Top 10 MLS Kit Curations by adidas
Mon, Mar 20.23
Last month, the Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that their partnership with adidas will be extended to the year 2030 under a multi-faceted agreement. This means that additional investment will go into youth development and community activations as an initiative to accelerate the sport heading into the 2026 World Cup which North America plays host to.
A relationship that started back in 1996, has no doubt become one of the biggest partnerships in the history of football. With all of this great news for the MLS and adidas, we wanted to take a deeper look at the astonishing kits curated for the 2023 season.
With stand out cultural and lifestyle elements featured across this season’s MLS jerseys, it took us quite some time to nail down our top ten.
10. DC United “Cherry Blossom Kit”
One which our Japanese friends would be proud of. The design on this season's DC United away kit pays tribute to the initial 2000 Cherry Blossom trees gifted to the United Stated by Japan back in 1909. Featuring graphical elements of blossom leaves across many parts of the jersey, along with a print on the bottom hem “All are Welcome, All are United” this makes it into our top 10 list.
9. Nashville SC “The Man in Black Kit”
Nashville SC has decided to pay tribute to the American songwriter, Johnny Cash who played a huge role in Nashville receiving its nickname as “Music City”.
The signature of Johnny Cash is found on the collar of the jersey, along with a print of the man himself on the bottom left. This strong stealth design of this season’s Nashville SC away kit cannot be overlooked. The simple black and silver execution makes it one of the most wearable MLS jerseys of 2023. In fact, it’s the first time in the club’s history where a home/away jersey of theirs doesn’t feature any yellow.
8. Columbus Crew “The Velocity Kit”
Designed to be in motion, the inspiration of the jersey stemmed from the energy and passion of the neighbourhoods of Columbus and how the city is on the rise. Collaborating with the Columbus Fashion Alliance and local designers, adidas was able to create a modern piece that is truly unique on and off the pitch.
7. Portland Timbers “The Portland Plaid Kit”
The classy woven design on this 2023 Portland Timbers kit represents a symbol of kinship. With the white and black graphic elements reflecting the tight connection between the club and the community. Finished off with gold accents on the hem, this easily made it on our list of favourite MLS jerseys for the season.
6. Inter Miami “The La Noche Kit”
Inter Miami and adidas have done it again, but with much more energy this season. The dusky black and vivid pink reflects the atmosphere and night life of the city whereas the wave patterns represent the waterfront. No doubt a fashion piece on and off the pitch. But would you have expected anything less from a club owned by David Beckham?
5. Seattle Sounders “The Bruce Lee Kit”
Speaking of legends, Hong Kong martial artist and actor Bruce Lee had his legacy commemorated by Seatlle Saunders this year. This comes 50 years after he was laid to rest in Seattle, which became his home after graduating from university.
A unique dragon design combined with the combination of dark red and vibrant yellow pops, represents the same colours as Bruce Lee’s Martial Arts Philosphy - Jeet Kune Do. The Jeet Kune Do emblem is also placed on the back of the collar of the Jersey as a nice finishing touch. This kit could have easily made it up further on the list.
4. New York Redbulls “The RBNY x Daniel Patrick Kit”
Created in collaboration with homegrown Australian designer, now luxury sports brand - Daniel Patrick, this marks the first time an MLS club has worked with a fashion designer on their new kit.
Patrick used an iconic tie-dye process on the kit and added a motion aspect to it. The kit is inspired by many kits around the world and Patrick really wanted to change up the traditional color palette from the usual white and red. Hence why this kit makes the perfect lifestyle statement.
3. LAFC “The Smokescreen kit”
Infamously known for the LA smog, the adidas design team replicated the element across the entire jersey while using a washed out lime base. A culmination of the culture LAFC has built on the pitch, in the stands and on the streets. The club motto “Shoulder to Shoulder” is once again printed on the inside collar.
2. LA Galaxy “The LA Kit”
A more nostalgic look compared to their close neighbors and rivals, LAFC. LA Galaxy throws it back to the team’s first ever kit from 1996, where the LA Flag was once again used as an inspiration. Taking in the zig-zag graphic elements with yellow and red color pops across the sleeves and hem to push a feeling of “home” among fans from all cultures rooted in LA.
1. Austin FC “The Las Voces Kit”
Choosing our #1 was not an easy task, but we believe Austin FC deserves the crown for this year's MLS kits with their glitched “barcode” pattern designed to represent the voices of the various communities that live within the Texan capital.
To top it off, the bold yet simple YETI sponsorship placed on the center of the jersey makes it stand out a whole lot more. Definitely one we could see ourselves wearing often.
There we have it, our top ten selection of MLS kits in 2023. When it comes to teams going further with their kit designs, with tributes to the past, and storytelling dedicated to their fans and communities, the MLS simply does not miss.
For us at Ultra Football, it’s something we’d like to see more of from local, semi-pro and pro teams from across the world in the seasons to come.
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