A Look Back: US MNT Kits Since 94

I enjoy fashion criticism as much as the next fan, but in reality I'd back the lads even if they played home games in full length sequined cowl-back gowns. Incidentally, the original Nike proposal for the 2008 home kit was indeed a full length blue and white sequined gown with red numbers. I have it on good authority that this initial offering ran into resistance from US Soccer as Sunil Gulati was insisting on a tea-length kit. <br />
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The kit was a compromise based on the FC Dallas away kit. But the narrower &quot;hoops&quot; look was shot down by Gulati. Who, my sources tell me, is convinced that ugly uniforms have become a distinguishing &quot;brand&quot; for US Soccer. In a final effort to appease Gulati, Nike uglified the hoop look by widening the stripes until the current travesty was acceptable.<br />
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Personally, my favorite by far is the &quot;Aviator Stripe&quot; from 1996. The current dark blue away jersey uses this same pattern (and has been our most consistent look). I'm also a fan of the 7/4/04 special jesrsey with the vertical wavy stripes. <br />
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If it were my call, I would go with the white Aviator Stripe for home. The River Plate look for away, and the July-4th kit for third or special occasions.<br />
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(PS – check your style sheet definitions, this comment box extends to the right off the visible page)

I enjoy fashion criticism as much as the next fan, but in reality I’d back the lads even if they played home games in full length sequined cowl-back gowns. Incidentally, the original Nike proposal for the 2008 home kit was indeed a full length blue and white sequined gown with red numbers. I have it on good authority that this initial offering ran into resistance from US Soccer as Sunil Gulati was insisting on a tea-length kit.

The kit was a compromise based on the FC Dallas away kit. But the narrower “hoops” look was shot down by Gulati. Who, my sources tell me, is convinced that ugly uniforms have become a distinguishing “brand” for US Soccer. In a final effort to appease Gulati, Nike uglified the hoop look by widening the stripes until the current travesty was acceptable.

Personally, my favorite by far is the “Aviator Stripe” from 1996. The current dark blue away jersey uses this same pattern (and has been our most consistent look). I’m also a fan of the 7/4/04 special jesrsey with the vertical wavy stripes.

If it were my call, I would go with the white Aviator Stripe for home. The River Plate look for away, and the July-4th kit for third or special occasions.

(PS – check your style sheet definitions, this comment box extends to the right off the visible page)

I hate them all sooooo much.<br />
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Actually I hated the Gold Cup blue with pinstripes the first time I saw them then I kind of liked them. Now I love them compared to that polo crap we'll be wearing for a while. (Please lord, have them change it soon).<br />
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Maybe if we lose to Mexico we'll never wear them again? That would make a nice consolation prize.<br />
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Hell, how about a very plain white with the badge? That would be a massive improvement.