TEN OF THE VERY BEST: JACKETS

We’ve combed our collection to bring you ten of the very best jackets currently in stock at Cult Kits.

So, whether you are in need of a winter warmer, rain repeller or are just on the hunt for some future festival fashion. We’ve, very much, got you covered. 

Italy

Kicking things off with this marvellous full player spec presentation jacket, as used by the Italians during their ill fated Euro 1996 campaign. Thanks to the massive Nike branding and repeating tricolour print this still stands as a benchmark for great presentation jackets. Bellissimo. £174.99 – buy it here.

Japan

Japan were looking to make a big impression at their first ever World Cup back in 98. While their on pitch performances left much to be desired, the now iconic flame motif that adorned their home, away and goalkeeper kits have cemented their legacy as one of the most stylish teams to ever have graced the tournament. As you can see, the benchwear was given the full 'flame' treatment too. And well, we think it’s a thing of beauty. £174.99 – buy it here.

Napoli

What is Record Cucine? The classic sponsor that adorned Napoli’s shirts in the post Maradona world of the early 90’s has always had a certain allure. It sounds like a local radio station come good, perhaps riding high off the back of the Italo-Disco boom of the 80’s. Alas, it is not, Cucine means kitchen, it's a company that sells kitchens. Do other people know this? Almost certainly not. I rest my case. £119.99 – buy it here.

France

Next up we’ve got some French elegance, as worn by Platini and co on their way to the World Cup semi-final of 1986. This right here is a bona fide piece of footballing history. Coming up to 35 years old and not a scratch on it. Magnifique. £299.99 – buy it here.

Arsenal

It’s only been a couple of months since Arsenal released their ode to the 1990/91 league winning side in the form of a nostalgic capsule collection. It was a decent collection, very snazzy. That being said, there's no better way to pay tribute to Merson and co than going direct to the source. A genuine benchwear classic. £299.99 – buy it here.

Shimizu S-Pulse

Are you ready to live your Fukoku Life to the fullest? We’ll admit, this ones a bit niche. Honestly though, it's a thing of beauty. The juxtaposition of colours combined with a delightful sublimated stripe pattern means this piece really pops. Also features the old (1989-2002) Japan airlines logo to front, if you're ever really stuck for an interesting conversation starter while wearing it. £124.99 – buy it here.

Italy

Simple, elegant. During the end of the last millenium Italy had an unrelenting stranglehold on the benchwear game as they seamlessly pivoted from Nike through Kappa and ultimately on to Puma in the early to mid 2000’s. While Kappa and Nike relied on go big or go home branding and patterns, Puma did things a little differently. And this jacket is the antithesis of what they were about. 1 flag, 1 Puma, 1 Italia. It’s a beauty. The depth of colour and cut of the jacket do most of the heavy lifting as that font confirms that yes, this is a classy affair. £69.99 – buy it here.

USA

One of the great footballing templates with a full on gat damn patriotic red, white and blue. What’s not to like? £149.99 – buy it here.

Parma

For those that like Parma, and staying dry. Everyone’s second team of the 90’s gets the windbreaker treatment from Kappa offshoot, Italian Football League. Like most items IFL produced it's got a charming simplicity to it. Like Parma? Here’s a jacket decked out in the team's colours with a giant Parma badge on the back. We absolutely love it. And with April showers on the horizon, now might just be the time to dive in. £119.99 – buy it here.

Gamba Osaka

As J-League as it gets. Look no further than Gamba Osaka’s Gamba Boy for your new favourite footballing badge. The lightning throwing, football kicking, blue haired anime character adorned the sides kits until 1997, when it was relegated to mere mascot status. Combine Gamba Boy and an iconic Adidas template and this jacket becomes a genuine classic. £149.99 – buy it here.

Words by Andy Gallagher