Nike Unveils All-New Vapor Kits with AeroSwift Technology
Mar 17, 2016, by Pat
Anticipating its major international kit releases on March 17 (Brazil, England, France, Portugal and the United States will all drop), Nike today gave the public a first glimpse at the totally new kit technology coming to use for the first time in this set of uniforms.
“We did extensive research with players on what their ultimate future uniform would entail and themes started to emerge around fit, breathability and a superhero aesthetic,” says Martin Lotti, Nike’s Creative Director. “Once we visualized what was possible, we aggressively accelerated bringing the future forward with a complete system of dress built for speed.”
Starting immediately after launching the 2014 World Cup kits, Nike began to test "hundreds of yarns" to find the perfect fit to provide "breathability sans opacity." AerowSwift yarn was chosen. “We got right down to the filament level, “ continues Lotti, “and re-mastered it for a texturized surface that helps disband moisture better.”
Nike Vapor kit facts (compared to current Nike kits)
- 10% lighter
- 50% more stretch
- wicks away sweat 20% faster
- dries 25% faster
The construction of the kits was also overhauled from the ground, with the design teams taking cues from the Flyknit technology. “We learned a lot – and were very inspired by – Nike Flyknit and how it has advanced footwear,” says Lotti. “We took a similar approach to these garments and then took it to another level for a full body in motion under a variety of conditions.”
This complete revamp also means that for the first time, the shorts are made of the same material as the shirt, allowing for much better stretch and improved freedom of movement compared to conventional knit shorts. “Of all the positive player feedback we have received,” says Lotti, “they were most excited about the short. It is drastically more comfortable than anything they have previously experienced.” Worked into the shorts is a included flat-finish waistband that eliminates the need for a drawstring.
Using a combination of single and double knit, the former for areas that require breathability, the latter for parts of the uniform that need more structure, the all-new Nike Vapor kits boast a superhero aesthetic and a reworked fit. “We were focused on the right fit, not a tight fit,” says Lotti, “It was important to reduce grab areas while also ensuring the garment did not ride up. Player feedback on this fit has been phenomenal.”
Another standout feature of Nike's new soccer jerseys are the sleeves. They are knitted from the collar to the cuffs and also feature a cross-dye coloring for an added splash of color.
“These are national team kits, so we wanted to ensure each country’s unique pride elements were knitted directly into the uniform,” says Lotti. Each sleeve can be flipped up to reveal words of national pride knitted right in. For example, the England kit has “Three” and “Lions” inside its sleeves paying homage to England’s iconic crest.
Last but not least, the federation crests on the new Nike Vapor national team kits have transitioned form traditional woven style to a "flat and seamless silicon mesh combination". Once again, the inside of the shirts below the badges will feature "nationally significant pride points that will be the last thing the player sees while pulling the jersey on before a match."
The Nike Vapor kit technology will be debuted later today with the launch of the new national team kits for Brazil, England, France, Portugal and many more. Set to be available to purchase shortly afterwards, Nike's new kits will also mark the first time fans will be able to buy authentic variants of the shorts and socks, as worn by the players.
Do you like the new Nike Vapor kit concept? Let us know in the comments below.
Bristol Rovers 26-27 Third Kit Released
Bristol Rovers have officially unveiled their new 26-27 third kit, produced by Puma. The tertiary strip was already given an on-pitch debut by the squad during their recent League Two away match against Gillingham.
The Puma Bristol Rovers 26-27 third shirt introduces a stylish look with a black base and soft pink accents. A subtle tonal line pattern covers the front and back of the torso, complemented by contrasting pink inserts along the shoulders, side panels, and collar. The monochrome club crest, Puma cat branding, and front-of-shirt sponsor Pukka are all finished in the same matching pink shade.
Black shorts and black socks with pink detailing complete the new Puma Bristol Rovers 26-27 third uniform. Season ticket holders will have early access to purchase the strip at an exclusive club shop event on September 24, followed by a general in-store release on September 25 and online sales starting September 28.
Colombia's DIMAYOR Mandates Standard Helvetica Font for All Teams From 2027
Colombian football governing body DIMAYOR is set to introduce sweeping kit branding regulations starting with the 2027 Liga BetPlay season. An official circular distributed to professional clubs outlines strict new rules for shirt names, numbering, and sleeve badges. Most notably, the league will mandate Helvetica as the sole official typeface for player names and squad numbers across all participating teams, stripping clubs and kit manufacturers of the ability to use custom fonts. Big thanks to @cdfactoryco.
Beyond standardizing the typography, the regulations strictly govern visibility and colors. All names and numbers must appear either in solid black on light-colored kits or solid white on dark-colored kits, with no additional accent colors or outlines permitted. For shirts featuring stripes or graphic patterns, clubs must integrate a blank, single-tone rectangle measuring exactly 34 cm by 26 cm on the back to host the number. Player names must be positioned directly above the number with a font height between 5 cm and 7 cm, while DIMAYOR and competition sleeve badges will have designated dimensions and mandatory placement below club sponsor patches.
DIMAYOR is also putting an end to unconventional squad numbers. Players will only be allowed to wear consecutive integers from 1 up to the total number of registered squad members, outlawing high numbers such as 77, 88, or 99. The drastic move has sparked backlash among Colombian football fans and kit designers, who have criticized the choice of a standard office typeface and the loss of distinctive club identity on the pitch.
Zinedine Zidane Wears Limited-Edition Adidas "Zidane x Adidas" 30-Year Anniversary Boots in France Training
France head coach Zinedine Zidane was spotted lacing up his limited-edition Adidas Predator 26 'ZZ30' 30-Year Anniversary boots during Les Bleus' training session at Clairefontaine. Leading the squad onto the pitch ahead of their upcoming fixtures, the French maestro gave his latest signature boots an on-pitch debut in classic Zizou fashion.
Officially launched in September 2026, the boots mark three decades since Zidane first joined forces with Adidas ahead of Euro 1996. The boot features a clean Cloud White base highlighted by metallic gold detailing, accompanied by French Tricolore accents on the heel. Personal touches celebrating his iconic career are visible throughout the design, including 'ZZ30' branding, references to cities that shaped his journey, and a graphic paying tribute to his famous 2002 Champions League final volley.
Bespoke details include a classic folded tongue with the number '30', the stylized nickname 'ZI30U' on the soleplate and insole, and a graphic depiction of Zidane's legendary 2002 Champions League final volley on the heel counter.
Inter Miami Announce American Airlines as First-Ever Airline Partner
Inter Miami CF have officially announced a multi-year partnership with American Airlines, naming the carrier the club's first-ever Official Airline Partner. Under the extensive agreement, American Airlines becomes an Official Partner of Inter Miami as well as a Founding Partner of both Nu Stadium and the broader Miami Freedom Park district.
As part of the deal, the premium hospitality West Club inside the new venue will be rebranded as the American Lounge. Covering more than 14,500 square feet across the entire west stand and seating over 1,800 fans, the lounge will anchor the airline's presence on matchdays. The stadium site sits adjacent to Miami International Airport, which serves as American Airlines' third-largest hub.
The collaboration also introduces bespoke fan experiences through the carrier's AAdvantage loyalty program, offering members pitchside access for the second half of matches, away-game travel packages, and the ability to redeem miles for tickets and VIP experiences. The club will additionally host an annual American Airlines Theme Night, with the first celebration scheduled for October 14, 2026.
In-House Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 2026 Kits Released
The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Football Federation (SVGFF) has officially unveiled a brand-new set of in-house kits for the national football team, nicknamed Vincy Heat. Opting out of a deal with a traditional sportswear brand, the federation designed and produced the collection internally under a dedicated campaign titled "Ours."
The launch showcases three distinct colourways celebrating the island nation's flag: yellow, royal blue, and emerald green. All three jerseys share an identical template characterized by a sharp V-neck collar, fine contrast shoulder piping, and matching sleeve cuffs. Across the torso, each shirt features a dynamic diagonal brushstroke pattern embedded with micro-motifs reminiscent of the three diamonds seen on the national flag.
Contrasting details complete the look, with royal blue accents adorning the primary yellow jersey, and vivid yellow trims framing both the blue and green alternatives. Centered around themes of national pride and identity, the collection is headlined by slogans such as "Our Nation. Our Culture. Our Team" and "Wherever we go, we carry home."
Adidas Argentina Messi Farewell Kit Teased
Adidas and the Argentine Football Association have teased a special-edition commemorative jersey celebrating Lionel Messi for his final appearance with the national team. Following the announcement of his retirement from international duty after a legendary career spanning 207 caps and 125 goals, Messi is set to wear the bespoke design in his farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental on October 6, 2026.
The unique kit departs from the traditional striping format, opting for a sky-blue base accented by a single broad white central stripe. Tonal rays inspired by the Sun of May radiate across the front and back of the torso. In a rare personal touch, Messi's signature 'M' logo replaces the traditional Adidas performance logo on the right chest in metallic gold, balanced by the gold-accented three-star Argentina crest on the left. The crew-neck collar and sleeve cuffs are finished in black with sleek gold edging.
On the reverse, the shirt features gold 'MESSI 10' printing framed by the radiant sunburst motif, topped by a small Sun of May emblem just below the rear collar. Messi previewed the shirt on social media with the message "One last match... A jersey for a lifetime," offering a fitting tribute as he prepares to close his historic international chapter.
