be found here.

The Knock out phase also gave us a new round of games, where teams finishing in 9th to 24th place played in two-legged fixture, which gives a total of 45 Knock-Out Games!

Overall Kit Stats:

  • 116 Kits worn in total – 189 games
  • 12 New Kit Looks in Knock-out games
  • 39 Home Kits (31 Default / 8 Variations)
  • 36 Away Kits (28 Default / 8 Variations)
  • 34 3rd Kits (23 Default / 11 Variations)
  • 5 “Cup” Kits (4 Default / 1 Variation)
  • 2 4th Kits
  • 1 Team in 6 Kit Variations
  • 3 Teams in 5 Kit Variations
  • 10 Teams in 4 Kit Variations
  • 11 Teams in 3 Kit Variations
  • 11 Teams in 2 Kit Variations

Team Breakdowns

Below you will find the Kit Log of all 36 Teams, I have these in alphabetical order and shows all matches that each team competed in.

AC Milan to Benfica

Bologna to Inter Milan

Juventus to RB Leipzig

RB Salzburg to BSC Young Boys

Knock-Out Rounds:

Knock Out Round

This new round of fixtures saw both Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund who just wore the single kit in the League phase in new looks, with Madrid in their Away Kit and Dortmund using alternative yellow shorts with their European Cup Kit.

One of the more interesting Kit used for the first time in this round was AC Milan who wore their 3rd Kit with its alternative socks, which were pink to match some of the detailing within the shirt (sponsor / collar inlet).

Last 16

Feyenoord became the team with the most Kit Variations in this season’s competition when they wore their 6th Kit Look, with Home Kit and alternative white shorts and socks.

There were a couple of other new looks in these fixtures, Arsenal in alternative white shorts with their Away Kit, Inter Milan went all yellow with alternative shorts with their 3rd Kit and Benfica used their 3rd Kit for the first time in the competition.

Quarter Finals

Real Madrid wore their 3rd Kit, one of Adidas Trefoil 3rd Kits for the first time in the competition at Arsenal.

Barcelona wore their only their only alternative kit variation in their quarter final game at Borussia Dortmund, wearing “off white” shorts with their Home Kit for one of the more unusual looks seen by club, but one that goes back into their history with their first ever kits taking this look.

Semi Finals

PSG continued to use their 4th Kit in an away games in the competition, this has been the way through out the knock out rounds (they are the only team to make from the initial knock out rounds) and have used in their final two group games, one home and one away.

Barcelona wore their 3rd Kit for the first time this season in the Champions League.

Final

PSG have only worn blue in the competition this season, wearing their Home Kit 11 times and their 4th Kit 6 times in their 17 games in total, with Inter Milan in their 3rd Kit with alternative shorts for the 2nd time.

Kit Variations:

Below you can find all 116 kits used by the 36 teams in this season’s competition.

Thats it, the Champions League has now been completed for this season!

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

X – @kit_geek or Bluesky – Kit Geek

Champions League – League Phase

Champions League – Match 1

Champions League – Match 2

Champions League – Match 3

Champions League – Match 4

Champions League – Match 5

Champions League – Match 6

Champions League – Match 7

Champions League – Match 8