Football would be a poorer place were it not for those famous red and black stripes. 

AC Milan's famous colours are woven into the fabric of football, instantly recognisable as those of the Rossoneri, one of the world's grandest clubs.

We reckon the Milanese have had some of the game's greatest kits, too - so we've delved into the archives to pick eight of our all-time favourites, stretching from the 60s to the early Noughties. 

Browse our selection of Milan shirts here.

1968/69

Milan's second (of seven) European Cups came in 1969 courtesy of a crushing 4–1 win over Johan Cruyff's Ajax in the Bernabeu. The Rossoneri, coached by Nereo Rocco and featuring a certain Giovanni Trapattoni in central defence, looked resplendent on that balmy May evening in Madrid, the Italian flag stitched on to classic black and red stipes. Vintage Milan in every sense.

1988/89

Kappa's understated elegance was the perfect fit for a stylish club embarking on a seemingly unstoppable ascent. Propelled by Silvio Berlusconi's deep (and dark) pockets, and led by Dutch masters Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, the Rossoneri won the European Cup for a third time in 1989, annihilating Steaua Bucharest 4-0 in the final, as they set about creating an Italian dynasty that would last for more than a decade.

1992/93

If you need evidence that a sponsor's logo can add to the aesthetic of a football shirt, look no further than AC Milan's Motta-emblazoned away jersey from the 1992/93 season. The ice cream manufacturer's font and pantone dovetailed beautifully with Lotto's gorgeous design. Meanwhile, on the pitch, the club emphasised its domestic and European prowess: Jean-Pierre Papin's goals fired Milan to the Scudetto, while Fabio Capello's men were only denied Champions League glory by the match-fixers of Marseille.

1993/94

Milan's Scudetto in 1993/94 wasn't easy on the eye, as Capello's dogmatic approach stifled creative endeavour. The Rossoneri managed only 36 goals in 34 games, instead relying on the defensive brilliance of Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini to earn a third straight title. Lotto's elegant design, worthy of a more expansive style of football, looked especially glorious on the latter.

1995/96

A textbook example of it-shouldn't-work-but-definitely-does, Milan's away shirt in '95/'96 was overstated vintage 90s decadence, a glorious melting pot of weird graphics and blended blues. On the pitch, a team spearheaded by George Weah and Roberto Baggio cruised to another championship as the Rossoneri returned to their formidable best.

1997/98

As the 90s ebbed to a close, Serie A's power shift from Milan to Turin was beginning to take shape. Despite Capello's return to the San Siro, Milan could only finish 10th in 1997/98. They looked good, though - thanks only to yet more of Lotto's stunning garbs.

1999/00

The club's centenary season was a bigger anti-climax than the signing of Gianluigi Lentini, as reigning champions Milan finished third in the league and crashed out of Europe in the group stage. The only highlight of a lacklustre campaign was the production by adidas of a shirt honouring the club's 100 years. Based on the jersey Milan wore in their founding season, the jersey came with gorgeous narrow stripes and a crest featuring the cross of Saint Ambrose, patron saint of the city of Milano. Magnifico.

2006/07

A season of redemption for Milan - first, contending with an eight-point penalty for their part in the Calciopoli scandal and finishing, respectably enough, fourth in the league, and then claiming revenge in the Champions League final by beating Liverpool two years after the miracle (or nightmare) of Istanbul. Their shirt that season, complete with deep gold numbers on the back, was as elegant as Kaka's touch. 

Browse our selection of Milan shirts here.

Words by Josh Warwick