USWNT’s 40th Anniversary Kits: A Bold Celebration of Style and Heritage
May 13, 2025, 12:23 PM ET
The U.S. women’s national team is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating their 40th anniversary with a fresh set of kits from Nike. These aren’t just any uniforms; they are some of the most daring and stylish designs the USWNT has ever donned.
Let’s dive into the details, starting with the primary kit. It’s a departure from the traditional white, featuring a denim-inspired blue star design. This might evoke memories of the men’s kits from the 1994 World Cup for some fans, but rest assured, these new kits are far from cheesy. The USWNT’s version is modern and sophisticated, a challenging feat given the bold concept, yet they pull it off with aplomb.
The navy and blue trim around the neck and sleeves adds a touch of elegance, seamlessly integrating the crest and Nike badge. It’s a smart design choice that results in a stunning jersey, perfectly suited for a 40th-anniversary celebration.
Interestingly, despite the primary kit’s patriotic flair, it’s not the most audacious piece in the collection. That honor goes to the secondary kit, which represents a bold move by U.S. Soccer and Nike. The new primary shirts will be exclusive to the women’s national team, while the U.S. men’s national team will sport the secondary jerseys. This secondary kit is an obsidian (or black, if you prefer) shirt adorned with thin red and blue stripes, creating a visually stunning effect.
The stripes are meticulously spaced, ensuring the obsidian color remains dominant, with the red and blue serving as striking accents. These accents subtly convey an American identity without overwhelming you with patriotic symbolism, unlike the primary uniform.
The trim plays a crucial role in unifying this kit, with red accents along the neck and sleeves lending coherence and a sense of purpose. This design choice establishes red as the primary trim color, with blue providing the finishing touch.
The obsidian shirt is destined to become an instant classic, a wardrobe staple that fans will proudly wear for years to come. Its near-black hue makes it versatile, suitable for matches, nights out, or casual outings.
Individually, these kits are exceptional, ranking among the best U.S. shirts in recent memory. However, they truly shine when considered together.
- The primary kit exudes American pride and international soccer heritage.
- The secondary kit boasts a contemporary, street-inspired aesthetic.
These kits complement each other beautifully, representing two distinct styles while maintaining a cohesive connection. From the trims and Nike Swooshes, which share the same red hue, to the fabric’s texture that adds depth, these kits feel like they belong together. Even the tag features a throwback design with the federation’s modern motto, “One nation, one team,” bridging the gap between the two kits.
Despite their contrasting designs and eras, these kits avoid clashing, thanks to a clear thematic throughline.
If there’s one critique, it’s that the primary 40th-anniversary kit for the USWNT may draw comparisons to a men’s jersey due to the iconic 1994 outfit. However, in a nation known for stars and stripes, men hardly have a monopoly on star motifs.
In conclusion, this is an outstanding set of kits that are sure to fly off the shelves. It’s a shame they won’t be showcased at a major tournament, instead gracing the friendlies leading up to the 2027 World Cup, starting with the May 31 match against China. But who are we to complain about such fantastic kits?
Originally Written by: Ryan Rosenblatt
