Explore the most iconic Premier League kits of all time. From classic designs to bold statements, these football kits define style and legacy.
Ranking the Best Premier League Kits of All Time
The Premier League has delivered breathtaking football over the years — but it’s not just goals, drama, and rivalries that capture fans’ attention. Kit design has played a major role in club identity, fan culture, and even pop fashion. From retro classics to bold modern masterpieces, football kits have become timeless symbols of club heritage.
In this article, we rank the best Premier League kits of all time — those shirts that stood out not just on the pitch, but in memory. Whether through iconic moments or brilliant design, these kits are unforgettable.
1. Arsenal 2005–06 Home Kit (Highbury Farewell)
Manufacturer: Nike
Why It’s Iconic:
This burgundy kit wasn’t just a departure from Arsenal’s traditional red — it was a farewell to Highbury. The gold details, elegant design, and emotional weight made it an instant classic.
Legacy:
Worn during Arsenal’s final season at Highbury and Thierry Henry’s peak years.
2. Manchester United 1998–99 Home Kit
Manufacturer: Umbro
Why It’s Iconic:
Worn during the famous treble-winning season, this kit became synonymous with late goals, Fergie time, and European dominance.
Legacy:
David Beckham’s iconic free-kicks, Solskjaer’s last-minute winner in the Champions League final.
3. Newcastle United 1995–97 Home Kit
Manufacturer: Adidas
Why It’s Iconic:
Simple black and white stripes with the memorable “Newcastle Brown Ale” sponsor. It perfectly matched the swagger of Kevin Keegan’s attacking side.
Legacy:
Worn during their thrilling title chase and by legends like Alan Shearer and David Ginola.
4. Chelsea 2004–06 Home Kit
Manufacturer: Umbro
Why It’s Iconic:
Classic royal blue, white trim, and the Fly Emirates sponsor. This was the look of José Mourinho’s first reign and Chelsea’s first Premier League title.
Legacy:
Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba, and John Terry in their prime.
5. Leeds United 1999–2000 Away Kit (Navy & Yellow)
Manufacturer: Nike
Why It’s Iconic:
This sleek design stood out during Leeds’ rise in the late ‘90s. The navy body with bright yellow accents was ahead of its time.
Legacy:
Young talents like Harry Kewell, Alan Smith, and Rio Ferdinand made this kit memorable.
6. Manchester City 2011–12 Home Kit
Manufacturer: Umbro
Why It’s Iconic:
City’s sky blue kit with white trim looked clean and sharp — but what made it iconic was that Aguero goal to seal the title in the last seconds of the season.
Legacy:
Aguero’s legendary “93:20” moment, shifting the Premier League power balance.
7. Tottenham Hotspur 2017–18 Third Kit
Manufacturer: Nike
Why It’s Iconic:
Dark purple with neon green accents — bold, modern, and futuristic. A standout among third kits.
Legacy:
Featured during their strong Champions League run and Kane’s goal-scoring exploits.
8. Blackburn Rovers 1994–95 Home Kit
Manufacturer: Asics
Why It’s Iconic:
Half-blue, half-white with McEwan’s Lager as sponsor. This kit defined their title-winning season under Kenny Dalglish.
Legacy:
Alan Shearer’s 34 goals. One of the rare non-big-six title wins.
9. Liverpool 2019–20 Home Kit
Manufacturer: New Balance
Why It’s Iconic:
The deep red with white pinstripes honored the late great Bob Paisley. Stylish and emotional.
Legacy:
Liverpool’s long-awaited Premier League title after 30 years.
10. Crystal Palace 2018–19 Home Kit
Manufacturer: Puma
Why It’s Iconic:
Red and blue vertical stripes with yellow trim — flashy and flamboyant, much like Wilfried Zaha on the pitch.
Legacy:
One of the most eye-catching designs in recent memory.
Honorable Mentions
-
Wimbledon 1996–97 Yellow Away Kit – A cult classic for Dons fans.
-
Everton 1995 FA Cup Final Kit – Classic blue with Danka sponsor.
-
West Ham 1999–2001 Home Kit – Dr. Martens logo made it unforgettable.
-
Aston Villa 1992–93 Home Kit – The inaugural Premier League season look.
Why Kit Design Matters in Football
In EW8, kits are more than just uniforms — they are living history. A great kit can capture a moment, symbolize a generation, and become a cultural artifact. Clubs understand this, which is why retro re-releases and throwback kits are now more popular than ever.
From sponsor fonts to collar cuts, every element contributes to a kit’s legacy. And for fans, owning one is like owning a piece of club history.
Evolution of Kit Culture in the Premier League
1990s: Birth of the Premier League Aesthetic
Bold colors, oversized fits, and outlandish sponsors dominated. Think Arsenal’s bruised banana kit or Man United’s infamous grey shirt.
2000s: Sleeker Designs
Umbro, Nike, and Adidas refined the look. Kits became tighter, cleaner, and more performance-oriented.
2010s–2020s: Fashion Meets Function
Kits now double as streetwear. Collaborations with designers, eco-friendly materials, and limited editions are the norm. Clubs now launch kits with cinematic trailers and celebrity endorsements.
The Role of Sponsors and Manufacturers
Brands like Umbro, Adidas, Nike, and Puma have shaped the Premier League’s kit identity. Meanwhile, sponsors like Sharp (Man United), Dreamcast (Arsenal), and Carlsberg (Liverpool) have become iconic in their own right.
Modern kits are now part of global branding strategies — and a key source of revenue through merchandise sales.
Which kit defined your football fandom? Was it your team’s title-winning look or a cult classic from another era?
Share this article with fellow fans, wear your favorite retro kit with pride, and keep the love for classic football kits alive. Because in this beautiful game, history is stitched into every shirt.
Support football — one iconic kit at a time. ⚽
