FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Published Daily in New York & Silicon Valley.
Soccer 20 AUGUST, 2026

Instant Classics, Odd Inspirations, and Barcodes: 2026-27’s Best and Worst Kits

This article covers the best and worst of the 2026-27 Premier League kits, from Chelsea's elegant design to Ipswich's chaotic mess.
NEWS DESK PUBLISHED: AUGUST 20, 2026
📖 4 MIN READ

The 2026-27 Premier League season has finally kicked off, and with it, a new wave of football kits has hit the pitch. From the elegant designs of Chelsea’s home kit to the chaotic mess of Ipswich’s round-necked blue shirt, this season promises to be as visually stunning as it is unpredictable.

Instant Classics, Odd Inspirations, and Barcodes: 2026-27's Best and Worst Kits
Source: i.guim.co.uk

Manchester City’s Ombre Design

Manchester City’s new kit has opted for an ombre design, with a gradient of colors that fades from dark to light. While this may have been a bold move in the past, it now feels like a tired and overused concept in the world of football kits.

Instant Classics, Odd Inspirations, and Barcodes: 2026-27's Best and Worst Kits
Source: i.guim.co.uk

Chelsea, on the other hand, has taken a more understated approach with their new home kit. The lack of a corporate logo makes the shirt look sleek and professional, much like a classic Pro Evo design. The 90s-inspired polo-shirt collar adds a touch of nostalgia, while the Ted Drake’s famous lion emblem adds a sense of history and tradition.

Instant Classics, Odd Inspirations, and Barcodes: 2026-27's Best and Worst Kits
Source: i.guim.co.uk

As a side note, it’s worth mentioning that Madonna, a longtime supporter of Chelsea, has been spotted at Stamford Bridge, and her twin daughters play for Tottenham. The coincidence is amusing, but it’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment when comparing Chelsea’s elegant design to Tottenham’s dull and uninspired kit.

Crystal Palace’s Sash Design

Crystal Palace has taken a bold approach with their new kit, featuring a striking sash design. While it’s certainly eye-catching, it’s hard not to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of colors and patterns on the shirt. It’s a bit too busy, a bit too loud, and a bit too much to take in.

Macron has certainly taken a risk with this design, but it’s not entirely clear if it will pay off. The sash design is a nod to the 80s, but it feels more like a lazy attempt to be nostalgic rather than a genuine attempt to create something new and innovative.

Ipswich’s Floodlight-Inspired Kit

Ipswich’s new kit is a tribute to the club’s floodlights, featuring a weaved pattern that’s meant to evoke the stadium’s iconic pylons. Unfortunately, the design falls flat, with the diamonds on the shirt looking more like mood-indicating crystals from The Sims than actual floodlights.

The change kit is a different story altogether, featuring a cream-colored shirt with thin red and black horizontal stripes. It’s a much more understated design, but it’s still a far cry from the elegant simplicity of Chelsea’s home kit.

Manchester United’s Adidas Stripes

Manchester United’s new kit features Adidas stripes on the red home shirt, but with a twist: the stripes are white on the shirt, but black on the white shorts. It’s a design choice that’s meant to be bold and innovative, but it ends up looking like a mess.

The shirt itself is beautiful, with a perfect shade of red and a retro collar that’s reminiscent of the 80s. However, the black touches on the shorts are not strong enough to cohere with the massive oil streaks on the fabric. It’s a shame, because the away kit is a much more cohesive design, featuring a suave cobalt blue with red touches and a trefoil logo.

Hull City’s Classic Aesthetic

Hull City’s new kit is a throwback to the club’s classic aesthetic, featuring wide black and amber stripes and a white collar and trim. It’s a design that’s meant to evoke the spirit of Billy Bremner, and it’s certainly a nostalgic nod to the club’s history.

However, the away kit is a much more meh monotone design, with amber accents that feel like an afterthought. It’s a shame, because the home kit is a true classic, and it’s a design that’s sure to be remembered for years to come.

TravelSpots AI

Online Assistant

Hello! I am **TravelSpotsDaily**'s virtual assistant. Do you need any recommendations for travel destinations, food, or itineraries today? 😊
Explore Locations

Map & Regional Filter

Filter by Region