The 20 WORST Premier League kits of all-time… including Man United’s zebra third shirt, Liverpool’s awful strip from their near miss and 2014 and Tottenham’s purple mess
The beautiful game of football is not just about the skills of the players on the field, but also about the jerseys they wear. Over the years, Premier League clubs have donned some of the most iconic and memorable kits in the history of the sport. However, for every classic design, there are some that are better left forgotten. In this article, we will count down the 20 worst Premier League kits of all time, featuring some of the most garish, ugly, and cringe-worthy designs that have made fans laugh, cry, and wonder what the designers were thinking. From Manchester United’s zebra third kit to Liverpool’s bizarre Warrior-designed shirts, we will delve into the world of fashion disasters that have plagued the Premier League.
The list begins with Southampton’s 2019-20 away kit, which features a combination of yellow and grey that just doesn’t work. The Under Armour design is a mess, and even the talented Danny Ings couldn’t make it look good. Arsenal’s 2012-13 away kit is another offender, with Nike’s decision to go with black and purple hoops being a bold but ultimately failed experiment. Thomas Vermaelen, the iconic wearer of this kit, must have been embarrassed to don this monstrosity on the field. Other early entries on the list include Liverpool’s 2014-15 third kit, Manchester City’s 2021-22 third kit, and Chelsea’s 2009-10 home kit, all of which feature designs that are more likely to induce laughter than admiration.
As we continue down the list, things only get worse. Tottenham’s 2021-22 third kit is an eyesore, with the combination of purple and grey being a clash of colors that never should have happened. Everton’s 2010-11 away kit, nicknamed “lightning pink,” is another disaster, with the pink color being more suited to a fashionista’s wardrobe than a football field. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2020-21 away kit and Middlesbrough’s 1996-97 away kit are also featured, with the latter’s blue-splashed cross design being a particular low point. These kits are a testament to the fact that even the biggest clubs in the world can get it wrong when it comes to design, and that sometimes, less is more.
The top 10 worst kits of all time are a mixed bag of disasters, with Manchester United’s 1992-93 away kit being a particular standout. The Umbro design features a superimposed crest on a blue-and-black stained kit, making it look like something out of a bad acid trip. Eric Cantona, the iconic wearer of this kit, must have been mortified to wear this on the field. Other notable entries include Coventry’s 1992-93 home kit, Blackburn’s 1996-97 away kit, and Manchester United’s 2020-21 third kit, which features a zebra-style design that is more suited to a zoo than a football field. These kits are a reminder that even the most successful teams can have an off day when it comes to design, and that sometimes, it’s better to stick with what you know.
As we reach the top of the list, things only get worse. Nottingham Forest’s 1995-97 away kit features uneven Forest-shaped stains down both breasts, making it look like something out of a bad sci-fi movie. Arsenal’s 1991-1993 away kit is another offender, with the arrowed pattern being a design classic in all the wrong ways. Ian Wright, the iconic wearer of this kit, must have been laughing all the way to the bank when he donned this monstrosity on the field. Manchester United’s 1995-96 away kit, nicknamed the “invisible” kit, is also featured, with the players reportedly struggling to see each other on the field due to the lack of contrast between the kit and the surroundings.
In the end, the worst Premier League kit of all time is Manchester City’s 1994-96 away kit, which features bizarre white patterned patches on a black and red striped shirt. Paul Walsh, the iconic wearer of this kit, must have been embarrassed to wear this on the field, and it’s a testament to the fact that sometimes, even the biggest clubs in the world can get it wrong when it comes to design. As we look back on these fashion disasters, we are reminded that the beautiful game is not just about the skills of the players on the field, but also about the jerseys they wear, and that sometimes, it’s better to stick with what you know rather than trying to push the boundaries of fashion. Whether you love them or hate them, these kits are a part of football history, and they will always be remembered as some of the worst of all time.
