What Are Hoops on a Soccer Jersey?

Hoops are horizontal bands that wrap around the torso of a soccer jersey, like rings around the shirt. They are one of football’s oldest patterns, with roots in 19th century England. A hooped jersey looks playful and retro, and it stands out nicely on a field full of vertical stripes.

Hoops vs stripes

This is the question everyone asks. Stripes run vertically, from shoulder to hem. Hoops run horizontally, wrapping around the body. Same idea, different direction. Some clubs are famous for stripes, others for hoops, and fans of each will defend their pattern with surprising passion. Both count as classic looks with over a century of history.

Where hoops come from

Hooped shirts go back to the earliest organized football in England, when teams picked bold, simple patterns they could produce with the looms of the day. The look stuck. Today you will see hoops on famous clubs and on youth teams that want something with vintage charm. Kids tend to love hoops because they look fun, almost like a rugby shirt or a favorite striped sweater.

Hoops for your young player

A hooped jersey is a great pick for a kid who wants something different without going wild. It reads as classic but playful. Our team jerseys collection includes hooped kits that look sharp on the whole squad, and individual hooped styles are easy to spot when you browse the full collection.

See every pattern side by side in Soccer Jersey Styles and Colors Explained and the Complete Kids Soccer Jersey Guide. Want the vertical version of this story? Read why soccer jerseys have stripes.

Think hoops are the one? Send us a message and we will help you find the perfect hooped jersey.