The history of football kits and equipment: creation and development to the present day

When watching football, it's easy to take for granted that professional uniforms come with unique features and change design every season. Each club's player wears a personalised emblem, and sometimes limited edition collections are created just for them – it's not hard to imagine the excitement sparked by a shirt signed by a football idol.

But no matter how we picture the game today, football has been evolving for over 140 years. The clothing and footwear used in the sport have changed dramatically since its early days. A football kit is now a sophisticated set of equipment, constantly evolving to meet the needs of players, fans, teams, referees and league officials.

While safety remains a key concern, many other factors influence these changes. Advances in material technology, changes to the rules, and shifts in playing style all help shape what we now see on offer from major sports brands. Similarly, the evolving world of sports and entertainment has led to exciting offers, such as the Crusino promo code, allowing enthusiasts to enhance their experience with exclusive rewards.

How football kits have changed

The Cambridge Rules, established in the 1840s, made no mention of football clothing. Sports uniforms in the 19th century were simple in design. For most of the Victorian era, players wore basic shirts, trousers, and boots to distinguish themselves from their opponents.

It wasn’t until around 1870 that the concept of “light football” began to emerge. The public began to expect teams to wear coordinated clothing that resembled a proper uniform. Team colours were usually chosen based on club identity.

At the beginning of the 20th century, football shirts were typically made from natural fabrics. By the mid-20th century, they had evolved into a more modern sports style—featuring short sleeves, V-necks, and lightweight synthetic materials.

By the 1970s, football kits closely resembled the modern uniforms we know today. Over the following decades, jerseys became increasingly commercialised, as clubs began selling replicas of famous players’ shirts.

In the 1990s, a new generation of sports fabric was introduced. Lighter and more breathable than ever before, it contributed to a surge in the popularity of football kits.

Although kits have continued to evolve over time, today’s standard outfit consists of a short-sleeved top, lightweight shorts, socks, and shin guards. Simple as they may seem, modern kits are designed to offer players comfort and practicality—especially in the hot conditions where football is often played.

The evolution of football kits

Let’s go back to the 1870s. At that time, footballers wore what were known as ‘plus 4’ kits. These consisted of high socks, tight trousers tucked into them, caps, and simple shirts. In some cases, top hats were even used. Instead of comfortable, lightweight boots, Victorian England saw players running around in heavy army or work boots, which were prone to causing injuries.

Football was still in its infancy, and each team member wore whatever they could find. However, thanks to social changes and the growing popularity of the game, the first regulations were introduced in the 20th century. Each team was required to have unique uniforms, which usually consisted of long shorts with suspenders and sweaters. But even at this stage, problems arose.

As time went on, footballers began to wear shorter shorts, which led to a regulation change in 1904. According to the new rules, the shorts had to be worn below the knee. Then, in 1909, separate outfits were created for goalkeepers. The most significant changes took place after World War II, when, in 1939, numbers began to be marked on football kits.

The invention of synthetic fibers like acrylic and nylon brought about major changes. These materials were lighter, almost unnoticeable, and moisture-wicking. The boots also evolved, with studs added to the soles to help players grip the grass better. Initially made of metal, these studs were quite dangerous, which led to the creation of pads to protect players' legs from blows.

The modern football kit continues to evolve, with manufacturers introducing new technologies each year to make kits even more comfortable and lightweight. Today, every piece of football equipment is also designed to protect players from injury.

Rules, standards, and requirements

In the early days, when players wore ordinary clothes, it was customary to use coloured ribbons to distinguish friends from opponents. These ribbons were often attached to hats. Regulations varied from country to country, depending on the climate and national traditions. By the early 20th century, coloured ribbons were abolished, and individual clubs began to adopt their own colours. Goalkeeper equipment was also distinguished from the rest, with special gloves introduced to help players catch the ball. A version for women was developed as well, though there were no strict rules about clothing at the time.

The 1980s brought many changes. Players’ surnames were printed on jerseys for the first time. Shorts gradually became shorter (the shortest being just 10 cm long), and a standard length of 40 cm was established, which still exists today. In the 21st century, numbers (ranging from 1 to 99) were added to kits, and multiple sets were introduced, including spare, main, guest, and training kits.

Today’s football kit

Today, sports equipment incorporates many of the elements that have appeared throughout its history. The basic components of a football kit remain classic: shirt, shorts, boots, and protective gear. Longer shorts are worn to improve movement, and soft synthetic materials, reminiscent of those from the 1980s, are still in use. Manufacturers are continuously conducting scientific research to develop new technologies, ensuring the kits remain at the forefront of comfort and performance.

Even today, designers continue to push the boundaries of creativity. For example, a small club from Spain, CD Palencia Balompié, impressed its fans and opponents with a unique uniform featuring a pattern of human muscle tissue.

Fun facts about sports clothing

1. The Cleveland Indians were the first major league team to wear numbered uniforms when they took the field in 1916. However, the numbers only appeared on the back of their home jerseys, not away kits.
2. Henry “Bunny” Austin was the first tennis player to wear shorts at Wimbledon in 1932. At the time, this was a major break from tradition, and it’s said Queen Mary was shocked by his attire.
3. In 1976, the Chicago White Sox became the first—and only—MLB team to wear shorts during a game. The look was short-lived (pun intended), and they returned to pants soon after.
4. The iconic New York Yankees “NY” logo was designed by Tiffany & Co. It originally appeared on a medal of bravery awarded by the NYPD in 1877. When former police commissioner William Devery became co-owner of the Yankees, the team adopted the design.
5. The Dallas Cowboys often avoid wearing their blue jerseys at home, as they’ve long been considered unlucky. Since 1971, the Cowboys have chosen their white uniforms for most home games.
6. Uniform numbers weren’t always fixed. In the 1920s and 30s, players like Chuck Klein and Ernie Lombardi often wore multiple numbers throughout their careers, as consistency wasn’t a priority yet.
7. The number 44 holds legendary status at Syracuse University. Football greats Jim Brown and Ernie Davis both wore it, and today, all university phone numbers start with “44” to honour that legacy.
8. In a unique marketing stunt, pitcher Andy Messersmith wore “CHANNEL” on the back of his jersey instead of his last name in 1976. The idea was to promote Ted Turner’s Channel 17, which also happened to be Messersmith’s jersey number. MLB quickly banned the practice.

What happens to football jerseys after a match

There has long been debate about whether professional footballers wear a new jersey for every match or reuse them. While some fans assume that players always wear brand-new kits, the reality is more practical—especially for clubs that are mindful of their budgets.

In most cases, football jerseys are washed and reused multiple times. Players typically wear the same shirt for as many matches as possible, as long as it’s not torn or badly damaged. If there’s only a minor tear, the jersey is often repaired and returned to use. Severely damaged kits are replaced.

Modern football jerseys are designed to withstand over 50 washes, meaning they can last for more than 50 matches. For many clubs, especially outside the top-tier leagues, this durability helps reduce costs significantly.

Exchanging shirts with opponents—a tradition after high-profile games—is sometimes paid for by the players themselves, particularly in lower divisions where kit budgets are tighter. In elite matches, however, clubs often provide an extra jersey specifically for swapping.

How many sets of uniforms do footballers have?

The number of uniforms footballers have depends largely on the financial situation of the club. Larger clubs tend to use the same set of kits for one or, at most, two matches to minimize costs. They typically employ a kit manager who ensures that players always have at least one clean set of boots or shirts available.

Additionally, special kits are often produced for occasions like the Champions League final or World Cup matches. These jerseys may be exchanged with other players, auctioned off, or displayed as souvenirs at events.

How to choose a football kit?

Football is one of the most popular sports worldwide, with many children starting to play as early as primary school and continuing through college. If you're responsible for your team's kit, you'll want to ensure they look professional and stylish. Investing in a high-quality football kit is essential to meet the sport's demanding needs. Here are a few key factors to consider:

• Fabric Quality

When choosing a football kit, the fabric plays a crucial role in durability and performance. Different suppliers use various materials or fabric blends, but it's important to select one that won’t tear easily and won’t restrict movement. Some materials, like nylon, may tear or rip under stress. Breathable polyester is an excellent choice due to its durability and ability to be engineered with air holes for cooling without compromising strength.

• Comfort

Comfort is vital in a football kit. A well-designed kit will be flexible and breathable, ensuring players can move freely while running, stretching, or squatting. Additionally, these fabrics help regulate body temperature, allowing players to stay cool on hot days, which is especially important during long matches or in warm weather.