Nike and Arsenal FC today launch the club’s Home Kit for the 2012/13 football season. Drawing its inspiration from the Gunners’ rich history which is built upon 125 years of innovation, success and style, the kit is truly modern in its aesthetic and technical design. Take a look and let us know what you think!
The standout feature in the new kit is the blue (obsidian) details on the shirt sleeves, neckline and socks which give the kit a contemporary and fresh feel. These details complement the clean and refined look that has characterised Arsenal home kits for decades, a look that is instantly recognisable by the shirt’s block red body and white sleeves. As per tradition, the new shorts are pure white.
The origins of the blue (obsidian) design features lie in Herbert Chapman’s innovative approach to the game. Arsenal manager between 1925 and 1934, Chapman led the Club to three league titles and an FA cup victory. He was a modernising tactician, advocated the use of numbered shirts and white balls, and also made significant changes to the Club’s kit for the 1933-34 season.
White sleeves were added to the previously all-red shirt and hoops were also introduced to the socks. The rationale behind these innovations was that Chapman wanted to maximise player visibility, making it easier for his players to pick each other out on the field of play.
This season’s blue hoops which have been integrated into the socks, shirt sleeves and neckline for 2012/13 are an homage to Chapman’s influence on the Club. Whilst a nod to Arsenal’s history, this design features also lends the kit a modern, adventurous and bold feel, all qualities which Arsenal’s current crop of young talent epitomise.
Further heritage details in the shirt include the outer back neck graphic which references the WM formation that Chapman pioneered so successfully, as well as the inner back graphic which reads “Victoria, Concordia, Crescit”. This has been Arsenal’s motto since 1948 and translates as “Victory through harmony”.
Arsenal’s Theo Walcott commented: “The players always get excited about trying on kits for the first time, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Arsenal is a club with an incredible history and to see this recognised in such a classy and modern kit is brilliant.”
The shirt’s visual design is not the only element of the kit that has been updated by Nike. Hundreds of athletes from across the world have been analysed to ensure the most ergonomic fit and this kit boasts a Double Knit construction which is 50% more breathable, has 210% more stretch and is 21% stronger than fabric used in previous Nike kits, with each shirt weighing in at 145g.
What do you think of the Gunners new home look for the 2013/13 season? Share your thoughts and join the conversation online, on Twitter and on Facebook.