Why Do Soccer Jerseys Have Stripes?

Soccer jerseys have stripes because of tradition. Striped shirts date back to the earliest days of organized football in England, when clubs needed a simple, recognizable look. Over 150 years later, stripes remain one of the most beloved patterns in the sport, worn by famous clubs and youth teams alike.

Where stripes came from

In the 1800s, teams needed a way to tell each other apart on the field. Bold vertical stripes were easy to produce with the fabric of the day and easy to spot from the stands. Clubs adopted their patterns and kept them for generations. That is why a striped shirt can instantly tell a fan which team is playing, even without seeing a logo.

Stripes today

Modern stripes come in all widths and color combos, from thin pinstripes to big bold bands. The look never really goes away because it feels like soccer in its purest form. Some clubs are so attached to their stripes that changing them would cause a fan revolt. For kids, stripes have another advantage: they look sharp and hide grass stains better than plain white ever could.

Stripes for your young player

If your child loves the classic look, you are in good company. Striped jerseys are a staple of our team jerseys collection, where you will find full kits with that timeless striped style. Stripes also pair well with just about any shorts color, which makes laundry day a little easier.

Explore more patterns in Soccer Jersey Styles and Colors Explained, or get the big picture from the Complete Kids Soccer Jersey Guide. Want to compare with another classic? Learn what hoops are on a soccer jersey.

Ready to suit up in stripes? Browse the collection and find the striped jersey your kid will love.