A new MLS season is nearly upon us and that means a new batch of kits for us to scrutinize. Some will be praised and others, well, let's be honest, they'll be roasted.
The Athletic Staff
February 19, 2023 at 12:39 AM EST
Summary
A new MLS season is nearly upon us and that means a new batch of kits for us to scrutinize. Some will be praised and others, well, let's be honest, they'll be roasted.
Here we will compile all the latest kit releases from around the league for the 2023 season as they're officially unveiled. So following along as we take in all of the new looks.
Suggested Reading
(Photo: St. Louis City)
Orlando City unveils the "Wall" kit
As per usual, Orlando City's new home kit is predominantly purple, but after winning the club's first trophy last season when they lifted the U.S. Open Cup, there's a bit of gold mixed in there too.
Adorning the front of the jersey is a pattern replicating that of a wall, an embodiment of the Lions’ supporters: the individuals that come together, brick by brick, to form an object stronger than the sum of its parts," says the club. "Designs on the stitching, neck and Jock Tag reminds all fans to “Man Every Wall,” a long-lasting Club rallying cry for everyone, in all 25,000 of the venue’s seats, to unite and bring the energy of the Central Florida community in supporting its home Club."
(Photo: Mark Thor/Orlando City)
Advertisement
Toronto FC unveils the "Club" kit
Designed by a TFC supporter, Toronto's new kit was inspired by two of the club's previous looks — the 2017 home kit and the 2014 away kit.
(Photo: Toronto FC)
Inter Miami unveils "La Noche" kit
Inter Miami has a new away kit and, as per usual with their kits, it leaves us wanting more.
The La Noche’s jersey features an embossed wave pattern to portray the energy of what happens on and off the field after dusk," the club says. "In addition, the Club has introduced a new pink “Bliss Pink” to reflect the vibrant excitement of our fans and the City of Miami at night. Furthermore, the trim throughout the jersey (in the new bliss pink) reflects the iconic City of Miami skyline during RosaNegra nights. The Club has also added the M icon to the jock tag as an additional ode to the City. Finally, on the back of the neck the inscription Freedom to Dream can be found which is a testament to our fans and ownership determination to make the dream of Inter Miami a reality."
So much to work with here, but all we get is a kit that reflects the Miami skyline when the power's out.
Minnesota United unveils "Northern Lights" kit
Could this be the best MLS kit of 2023?
"The 'Northern Lights Kit' evolves the connection between our color palette and the natural world to create a uniquely bold and energetic design," says the club. "This stunning gradient pulls inspiration from this ever-shifting phenomenon over a lake and tree line, with its vibrant colors reflecting in the water, fading back to a pure, clean river. These dynamic elements are also designed to mirror the outer façade of Allianz Field, and the way it lights the night sky."
St. Louis City unveils "Spirit" kit
As mentioned at the very beginning of this blog, St. Louis City revealed their home kit back in November of last year, but their first ever away kit is only just getting its debut today.
The away kit features a pretty simple design, but the color is inspired by the St. Louis Arch (they're calling it "Arch Gray").
Advertisement
LA Galaxy unveil "The LA" kit
Perhaps in an attempt to reclaim their place in Los Angeles soccer after LAFC won their first MLS Cup last season, the Galaxy have rolled out a new kit steeped in overt LA symbolism.
"The green, gold and red colors used throughout the kit represent olive trees, orange groves and vineyards, while the jersey trim showcases the Los Angeles flag pattern featured on the neck and sleeves," says the club. "The jock tag, located on the bottom left corner of the jersey, displays the flag of Los Angeles, which was adopted in 1931. On the back neck of the jersey lies the LA wordmark with the quasar. Club and city come together in a mark that ties the initials 'LA,' used globally to refer to the City of Angels, to the quasar, which is the heart of a galaxy."
D.C. United unveils the Cherry Blossom kit
As first reported by The Athletic, D.C United now has a cherry blossom kit after years of fans pleading for one. They're probably going to sell a lot of these.
The Chicago Fire unveil the "Kit for All"
After correcting course following their initial failed rebrand attempt, the Chicago Fire are settling into their latest look by extending their new badge design into their latest kit design.
"Chicago Fire’s 2023 secondary jersey – the Kit For All – is the first shirt designed specifically for the Club’s new crest that debuted during the 2022 season," the club says. "Geometric shapes in a color scheme that pulls directly from the Chicago flag are set against a dominant white kit, with Fire red and navy-blue trim complementing the look along the sides, the sleeves and the bottom."
LAFC unveil "Smokescreen" kit
So what's going on here? The club explains their new away kit like so:
"The ‘Smokescreen’ kit features a smoke design rising up across the body of the jersey – a homage to the iconic LAFC Supporters’ goal celebration at BMO Stadium.
"The kit introduces a new colorway into the Club’s iconic look, featuring adidas 'tent green' color as the base of the jersey. The Club’s monogram with the new championship star replaces the traditional crest on the left chest panel of the top with primary kit sponsor FLEX Power Tools centered on the torso. The jock tag adds a special touch celebrating the team’s global aspirations and away days culture."
Smoke and tents. Not your usual kit inspirations.
Vancouver Whitecaps unveil "Bloodlines" kit
The Whitecaps have a history of classic, clean looks and this latest kit is no different.
"The jersey features a touch of red that symbolizes both the club’s Canadian pride and origins, with the original 1974 red logo featured as a jock tag," says the club. "Bloodlines are the thread that connect generations of Whitecaps FC fans under a common banner of the beautiful game, supporting Canada’s most history-laden club. The five stripes on the front of the jersey represent five decades of history as the club enters its 50th anniversary in 2024. With a legacy of giving back, the jersey also shines a light on the pressing need for donors to support Canadian Blood Services."
Advertisement
Sporting Kansas City unveil "Hoops 4.0" kit
Wearing hoops has become a tradition for Sporting KC, dating back to 2014, and that tradition continues this year with the latest variation of that look. No overwrought justifications or symbolism — Sporting KC wears hoops, so here's a kit with hoops. Simple as that.
Real Salt Lake unveil the "Beehive State" kit
"For the people of Utah, the beehive symbolizes the Utah community as each person in Utah works together to support and help one another and to create a successful industry," says Utah.gov.
It's unclear what this brown shirt has to do with beehives, though.
(Photo: Laura Lee/RSL)
FC Dallas unveils the "Burn Baby Burn" kit
From the club's beginnings in 1996 up until 2004, FC Dallas was known as the Dallas Burn. Now, to pay homage to their '90s roots, the club is employing a very on-the-nose flame kit design. It's just a shame they didn't get Guy Fieri to help with the reveal.
Charlotte FC unveil "Crown Jewel" kit
Charlotte's new secondary kit is...very purple.
Here's what they have to say about it: "Forged from the City's will to progress. Powered by the people's pride in community. We aren't made of just one, but created by the beauty of the collective. We aren't here for the old, but ready to cut a new nobility into the fabric of our city. Where status isn't measured by things, but by your impact on each other."
Felipe Cardenas' top 3 new releases
My favorites from today's drops:
1) NYCFC
2) Portland
3) Red Bulls
Advertisement
Pablo Maurer's top 3 new releases
My favorites from today's new kits:
1) NYCFC
2) Austin
3) Portland
Seattle Sounders unveil Bruce Lee kit
Following the success of the Sounders' Jimi Hendrix kit, the club now introduces another celebrity-themed kit for someone who maybe isn't as widely associated with Seattle, but lived there all the same: Bruce Lee.
From the club's announcement: "In 2023, the 50th anniversary of his untimely death and his final world-renowned film, Enter the Dragon, Sounders FC is celebrating the life and legacy of Bruce Lee with a community kit. Inspired by his lasting impact, The Bruce Lee Kit honors his philosophies and values, which are shared by our club and our city.
"The sunbeam yellow accents symbolize “the center of everything” and are associated with nature, balance, and heroism. The hand-drawn dragon design emblazoned across the jersey represents strength and power. Bruce’s official signature stamps the bottom of each jersey, including the dragon (loong) symbol."
Portland Timbers unveil "Portland Plaid" kit
Plaid isn't a look you usually find associated with sports uniforms, but hey — this is Portland we're talking about here. A place where plaid is a way of life.
"The Timbers 'Portland Plaid' kit features ponderosa, shadow green, and gold coming together in a plaid clad jersey to reflect the tight-knit relationship between the club and the community," the club says. "In the club’s 16th jersey, Portland Plaid symbolizes kinship – we’re all cut from the same cloth and no matter where we come from, united in our love for the Timbers."
Load more updates
ncG1vNJzZmismJqutbTLnquim16YvK57y6KtnmWSobyov46mo6xlm57Bbr7EpZyaq5Vif3F%2Bkmajoq6VYrumw9JobJ6AiayUrsbVcpCKZw%3D%3D