The Evolution of Liverpool’s Iconic Kits: A Legacy of Style and Success
With more and more rumours of Adidas returning to Merseyside as Liverpool’s kit manufacturer starting next season, we here at EPLNews have decided to take a look at the Liverpool kits over the years and highlight some of the best moments featuring iconic shirts.
You can also have a look at the best shirts Adidas has provided for Premier League clubs since 1992, as well as more articles about Nike, Puma or Umbro.
The potential return of Adidas has reignited excitement among Liverpool fans who fondly remember the iconic designs from previous collaborations with Adidas. With over a century of history, Liverpool’s kits are more than just attire—they’re woven into the club’s rich legacy of triumphs and unforgettable moments. From classic reds to unique away designs, each era of Liverpool kits tells a story of the club’s journey through domestic and European success. Let’s dive into Liverpool’s kit history and relive some of the most iconic moments and jerseys.
The Early Days: Simplicity in the 1890s and the Shift to Red
Liverpool’s first kit was a blue and white ensemble reminiscent of Everton’s colours, marking the club’s birth in 1892 after a split with its Merseyside rival. In 1896, Liverpool adopted a red jersey with white shorts, and this change was a hint of the identity the club would carry forward—though the all-red kit had yet to be born.
It wasn’t until 1964 that manager Bill Shankly made a decision that would forever change Liverpool’s look. Shankly introduced the all-red kit in an attempt to make the team look more intimidating, which debuted in a European Cup match against Anderlecht. This all-red look became iconic, symbolising power, unity, and the “never-say-die” spirit. This all-red ensemble became a psychological tactic as well as a mark of Liverpool’s identity, firmly rooting the image in the hearts of fans.
The Adidas Era (1980-1996): Establishing a Global Brand
Adidas initially took over as Liverpool’s kit supplier in 1980, marking a new era in the club’s kit designs. During this period, Liverpool saw a string of successes that solidified their status as a dominant force. The iconic red kits adorned with Adidas’s three stripes became synonymous with Liverpool’s “golden years”.
One of the standout kits of this period was the 1983-84 design, known for its simplistic yet bold look. Featuring a V-neck with Adidas stripes along the shoulders, this kit saw Liverpool through one of their most triumphant seasons. The Reds claimed the English league title, the League Cup, and, most memorably, the European Cup in Rome, defeating AS Roma in a nail-biting penalty shootout. This kit design remains a fan favourite, embodying an era of dominance.
Another memorable kit from this period was the 1989-90 jersey, in which Liverpool clinched their 18th English league title. This kit featured a more modern take on the classic red with subtle pinstripes, once again with Adidas’s three stripes on the sleeves. It represented the peak of Liverpool’s success, as fans watched the Reds lift their last league title until the Premier League era.
The Reebok Years (1996-2006): A New Millennium, A New Look
In 1996, Liverpool signed with Reebok, marking the end of the Adidas era. Reebok brought a fresh design style that appealed to a new generation of fans. The 1998-99 season’s home kit, in particular, was memorable for its retro collar and bold red colour, a modern interpretation of Liverpool’s traditional colours.
Reebok also introduced some daring away kits, such as the yellow jersey worn during the 2000-01 treble-winning season. In this yellow kit, Liverpool clinched the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Cup, symbolising a revitalization of the club. Michael Owen’s two late goals against Arsenal in the FA Cup final while wearing the yellow Reebok kit marked one of the most thrilling moments of this period, forever linking that vibrant kit with the club’s resurgence.
The Adidas Return (2006-2012): Revival of a Classic Partnership
Adidas made a comeback as Liverpool’s kit manufacturer in 2006, much to the delight of fans nostalgic for the glory days of the 1980s. The German brand delivered on expectations, producing some of the most loved kits in recent memory.
The 2008-09 kit, worn during one of Liverpool’s most competitive Premier League seasons in recent history, became an instant classic. With Steven Gerrard, Fernando Torres, and a talented squad competing at the top, Liverpool wore a simple, yet effective red kit with thin, vertical white stripes. Although the Reds narrowly missed out on the league title, the jersey remains a fan favourite, symbolising a period when Liverpool was once again feared in the league.
One of the most memorable kits from this era was the black away kit used during the 2008-09 season. Featuring white accents and a classic look, this kit saw Torres and Gerrard lead Liverpool through a strong Champions League run, and it has since become a fan favourite among alternative kits.
The Warrior and New Balance Era (2012-2020): Bold Designs, Iconic Moments
In 2012, American sportswear company Warrior became Liverpool’s kit supplier, introducing designs that divided opinion. Warrior was known for pushing boundaries, evidenced by the 2013-14 away kit—a purple, black, and white kit. This design wasn’t to everyone’s taste, but it became iconic for one reason: it was worn during Liverpool’s remarkable title chase in the 2013-14 season.
The most memorable kit from Warrior’s tenure was the 2013-14 home kit, marked by its traditional, straightforward red design with subtle pinstripes. Under Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool came close to their first Premier League title in this kit, with memorable performances from Luis Suárez, Daniel Sturridge, and Raheem Sterling. Though the season ended in heartbreak, the kit became an emblem of one of the club’s most exhilarating seasons in modern times.
In 2015, Warrior was replaced by New Balance, which continued experimenting with designs while incorporating classic touches. The 2018-19 season saw one of the most successful kits in Liverpool’s history—a simple red jersey with a white collar. In this shirt, Liverpool achieved European glory, lifting their sixth Champions League title with a memorable victory over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid. This kit is widely regarded as a modern classic and a reminder of Liverpool’s resurgence on the European stage.
Nike’s Era (2020-Present): Redefining the Liverpool Brand
In 2020, Liverpool partnered with Nike, aiming to broaden the club’s global appeal with modern, stylish designs. Nike’s first Liverpool kit was unveiled for the 2020-21 season and featured a unique teal trim—a departure from traditional designs. This season, Liverpool wore the kit in their quest to defend the Premier League title and continue their domestic and European successes.
Nike introduced memorable away kits as well, such as the 2021-22 yellow kit that drew inspiration from classic designs of the 1980s. This jersey became associated with the club’s domestic cup double, winning both the FA Cup and the League Cup. Players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk helped bring home silverware in this kit, creating new memories tied to a familiar design.
The Future with Adidas: A Return to Glory?
As Adidas prepares to take over once more next season, fans are excited to see how the German brand will honour Liverpool’s legacy while bringing modern innovation to the kits. There is speculation about whether Adidas will bring back designs reminiscent of the 1980s or introduce something entirely fresh. Regardless, Adidas’s history with Liverpool suggests that the new kits will be memorable, bridging the club’s past successes with future aspirations.
Iconic Kits, Timeless Legacy
From the early blue and white kits to the all-red power look initiated by Shankly, and from the triumphant Adidas eras to bold designs by Nike, Liverpool’s kits have seen incredible transformations. These designs not only represent the club’s evolving style but serve as symbols of historic achievements, memorable seasons, and moments etched into the memories of Liverpool fans worldwide.
The anticipation surrounding Adidas’s return signals a new chapter in Liverpool’s kit legacy, and if history is any indication, the upcoming designs will be nothing short of iconic. As we look to the future, these kits remind us of Liverpool’s journey and how these pieces of fabric transcend the game, uniting generations of fans who continue to sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”
The Reds’ kits are more than just jerseys—they’re badges of pride, reminders of victories past, and hopeful symbols of success to come.