5 Fun Facts About Retro Football Kits

🧼 1. Some kits were designed to hide mud stains

In the 80s and 90s, clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United chose darker away kits not just for style but to mask mud and grass stains. It was a tactical fashion move to keep players looking sharp even after a slide tackle.

🧊 2. Italy once wore white because of laundry issues

In the early 20th century, Italy’s national team occasionally wore white kits, not for aesthetics, but because their blue shirts hadn’t dried in time. Kit logistics were a real challenge before modern dryers and backups.

🧵 3. The “grandad collar” was a rebellion against itchy necks

Newcastle United’s 1995–97 away kit featured a grandad-style collar, which wasn’t just a fashion statement. Players had complained about chafing from traditional collars, so designers went rogue with a softer neckline.

🧙 4. Some kits were inspired by wizard robes

Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup kit had long sleeves and a flowing fit that fans jokingly compared to wizard robes. The mystical look didn’t stop them from roaring through the tournament and becoming cult heroes.

🧪 5. Retro kits were once tested with cigarette burns

Before flame-retardant materials became standard, manufacturers tested kit durability by burning small holes with cigarettes. If the fabric melted too fast, it was scrapped. Imagine your jersey surviving a smoke test before hitting the pitch.