10 Best Adidas Premier League Kits of All Time: Iconic Football Fashion Statements

When discussing the most memorable Premier League kits and their evolution, Adidas are often at the heart of the conversation. Famous for their innovative designs and cultural resonance, Adidas kits have graced the English top flight with style and substance over the years.

From classic retro patterns to sleek modern aesthetics, Adidas have delivered on several occasions.

Over the years, the German sports equipment brand has been synonymous with some of the Premier League’s most iconic moments, and their kits have been worn by legends of the game. The selection of the best Adidas kits is not just a nod to their visual appeal, but also a recognition of their advanced technology and the way they have woven their fabrics into the cultural narrative of the sport.

These kits stand out not only for their looks but their technical innovations and the stories behind them.

Key Takeaways

• Adidas kits have played a pivotal role in Premier League history, combining design with footballing culture.
• The top Adidas kits are celebrated for their iconic designs, reflecting pivotal football moments.
• These kits incorporate advanced technology and have a lasting influence on future kit designs.

History of Adidas in the Premier League

Adidas have enjoyed a long-standing influence in football, particularly in the Premier League where their kit designs have become something fans look forward to.

Adidas’ Entry into Football Kits

The German sportswear giant, Adidas, made their foray into football kits in the late 20th century. They quickly established themselves as a key player with a reputation for quality and innovation.

Throughout the Premier League’s history, Adidas have been a constant presence, equipping some of the most prestigious clubs with their football apparel over the last 3 decades.

Evolution of Kit Design

Adidas’s contribution to kit design has been evolutionary, with each passing season bringing in new technology and aesthetics. They have seamlessly woven performance fabrics with contemporary styles to meet the demands of the modern game.

From the classic and simple designs of the 1980s to the bold patterns of the 1990s, Adidas have constantly adapted to the trends while maintaining their iconic three stripes.

Iconic Moments

The Premier League has witnessed numerous legendary moments featuring Adidas kits. Memorable instances include Newcastle’s 1995/97 home kit, which is often cited as one of the greatest Premier League kits of all time, and the so-called ‘Bruised Banana’ Arsenal kit of the 1992/93 season, noted for its unique and bold design.

These kits have transcended their era, cementing a legacy within the sport.

Criteria for Selection

When compiling a list of the top 10 Adidas Premier League kits of all time, several factors are taken into account to ensure a fair and authoritative selection.

Design Aesthetics:
The visual appeal of the kit is paramount. This includes the colour scheme, pattern, and overall look. Kits that have become iconic or captured the essence of their respective club’s identity are favoured.

Historical Significance:
Kits that have been associated with memorable seasons, such as winning a title or a significant match, often hold a place of reverence among fans and are given priority.

Innovation and Creativity:
Adidas kits that introduced new technologies or unique design elements at the time of their release are also highly regarded.

Cultural Impact:
Some kits go beyond the sport and go on to become part of popular culture. The influence of a kit in fashion or its representation in media is considered.

Fan Reception:
The reaction of the club’s supporters to the kit at the time of its release and its lasting popularity are also critical factors to be considered.

Material Quality:
The quality of the fabric and manufacturing, which contributes to the performance and comfort for players, is also assessed.

Although a couple of these kits were worn before the Premier League era kicked off, we found it hard to leave them out based on the fact that the old First Division had not evolved yet into the footballing juggernaut it is today.

Top 10 Adidas Premier League Kits

Adidas have designed some iconic football kits over the years. This list celebrates the best Adidas Premier League kits, renowned for their design and nostalgia.

1. Manchester United 1990-92 Away Kit

This kit is fondly remembered for its bold graphic print, which was a departure from the traditional designs of the time. The blue and white abstract pattern, inspired by the club’s crest, made a strong visual statement. It was worn during a period of resurgence for the club, symbolizing a new era under Sir Alex Ferguson.

2. Liverpool 1989-91 Home Kit

This Adidas kit is iconic, representing a golden era for Liverpool. The kit featured a subtle geometric pattern woven into the fabric, a classic polo collar, and the famous Adidas three stripes down the shoulder. It encapsulated Liverpool’s dominance in English football, worn by legends such as John Barnes and Ian Rush. The design was both simple and elegant, showcasing Adidas’s ability to blend tradition with innovation.

3. Arsenal 1991-93 Away Kit

Often referred to as the “bruised banana” kit, this is one of the most recognizable and celebrated Adidas designs. The bold yellow and black zigzag pattern was daring and unconventional. It has since become a cult classic among Arsenal fans, symbolizing a bygone era of football. The kit was worn by Arsenal legends, including Tony Adams and Ian Wright, and remains a symbol of the club’s rich history.

4.  Chelsea 2010-11 Third Kit

Chelsea’s third kit for the 2010/11 season stood out with its bold, black and blue design. It represented a modern twist on traditional styles and was well-received for its sharp aesthetics.

5. Newcastle United 1995-96 Away Kit

The Newcastle United away kit for 1995/96 is fondly remembered for its broad black and blue stripes. The kit is often associated with the exciting football played by the Magpies during that era.

6. Liverpool 2008-09 Away Kit

This silver-gray kit with red accents was both stylish and modern. It stood out for its clean lines and futuristic feel, representing a forward-thinking approach by Adidas. The kit was worn during a season where Liverpool mounted a serious title challenge, and it’s remembered for its association with Fernando Torres’ prolific scoring.

7.  Fulham 2001-02 Away Kit

The Fulham away kit of the 2001/02 season was notable for its bold red and black stripes. It offered something different from the club’s usual kits and was a standout that season.

8. Manchester United 2015-16 Home Kit

This kit marked Adidas’s return as Manchester United’s kit manufacturer after a 23-year hiatus. The design was a modern take on traditional United kits, featuring a classic red base with white and black trim. It symbolized a new chapter for the club, blending the rich heritage of Manchester United with Adidas’s cutting-edge design philosophy.

9. Liverpool 1985-86 Home Kit

In the 1985/86 season, Liverpool’s home kit was a classic, with its clean lines and the iconic Adidas trefoil. The simplicity and elegance of this design have stood the test of time.

10. Leicester City 2021-22 Home Kit

As one of Leicester City’s many kits produced by Adidas, this design paid homage to the club’s incredible Premier League title win in 2015-16. It featured a classic blue base with gold accents, symbolizing the club’s royal heritage and their remarkable achievement. The kit was well-received for its elegant design and attention to detail, embodying the spirit of underdog triumph.

Design and Aesthetics

Adidas have consistently demonstrated an understanding of the importance of design and aesthetics in football kits.

Colour Palettes

The colour schemes of Adidas Premier League kits are often drawn from the club’s heritage, featuring traditional hues that resonate with fans. For instance, the Arsenal 1992/93 kit was notable for its adherence to the classic red and white, while ensuring that the colours stayed vibrant on the pitch.

Adidas are also known for using contrast effectively, such as inverting team colours or adding third colours for depth and highlights.

Kit Patterns and Textures

Patterns and textures have been used to create kits that stay in the memory long after the season ends. The infamous ‘Bruised Banana’ was more than just a kit; it was a piece of football lore, adored for its bold, zig-zag pattern.

The Newcastle United away kit from 1995-97 similarly features memorable broad maroon and navy horizontal stripes that gave the kit a distinct texture and captivating visual appeal.

Logo Integration

Adidas understand the power of brand synergy, ensuring that team badges and sponsors’ logos are integrated seamlessly into the design. Logos are placed strategically to maintain the balance of the kit design, ensuring visibility without overshadowing the kit’s overall aesthetics.

For example, the clever placement and size of the Adidas logo and Newcastle’s crest on their historic kits work together to create an iconic and cohesive look.

Cultural Impact of Kits

Adidas Premier League kits leave a lasting imprint not just on the football pitch, but within the cultural vibe beyond the sport.

Fan Reception

Premier League kits designed by Adidas have been celebrated or debated tirelessly by fans over the years. The greatest among these, such as the Newcastle United’s iconic stripes from the mid-90s, have garnered a reputation for their distinctive look. This Newcastle kit is remembered fondly for its bold design and its connection to a particularly vibrant period for the club.

Conversely, a jersey that doesn’t resonate well with the fanbase can face vocal criticism for failing to represent the club’s history or aesthetic values. For instance, Liverpool and Everton fans have always opposed the presence of the city’s other team’s main colour on their jerseys.

Kits in Popular Culture

The influence of Adidas kits extends into popular culture, making appearances in fashion, music videos, and even films. For instance, the Arsenal ‘Bruised Banana’ kit from the early 90s has been noted for its audacious style and is often spotted in various forms of media, symbolizing a blend of sports and vintage fashion.

This eye-catching Arsenal design exemplifies how a football kit can achieve a cult status that transcends the sport itself.

Technological Advancements in Kit Manufacturing

Over the years, Adidas have integrated numerous technological advancements into their Premier League kits, enhancing player performance and comfort.

ClimaCool Technology

This innovation aims to regulate body temperature through ventilation. Adidas achieves this with moisture-wicking fabric, which helps keep players cool and dry during intense matches.

FORMOTION Design

Adidas’ FORMOTION allows for natural movement and a better fit. It is tailored to the athlete’s body in motion, reducing fabric resistance and optimizing comfort.

TechFit Compression

TechFit is geared towards improving muscle alignment and efficiency. It offers lightweight compression to reduce muscle vibration and fatigue.

Recycled Materials

Given a growing emphasis on sustainability, Adidas now incorporates recycled materials in kits production. This demonstrates commitment to reducing environmental impact without compromising on quality.

AeroReady Fabric

Introduced in later developments, AeroReady is designed for superior moisture management. It has been integrated into kits to absorb moisture, allowing players to maintain optimal performance for longer durations.

Heat Transfer Crests

Traditional stitched badges have been replaced with heat transfer crests and logos. This reduces chafing, decreases weight, and maintains the integrity of the kit over time.

The German manufacturer continues to innovate in fabric technology, design, and sustainability, setting new standards for Premier League kits. These advancements underline their role as a pioneer in sports manufacturing, directly benefiting the athletes that don their renowned kits.

Adidas’ Collaboration with Clubs

Adidas have been a longstanding partner of various Premier League clubs, providing them with kits that are not only performance-driven but also deeply rooted in the clubs’ identities.

• Arsenal: The early ’90s saw Adidas create the ‘Bruised Banana’ away kit for Arsenal, a striking yellow and black design that has since become a cult classic among Gunners supporters.
• Manchester United: Adidas penned a groundbreaking deal with Manchester United, which will see the club outfitted by the sportswear giant with kits worth £90 million per year from 2025, reflecting the enduring partnership between the two.
• Newcastle United: With Newcastle, Adidas struck gold with the 1995-97 away kit, a maroon and navy horizontally striped kit that is frequently celebrated as one of the most recognisable strips in the league’s history.

Legacy and Influence on Future Designs

Adidas have consistently set a high standard for football kit design, especially within the Premier League. Their kits have not only become icons of football fashion but have also played a significant role in the evolution of sportswear.

Impact on Subsequent Sportswear

Early kit designs, like the Arsenal 1992/93 ‘Bruised Banana’, have influenced the colourways and patterns seen in later designs. Adidas’ innovative use of graphics and bold use of colour has persisted in football culture, influencing how other brands approach kit design.

• Integration of Technological Advancements: Adidas often integrates the latest in fabric technology to improve player performance, which sets a trend that others follow.
• Cultural Resonance: Designs such as the Manchester United ‘collared home kit’ have resonated deeply with fans and have become templates that mix tradition with modern aesthetics.

Adoption in Broader Fashion

The legacy of these kits extends beyond the pitch. Their designs regularly cross over into everyday fashion, showcasing how sportswear can influence casual wearables. The 2023/24 releases build upon this by introducing elements like sublimated patterns, reflecting broader trends in streetwear.

Design Consistency

Adidas ensures a distinctive look while adapting to the changing dynamics of club identities and fan expectations. They’ve maintained a balance between innovation and recognisability, allowing for a coherent brand image that influences future design directions.

• Retro Revival: Modern designs often pay homage to iconic retro styles, revitalizing classic aesthetics for a new generation of fans.
• Customisation for Clubs: Each kit is tailored to the club’s heritage, which fans see as a celebration of their team’s history and culture.