Fan Controversy Erupts Over "Mismatched" Shorts on Adidas Liverpool 26-27 Home Kit
- Kit Mismatch: The Adidas Liverpool 2026-2027 home kit has sparked controversy due to a color mismatch between the shirt and shorts.
- Manufacturing Process: The color difference is due to the shirt using dye-sublimation printing, which results in a less saturated red compared to the traditionally dyed fabric of the shorts.
- Authentic Recreation: Football kit historians have noted that the mismatch is actually faithful to the original 1989-1991 Adidas 'Candy' kit, which also featured a similar color discrepancy.
Today's debut of the Adidas Liverpool 2026-2027 home kit has sparked a heated debate online.
Color of Liverpool Shirt & Socks Mismatch Because of Sublimation & Color Process
While fans were initially thrilled about the return of the iconic 1989-1991 geometric pattern, the debut has revealed a slight discrepancy between the shirt and the shorts.
The patterned jersey appears to be a slightly muted, darker shade of red, while the accompanying shorts are a bright, vivid, and solid red without any matching graphics. This visual clash immediately drew criticism from some supporters, with fans taking to social media to complain that it "looks like two different kits" and accusing Adidas of failing to deliver a cohesive design.
The noticeable color difference comes down to the realities of kit manufacturing. The complex retro graphic on the shirt requires a dye-sublimation printing process. Because the design is essentially printed directly onto the garment, dye-sublimated red rarely achieves the same deep, vivid saturation as standard pre-dyed fabric. The shorts, conversely, are constructed from traditionally dyed red fabric, resulting in a much brighter and punchier shade that naturally clashes with the printed top.
However, before writing off the design as a modern manufacturing blunder, football kit historians have been quick to point out that this mismatch is actually incredibly authentic to the original inspiration. Photographs of the classic 1989-1991 Adidas 'Candy' kit show the exact same phenomenon: players took to the Anfield pitch wearing a patterned, slightly duller red shirt paired with bright, solid red shorts. Rather than an error, Adidas appears to have faithfully recreated the quirky, mismatched aesthetic of the original era.
The colors used for the shirt and shorts were intended to be the same, both "Active Maroon".
Also, interestingly, many players chose extremely large jerseys.
What do you think of this discrepancy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
2013/14 Hellas Verona Track Jacket (S) Nike
1997/99 Rangers Gascoigne #8 Home Shirt (L) Nike
2018/19 Scotland Schools Adidas Training Jumper (XS)
2025/26 Juventus Mckennie #16 *Authentic* BNWT Home Shirt (M) Adidas
2013/14 Argentina Messi #10 Home Shirt (L) Adidas
1995/96 Tanjong Pajar Boys Club #3 Tartan Shirt (L) Umbro
1998/99 Macclesfield Town *Mint* Home Shirt (XL) Super League
1993 Yokohama Flugels Home Shirt (M) Puma
2000/01 Farnborough Town Home Shirt (XL) Branded
2018/19 Manchester United Womens Home Shirt (M) Adidas
Atalanta, Marseille & Wolfsburg Change Logos for 26-27 Season
Vietnamese kit freaks Chuyện Áo Đấu have created a nice infographic of three European teams' logo changes for the 26-27 season. All of them have one thing in common - they are circular.
The underlying reasoning for this widespread circular design trend across modern football is primarily driven by digital functionality and commercial scalability. Circular, stripped-down logos provide a sense of visual balance and are significantly easier to apply across various media, ranging from tiny social media avatars to global lifestyle merchandise.
However, this rush toward extreme minimalism is increasingly alienating traditional football supporters and risking a severe homogenization of the sport's visual landscape.
For Wolfsburg, the change was praised by fans, as the Zinnen crest has been the fans' favorite design ever since. For Atalanta, it was also rooted in history, while OM was the biggest update.
Lotto and H&M Release Football Heritage Collection Ahead of 2026 World Cup
H&M has collaborated with Italian sportswear brand Lotto on a collection that draws from the heritage label's football archives. The range reinterprets classic designs through a contemporary lens, incorporating graphic stripes, the signature double diamond jacquard and elements suited for both on-pitch and street use. Items include loose-fit football jerseys, relaxed shorts, oversized t-shirts, caps, socks and footwear.
The collection launched on May 21, 2026, in select H&M stores and on hm.com, with rollout in various markets, including through partners such as Superbalist.
Al-Ahli Saudi 26-27 Home & Away Kit Colors and Design Info Leaked
Information about the colors and designs for Al-Ahli Saudi FC's kits in the 2026-27 season has surfaced from recent leaks (@Wafeetzidis, translated with AI).
The home kit is expected to feature a white base with light green or turquoise accents along the sides. Additional elements include gold detailing across the shoulders and a polo-style collar.
The away kit is described in a dark green tone with a patterned motif inspired by textured foliage. White accents appear around the shoulder area to complement the design.
Aston Villa 26-27 Retro Jersey Leaked
Aston Villa x adidas Originals will release a special long-sleeve retro jersey. Apparel tracker Kamil Berberler shared the design, recreated with FIFA Kit Creator.
The Adidas Villa Originals jersey draws on Aston Villa's heritage with claret and blue colorways alongside classic details. It is mainly claret, with sky blue sleeves, plus yellow trim.
The Aston Villa 26-27 Retro Jersey comes with a retro Villans text on the left sleeve.