Festival season is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the need for attendees to meticulously plan out their fits for the coming months.
One increasingly relevant item up for consideration is the football kit. Once pigeon-holed as something just for die-hards and purists, football shirts have risen to become a staple at Glastonbury, Coachella and the like. Increasingly out-there designs from the modern game have given festival-goers plenty to choose from, whilst vintage classics carry with them certain bragging rights of their own. For those not brave enough to risk damaging a grail (very sensible people, in my opinion) the strong reissue scene offers a more cautionary alternative.
Whether you’re loading up for Summer or simply looking to bolster your collection with some outlandish pieces, we’ve gathered together a list of our favourite festival kits.
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Our favourite football kits for festivals
Mexico 1998 home
I know, Cult Kits are talking about the Mexico ‘98 again?! If you’ll allow us to indulge for just a second, it really does tick all the boxes for a festival shirt.
For many the Aztec sun stone design is one of the most recognisable and loved in the kit game, but the masterpiece hits just as good for newcomers to the party. Bonus points are given to the fact that there are a wide array of reissues to choose from (exclusively stocked at Cult Kits of course), meaning you don’t have to worry about spilling a pint on a priceless item.
Kaizer Chiefs 2019/20 away
It’s not often you’re wearing a shirt whose team shares its name with a festival namestay, but a Kaizer Chiefs kit performs this role to perfection.
In truth the South African team’s entire back catalogue deserves consideration, with the club crest being one of the standouts in world football and the punchy gold and black colour scheme holding eternal appeal. If you have to limit yourself to just one Chief’s shirt though the 2019 away would be our pick due to its psychedelic sleeves.
Boavista 1994/96 home
Checked shirts are an objectively quality aesthetic. Whilst you could go for any number of sweet Croatia shirts if you’re keen on the style, may we offer up some Boavista in this trying time? A personal favourite of mine is the 1994 home, with its grainy texture around the sponsor and the unusual double crest look.
Barcelona 2005/06 away
Highlighter yellow kits can serve multiple functions at festivals, allowing you to be easily spotted by your mates no matter where you are and also serving as a strong style item. Of all the luminous shirts this Barca number is the cream of the crop. It screams Ronaldinho, and the sponsorless look adds to its wearability.
Crystal Palace 2024/25 home
Unless I wanted to rep my team, I wouldn’t typically think to look at the Premier League for a festival kit. Crystal Palace this season are very much the exception though. This is a look dialled up to 11, and it’s a design which may go down in history should Palace topple City in the FA Cup final.
Juventus 2015/16 away
The shirt that swept a generation, this Juve number needs no introduction. Though closely associated with Drake and a natural fit for fans of Champagne Papi, the adidas jersey surpassed even the fame of the Canadian rapper to become one of the most iconic football kits of all time. One underrated aspect of the pink shirt is the Jeep sponsor which is a rare example of a sponsor which adds something from both an aesthetic and brand association perspective (unless of course you are a Land Rover stan).
Club America 2024/25 third
Fresh onto the scene, the 2024/25 Club America third feels like it’s come straight out of the festival playbook. The all-over floral pattern is absolutely stunning and the design is perfectly complemented with black trim. This is a fashion statement that just so happens to be a football kit.
OOF X Umbro Juno Calypso
Just recently we talked about Umbro’s dominance in the lifestyle and streetwear scene. Few brands are maximising both their own history and the increasing interest around kits as well as the double diamonds, and this summer-ready Juno Calypso kit is typical of the quality output we’ve seen.
Tokyo Verdy 1996 home
The green sunburst design of the 1996 Tokyo Verdy shirt is an all-timer which possesses all the goodness you’d hope to see from a 90s Mizuno kit. As with many on this list the sponsors are a key part of what makes this shirt great, with the Konami sleeve sponsor being a particularly enjoyable Easter egg.
Our favourite kits spotted at festivals
For more inspiration, here’s a photo dump of festival kits in the wild that we love.
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