
Arsenal FC isn’t just a football club; it’s a tapestry of history, passion, and pride woven over 138 years. From electrifying highs to gut-wrenching lows, the Gunners have scaled the heights of world football while weathering their fair share of rough patches. Similarly, the club jersey holds so much pride and emotional connection for fans, management and players alike. Be it the iconic red and white kit during their invincible phase or a sentimental farewell kit to Highbury, we have witnessed a roller coaster of emotions in these strips.
So, whether you are a die-hard Gooner or someone looking to dig deep into the history of the Arsenal FC jersey, we’ll take you through the humble origins and untouchable feats of the club.
Walk Down The History Lane: The Evolution Of Arsenal FC Jersey
The iconic red and white colours associated with the Arsenal club didn’t come with their origins in 1886. Interestingly, it was introduced after 39 years with the arrival of the manager Herbert Chapman in 1925. Since that time, those colours have become synonymous with the Arsenal FC jersey globally. Let’s explore further and examine all the significant jerseys of Arsenal throughout the years:
● 1930s–1970s: The Birth of The Classic Arsenal FC Jersey
During these establishing years, the jerseys were almost all deep red, with the collars and club badge stitched in white. The design was minimalist, with no sponsor logo, and it was purely about the team’s colours. Inspired by woven rugby designs, they were crafted for comfort and durability.
Fan Favourite: The legendary cannon symbol came into the jersey design around the 1960s, and it was in this simple red kit with white accents that Arsenal FC won their first FA Cup during the 1970-71 season.
● 1980s-90s: Bold Colours and Brand Logos
With the rise in popularity and commercial success of the team as well as the sport, FC jerseys went through a great transformation. With Umbro on board, the Arsenal FC jersey was introduced to the blue and yellow colours, and the jersey had its first brand logo stitched.
Later on, popular brands like Nike and Adidas followed with geometric shapes and bold patterns for the jersey.
Fan Favourite: The legendary away kit, “The Bruised Banana,” embraced triangular shapes featuring striking yellow and black colour combinations. This jersey will forever be etched in every football fan’s mind.
● 2000s: A Nostalgic Turn and Modern Designs
As the club touched monumental heights both on and off-field, there were incredible changes to the jersey during this iconic era. The shift from their home, Highbury, to the state-of-the-art Emirates stadium made a lot of Gunners emotional. This was also the era of their unbeatable invincible run in the Premier League.
Fan Favourite: We couldn’t settle on one, as this period was filled with highlights for the Arsenal club. Remembering Gunners taking on the field with the memorable white shorts, white sleeves, and red centre with golden accents still gives goosebumps to every Arsenal fan out there.
The Highbury Farewell jersey is a sentimental yet transformative moment for Arsenal. The deep burgundy jersey during the last season is a beautiful homage to their home ground.
● 2010s – Present: Innovation Meets Tradition
After a 25-year break, the German brand Adidas returned to the club, transforming the Arsenal FC jersey with advanced techs, fan-inspired designs and a nod to the rich history. Designs became minimalist, and the red and white colour took centre stage again. The growing concern for ecological balance also brought in eco-friendly thinking, such as recyclable materials for the jersey.
Fan Favourite: The 2022-23 Arsenal’s first pink kit broke new ground and started incredible trends on social media. The smart blend of white and red meant the jersey was moving ahead without leaving its roots behind.
Wrapping Up
The jerseys and kits are often overlooked during the journey of a team. However, once we start to reminisce about the glorious days, these jerseys and their vibrant colours are what make those snapshots of the iconic moments come alive like it was only yesterday. Jerseys offer room for marketing and allow teams to build their brand. Be it the iconic Arsenal FC jersey featuring red and white shades or any other club kit, a jersey is a part of their identity and a bridge that connects legendary players to their fans. This bond is the key reason why customised jerseys are in such demand nowadays, giving everyone a chance to be a part of this one big family.