As 2020 comes to a merciful close, we once again take a look back at the best the year had to offer. We conclude with the 10 best kits worn both on and off the pitch in 2020.
While the decade year of 2020 was mostly trash, the ultimate optimist (and kit fanatic) would’ve noticed that there were an incredible amount of fire kits that dropped. Whether it was for a EUROs which never happened or clubs flooding the zone to make up for lost match day revenue, we saw a ton of kits. Given the sheer volume, there were obviously some misses, but this is all about celebrating the heaters.
We reminisce on 10 of the best jerseys worn both during and outside matches in 2020.
On-Pitch Kits
Roma Away
This is the last year of Roma’s partnership with manufacturing giant Nike, so it’s only natural they went out with a bang. Roma’s away kit this season is simple yet elegant, featuring a smooth ivory color which somehow pops. What really makes this a favorite though is the collar and the lupetto badge, which is seldom resurrected by the club these days. Cop this kit while you still can, because this might be their most buttery offering to date.
Red Star FC Home
It’s rare a big manufacturer like adidas gives creative freedom to a lower league club on their kits. But that’s what happened here, and honestly the results couldn’t be more promising and refreshing. Red Star FC’s home kit is one of the most detailed and personal to drop this year. Featuring an understated green color and a bespoke all-over print, the kit references a flea market close to the club’s stadium and has a ‘Toile de Juoy’ style. Bonus points for the Vice kit sponsor too.
Italy Home
Last year PUMA and Italy collaborated on a renaissance-inspired third kit, undoubtedly one of the sexiest of the year. They continued their hot streak into 2020, dropping one of the best kits for the postponed EUROs. Building on that same renaissance theme, Italy’s home kit features the classic azzurro color we’ve come to know and love, but with a subtle renaissance-inspired pattern. An underrated aspect of this kit is the darker, more navy blue collar and sleeve cuffs.
Forward Madison Alternate
They don’t miss. Just when we thought USL League One side Forward Madison couldn’t get any bolder with their kits, they go and do something like this. Conjured up by in-house designer Cassidy Sepnieski, the club’s alternate “Drip” kit is everything. Using a street art technique called hydro dipping, Sepnieski created a wild design based on the best mixture of neon pink and blue paints she created. Take our word on this folks, this one will go down as a collector’s item.
Chicago Red Stars Away
Over the last few years, the Chicago Red Stars have released some of the best kits the NWSL has to offer. That trend continues this season with the club’s away shirt, dubbed “The Neighborhood” kit. The design pays homage to the Chicago flag, with the powder blue horizontal stripes containing all 77 neighborhoods in the Windy City. The back of the kit has the city’s skyline, also made up of the 77 neighborhoods.
Off-Pitch Kits
Vibes Football Club One-Year Anniversary
Vibes Football Club only recently burst onto the scene, but they’re looking to make a lasting impression with their one-year anniversary kit. This versatile shirt is a must add for your collection, whether you want to ball out in it or simply make a fashion statement. Produced by indie kit manufacturer Icarus FC, the black and teal kit features a wavy design pattern and an old-school collar. Topping things off is the Sample 001 kit sponsor, who recently created a partnership with Vibes Football Club.
Pescara Calcio Rainbow
This is one of our favorite stories of the year. Back when the pandemic first hit, Serie B side Pescara decided to hold a warm up kit design competition aimed at entertaining bored children during the first lockdown. The winner, 6-year-old Luigi D’Agostino, came up with an unbelievable design. Mainly blue, the kit features a rainbow across the torso and a dolphin hitting a soccer ball with its nose. Wave caps on the bottom of the torso complete the look.
adidas x Human Race Manchester United
Earlier this year Pharrell Williams and his Human Race brand broke into the kit making game via longtime partner adidas. The collection featured special kits from a few of the world’s top clubs with mixed results. One of the hits though is the Manchester United Human Race kit. Inspired by the iconic 1990-92 United away kits’ snowflake blue and white print, the jersey is designed by hand. The best part? The kits are made using recycled waste. While the other Human Race kits made their debuts on the pitch, the Premier League’s stricter jersey rules relegated the shirt to pre-match status, enough to make it eligible for the “off-pitch” category.
Nigeria Pre-Match Kit
Nike’s been on quite the win streak with their Nigeria collections ever since the This is Naija kit debuted at the 2018 World Cup, and it continues here. While the entire collection is amazing, the new pre-match kit really caught our eye. Featuring a Nigerian-inspired floral print pattern, it’s just too groovy. Another great add for your collection whether you’re playing in it or just flexing your exquisite taste.
Meyba x Cult Kits Away
This Meyba x Cult Kits collaboration is a late entry onto this list, but a necessary one nonetheless. Recently released, this wild tie-dye collection pays homage to ’90’s J-League kits, which are some of the most rare and sought after jerseys these days. The purple and black combo on the away kit is especially pleasing on the eye. Cult Kits in Japanese, along with the Cult Kits club crest above it, complete the look. These are available to buy in extremely limited numbers, so place your orders ASAP!
Kit illustrations by Homekit. Order iconic ’90s kit illustrations or custom commissions via their official website.
What was the best kit of 2020? Let us know in the comments below.
