Liverpool FC has a rich history that is reflected in their football shirts, which have evolved significantly since the club's founding in 1892.
1892-1964: The early years
Liverpool FC played in their first year in blue and white stripes, inspired by Everton, the club's rival and original opponent. In 1896, the club switched to red shirts and white shorts, which became their iconic look for many decades. The red kit quickly became synonymous with the club as it represented passion and intensity.
1964: The entire red jersey
A milestone in the club's shirt history came in 1964, when manager Bill Shankly introduced the full red kit, where both shirt, shorts and socks were red. Shankly believed that the all-red kit would create a more intimidating look for opponents, and this change marked the beginning of the club's golden era, which saw them win several national and international titles.
1970s-1980s: Sponsors and European dominance
In the late 1970s, Liverpool FC began to include sponsors on their shirts. Hitachi became the first sponsor in 1979, which was a major change in the club's visual identity. This era saw the club also dominates European football, with their shirts symbolizing their victory in both the English league and Europe.
1990s: Coming jersey changes and adaptations
In the 1990s, Liverpool began experimenting with the design of their shirts, introducing different shades of red as well as alternate away and third shirts. Adidas and Reebok were some of the main shirt suppliers during this period and the club's designs became more modern and adapted to the changing trends in sportswear.
2000s: Return to classic look and new partners
In the early 2000s, Liverpool FC returned to a more classic look, with simple, clean lines and a deeper red color that paid tribute to the club's traditions. This decade also saw the switch from Reebok to Adidas and later Warrior Sports and New Balance as suppliers.
2020s: Collaboration with Nike
In 2020, Liverpool entered into a major agreement with Nike, who became the club's official shirt supplier. This marked a new era for the club's shirt design, with Nike working to combine modern design with the club's rich history. The jerseys under Nike have incorporated subtle details that pay tribute to the city's culture and the club's successes.
Liverpool FC's jersey is a tale of tradition, innovation and triumph. From the early days of simple designs to today's advanced and stylish shirts, the club's visual identity has evolved in tandem with its status as one of the world's most iconic football clubs.