Nike Brings Better Crests to 25-26 Elite Club Kits
- Nike Lite Flex Crests: Nike has introduced Lite Flex crests for the 2025-26 elite club kits, which are an evolution of the mesh-based logo system with a breathable mesh base and 3D silicone details.
- Breathability and Design: The Lite Flex technology increases breathability while maintaining a lightweight design, combining a breathable mesh base with high-quality silicone for a premium, 3D effect.
- Sustainability: Nike is using Nike Grind, a collection of recycled materials, for the Swooshes and trim on the 25-26 kits, while also improving marker efficiency to reduce fabric waste.
With the launch of most of the new 2025-26 home kits for their elite clubs, Nike has introduced a new and improved crest technology that enhances both performance and aesthetics. Named Lite Flex, this updated application method offers a more premium feel and better breathability.
Nike Elite Club 25-26 Kit Logos Material: Nike Lite Flex
The new Nike Lite Flex crest is an evolution of the mesh-based logo system introduced last season. The technology features a breathable mesh base, which enhances ventilation during high-intensity play, while still maintaining a lightweight design. The intricate details of each club's crest are then applied on top using high-quality silicone, creating a premium, 3D effect.
Breathable Mesh Base With 3D Silicon Details
According to Nike, "Each kit’s crest is also made with Lite Flex technology that’s intended to increase breathability while maintaining a lightweight design."
Nike 24-25 vs 25-26 Kit Crests Material
Nike Swoosh Material: Nike Grind
In addition to the crest technology, Nike has also focused on sustainability for its branding elements. The Nike Swoosh and other trim details on the 25-26 kits are made entirely from Nike Grind.
Nike describes the material:
"The Swooshes and trim on the uniforms are made entirely of Nike Grind: a collection of pre-consumer manufacturing scraps, recycled post-consumer shoes and unsellable footwear. Nike designers also boosted marker efficiency to 85% and leveraged state-of-the-art product creation technology to significantly reduce fabric waste in creating the kits."
Compared to Adidas
When compared to the crests on Adidas's 2025-26 kits, the new Nike Lite Flex crests have a noticeably smoother and more premium feel. This is due to the combination of the fine mesh base and the raised silicon elements.
In contrast, Adidas's crests are made entirely of silicone and are heat-pressed directly onto the fabric, which results in a different texture and feel.
Nike's focus on integrating a breathable base into the crest itself is a clear differentiator, aiming to improve player comfort without sacrificing visual quality.
What do you think of Nike's new Lite Flex crest technology? Do you prefer it over the crests from other brands like Adidas? Let us know in the comments below.
