The 2019/20 season has already provided a fresh wave of design when it comes to football shirts, but what has also been noticeable is the increase in a more stylised line of pre-match jerseys. It's a new trend that's allowing brands that extra bit of creativity and freedom, which in turn has led to some stunning designs. Here we pick out 15 of our favourites.
Warm up shirts, pre-match jerseys, call them what you will, but over the last year or so there’s been a marked shift in terms of how they’re perceived, marketed and worn, with the freedom of the arena opening the doors to some radical designs that’ve provided fans with a real alternative to the traditional replica shirt, thanks also to a lifestyle focus and lesser price tag. In no particular order here are our top designs available to pick up this season.
Naturally, when there's any sort of new trend appearing Paris Saint-Germain are bang on it in their own Parisian way. The collaboration with Jordan is the standout pre-match jersey, but that elegantly striped design in the colours of the French Flag is one that can be picked up and blended straight into streetwear.
Nike have released the widest set of bespoke pre-match jerseys this season. Both Chelsea and Barcelona have received differing designs that complement the rest of their respective 2019/20 replica collections. We're tipping brands to continue to experiment with pre-match jerseys to gauge a reaction before introducing 'busier' designs to home, away and third shirts.
PUMA and Umbro are both muscling into mix with their own graphic all-over prints. AC Milan's wavy prints follows on from the design of the 2019/20 third shirt, while Umbro have supplied PSV Eindhoven with three colourways, one for each of their match-day kits.
As we saw at the 2018 World Cup, Nike are making pre-match jerseys so good that you'd love to see them as actual replica shirts. The brand's designs for Inter Milan and Zenit St Petersburg are very much in that group as they pair blue and black together in eccentric, but perfectly executed style. You can pick up the Inter jersey here.
New Balance and Kappa have both jumped on the trend with successful results. The pick of the Liverpool pre-match jerseys has to be the black drop launched alongside the new third shirt, it features a subtle print and has been popular with Reds fans, still available here. Monaco have been hooked up with a micro-chip styled design to wear ahead of their stunning home, away and third jerseys.
For the 2019/20 season adidas have whipped up a stunning tie dye style for their leading clubs. The only slight complaint is that it's the same template in a different colour for each club. The Arsenal pre-match shirt takes on a green and navy combo (available here), while the Man United design uses a blue and black base, which is also available for fans to buy.
Nike's more bespoke strategy has provided some more interesting designs, none less so than Roma's stormy graphic jersey (available here) designed to match the lightening bolt away jersey. Tottenham's pre-match jersey takes on a stronger branded direction with 'Spurs' appearing all across the body. You pick that one up here.
Okay, we're at 16 now. Two reasons for that. One, it would have been a crime to leave out Juventus or Club America. Two, we'd committed to laying this article out in twos long before remembering 15 doesn't fit into that template. Anyway, Juve have arguably got the best pre-match jersey of the season, which should still be available here. The Club America drop gives the Inter and Zenit designs a run for their money, too.
Shop all 2019/20 football shirts at prodirectsoccer.com
