Exclusive: Adidas to Massively Expand Long-Sleeve Kits to Non-Elite Clubs and MLS
, by Max
- Adidas Policy Change: Adidas is set to dramatically expand the availability of long-sleeve football kits, moving beyond its traditional restriction to top-tier "Elite" teams and offering them to a broader spectrum of clubs.
- Non-Elite Club Expansion: This policy shift will see non-elite clubs with large followings, such as 1. FC Köln starting in the 27-28 season and potential candidates like FC Schalke 04, receive official long-sleeve jerseys.
- MLS Return of Long Sleeves: The expansion in Europe coincides with Major League Soccer reversing its 2019 decision to phase out long-sleeve jerseys, bringing them back due to growing fan frustration and demand, starting with select clubs like Inter Miami.
For years, commercially available long-sleeve football shirts have been a luxury strictly reserved for Adidas' top-tier "Elite" teams, such as Real Madrid, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich. Supporters of non-elite clubs were routinely left without the option, forced instead to settle for short sleeves and thermal base layers. That restrictive policy is now set to change dramatically, as the Three Stripes prepare a widespread rollout of long-sleeve kits for a broader spectrum of teams.
According to early information leaked by Cologne News-Account, and our Partners, Inside Müngersdorf, 1. FC Köln will receive at least one official long-sleeve jersey starting in the 27-28 season. The report highlights that this policy shift does not apply to Köln alone. Footy Headlines can confirm this Information! Adidas plans to extend long-sleeve availability to several popular non-elite clubs with massive followings, making beloved traditional powerhouses like FC Schalke 04 obvious candidates for the upcoming expansion.
The Return of Long Sleeves in MLS and Europe
This European expansion coincides with a broader return of long-sleeve jerseys across the Atlantic in Major League Soccer. MLS phased out long sleeves league-wide ahead of the 2019 campaign, citing supply chain efficiency and changing player habits. However, growing fan frustration and relentless demand have pushed Adidas to reverse course, beginning with select authentic long-sleeve releases for clubs like Inter Miami and a wider league comeback.
The strategic shift marks a noticeable turnaround in how major sportswear brands approach kit formats. Long-sleeve shirts have enjoyed a significant cultural revival among collectors, casual wearers, and terrace fashion enthusiasts over recent years.
By democratizing long-sleeve shirts beyond its handful of Elite-Teams, Adidas is tapping into a passionate and underserved segment of kit enthusiasts. Fans who have waited almost a decade for traditional long sleeves will soon see them return to club Stores across the globe.
Are you glad to see Adidas finally bringing back long sleeves for non-elite clubs and MLS? Let us know in the comments below.