What Are Jerseys in Soccer Called?
In the beautiful game of soccer, the jersey is commonly called a “kit,” but it’s also known by other names depending on the region and context.
Well, let us dig deeper by visiting soccer jerseys and types of soccer kit sections.
Why Is It Called A Kit?
In soccer, the players’ uniform comprises the jersey, boots, shin pads, socks, and the goalkeeper’s gloves.
In the same way that a shaving kit contains all the items needed for shaving and a first-aid kit contains all the materials needed in case of an emergency, every soccer player will be dressed in a complete soccer kit when playing.
The kits also match in color, with the first team’s white motif and the second team’s black appearing on matching color schemes.
Why Do Teams Have Multiple Kits?
It is common for teams to have several kits to avoid confusion regarding the colors throughout a match and to differentiate the teams on the field. Professional soccer teams typically have three separate kits:
There is usually a home kit and an away kit; the third is called the third or alternate kit. These different kits are logical and allow the teams to present different designs and an opportunity to interact with fans, foster organizational development, and enhance revenue generation through merchandising.
Home Kits:
Teams use home kits to play their home matches at their preferred home ground. These kits usually contain the team’s traditional colors and are usually the most famous ones.
They sustain a specific team logo and are intentionally provocative to make the fans easily associate with their home team.
Away Kits:
Away kits are worn when a team plays in another team’s stadium. They are usually developed in various colors to avoid conflict with the home team kit.
The away kit also helps the team maintain its identity while ensuring differentiation between the two teams on the field.
Third or Alternative kits:
The third or alternate kit is used where the home and away kits resemble the opponent’s color too closely.
This kit is used mainly in cup competitions and tends to have one-of-a-kind or unorthodox designs and colors, which gives the team an added advantage. Wear also gives the fans another item to buy and use to support their respective teams.
Therefore, getting several kits is important so there is no confusion when playing matches, and the team can manifest its personality in other ways.
These kits are also a perfect avenue for the various teams to increase sales and become more closely related to their fans.
Soccer Jersey Fabric
Polyester
Polyester is a tough and thin fabric frequently used in soccer jerseys for people and athletes. Its wicking properties draw sweat away from the skin and players’ bodies.
Moreover, polyester is very smooth to handle as it does not shrink easily and is not very prone to wrinkles. Run for sports and made to endure the harshness the sports bring to soccer, the shoes provide comfort and long-lasting wear for soccer players and soccer fans.
Polyurethane
Polyurethane is a water-resistant material that can be used in parts of a soccer jersey that require logos or badges. Since it doesn’t let water through, it has to be heat-sealed onto the jersey so it does not move around.
It is not used everywhere on the jersey, but it does help make its important parts durable and new-looking even when put through their paces.
Elastane
Spandex or elastane is a stretch fabric used in soccer jerseys to make them flexible. It enables the jersey to be well-fitted and to stretch to the players’ movements. However, it is not as vented as polyester, and thus, it is only applied sparingly in areas such as the collar or cuffs.
Although elastane is incorporated into the fabric, it is blended in moderation to make the jersey as comfortable and elastic as possible to allow for performance on the field.
