The Evolution of Football Kits & Jerseys Over the Years

Origins: The Birth of Football Jerseys

The story of football kits dates back to the 19th century, when the modern version of football began to take shape in England. Early players wore thick cotton shirts, heavy leather boots, and even velvet jerseys and caps. The very first mention of football-specific clothing appears as early as 1526, with a pair of football boots found in the wardrobe of Henry VIII. However, football at this time was largely confined to secondary schools, where unique rules and colored jerseys helped differentiate teams. By the mid-1800s, colored jerseys—such as red and blue—were commonly used to distinguish sides, and early clubs like Sheffield FC adopted colored caps and sashes for team identification.[1]

Early Club Kits and First Uniforms

The first truly uniform football kits began to emerge in the 1870s, particularly in England. Clubs often selected colors inspired by ties to public schools or, later, by famous teams abroad. For example, Juventus adopted their iconic black-and-white stripes after Notts County, and Argentina’s Club Atlético Independiente chose red after seeing Nottingham Forest play. Initially, kits were made from heavy cotton and wool, offering little flexibility or comfort.[2][5]

Early 20th Century: Functional Changes

As football spread throughout Europe and beyond, kit designs evolved. The Football Association dropped its rule requiring players' knickerbockers to cover their knees in 1904, ushering in shorter, more practical shorts. The use of contrasting colors for shorts and shirts became standard, and goalkeepers were required to wear distinctive shirts—scarlet, royal blue, and eventually green, which soon became the default for keepers everywhere.[5]

1920s–1940s: Patterns and Materials

With the rise of club culture, kits began to feature more intricate designs, such as stripes and patterns. The introduction of synthetic fibers like nylon offered greater flexibility and comfort. The transition from leather to plastic in helmets also allowed for more colors and logos, changing both the aesthetics and identity of teams.[2][3]

1950s–1960s: Fashion Meets Function

Tailored shirts with collars, club badges, and sponsors became common in the 1950s, and shirt numbers were standardized after experiments in England and the FIFA World Cup. The 1960s brought brighter colors and bold patterns, reflecting wider cultural changes. Manufacturers experimented with synthetic materials, such as Umbro’s shiny shirt for Bolton’s 1953 Cup Final, and lighter cottons became popular in warmer climates. Italian and South American teams led the way in adopting smarter, fitted cuts and abandoning buttons and collars for short sleeves.[4]

1970s–1990s: Branding and Innovation

The late 20th century saw the rise of branding, with manufacturer logos and sponsor advertising becoming central features of kits. Polyester replaced cotton, offering lighter, moisture-wicking fabrics that enhanced performance. Designs became more experimental, with vivid colors, geometric patterns, and even special edition kits for major tournaments. These decades cemented the football kit as both sportswear and fashion statement.

Modern Era: Technology, Sustainability, and Culture

Today, football kits are engineered for optimal performance using advanced synthetic materials. Features like climate control, anti-odor fabrics, and ergonomic cuts are standard. Clubs now release multiple kits each season, often collaborating with fashion brands and artists. Retro designs and limited-edition drops have made kit collecting a global phenomenon. Sustainability is also becoming a priority, with recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes gaining traction. Football kits now reflect not just club identity, but also broader cultural and social trends.

Football Kits in Pop Culture

Beyond the pitch, football jerseys have become symbols of identity, nostalgia, and style. Fans wear kits to celebrate victories, honor legends, and express allegiance. Iconic designs—from Brazil’s yellow, Italy’s blue, to Nigeria’s vibrant green—have become instantly recognizable worldwide. The evolution of football kits mirrors the sport’s journey from local pastime to global spectacle.

Watch: A Visual History of Football Jerseys

Dive deeper into the evolution of football kits with this recent, highly-rated YouTube documentary packed with insights, fan comments, and historical footage:

Sources

• The History of Football Jerseys: How Football Gear and Accessories Evolved – BU1 Sport
• The Evolution of Football Kits: A Fashion Journey from the 1800s to Now – 365Scores
• Evolution of NFL Jerseys! | NFL Explained – YouTube
• The Complete History of the Football Jersey – YouTube
• Kit (association football) – Wikipedia