"Looks Shit" - Sunderland 25-26 Home Kit Has Awful On-Pitch Back
Aug 6, 2025, by Phan Tich Giay
- Kit Discrepancy: The on-pitch version of Sunderland's 2025-26 home kit has a large, solid white panel on the back, unlike the fully striped version sold to fans.
- Premier League Regulations: The white panel was added to comply with Premier League regulations for player number visibility, but fans have criticized the design as unappealing.
- Alternative Solutions: Other Premier League teams and clubs like Atlético Madrid have found more aesthetically pleasing ways to incorporate number panels into striped kits, making Sunderland's solution look comparatively lazy.
Following the launch of their new 2025-26 home kit in late July, it has been revealed that the on-pitch version worn by Sunderland's players will feature a drastically different back design compared to the version being sold to fans. Big thanks to @brobbo55 for the picture.
The Back of Sunderland's 2025-26 Home Kit "Looks Shit"
A large, solid white panel has been added to the back of the player-issue shirts to comply with Premier League regulations, creating a look that has been slammed by fans as "shit."
On the official online store's description line, Sunderland confirmed the discrepancy. The club announced that after discussions with the Premier League, they will only sell a fully striped-back version to supporters to "preserve the traditional look of our home shirt."
However, the statement also confirmed that "the on-field shirt worn during Premier League matches features a solid panel to accommodate player numbers, in line with league requirements."
A Solution That Lacks Aesthetic Appeal
While complying with league rules for number visibility is necessary, the execution on the Sunderland kit is aesthetically very poor. The large white block abruptly cuts off the stripes and completely breaks the overall beauty of the jersey.
This solution looks particularly bad when compared to how other clubs and brands have handled the same issue. Other Premier League teams with striped kits, like Brentford, Brighton, and Newcastle, have opted for much cleaner and more integrated solutions, creating a simple box for the numbers that doesn't disrupt the design as jarringly.
Looking abroad, Atlético Madrid's striped Nike kit shows an even better approach. Nike created a white box within the stripes for the number, a solution that respects the primary design while still meeting regulations. Sunderland's version simply looks lazy in comparison.
While the club's decision to sell the "pure" version to fans is commendable, the on-pitch solution is a major design failure compared to how other brands and clubs have tackled the exact same problem.
What do you think of the on-pitch back of the Sunderland home kit? A necessary evil for league rules, or a poor design choice? Let us know in the comments below.
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Ballard FC & Salmon Bay FC Release 2026 Community Kit
Seattle sister clubs Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC have officially released their special 2026 Community Top, created in collaboration with Lenovo and illustrator Sophia Yeshi as part of the "Your Club Your Canvas" campaign. Developed in partnership with Becky G to highlight grassroots football culture and the vital role of local supporters, the limited-edition shirt features a deep red base covered in an intricate all-over graphic inspired by field notes that celebrate neighborhood landmarks, club history, and key community figures. The jersey is finished with a retro-styled striped V-neck collar, matching sleeve cuffs, and a centralized lenticular crest, with all sales proceeds directly supporting the clubs.
