Following the release of their inaugural home jersey, USL League One side Portland Hearts of Pine have dropped their secondary jersey, and it’s another bespoke beauty from hummel, dubbed the ‘Bandit’ kit.
If you’ve never heard of Portland Hearts of Pine, don’t be alarmed – they haven’t even kicked a competitive ball yet. But they’re gearing up for their debut season in USL League One, and it’s in so doing that the outfit have caught the eye, thanks to their beautifully bespoke home kit and the creative approach to their identity. And it’s been further bolstered by the appearance of the ‘Bandit’ kit – their new secondary strip for the coming campaign. The kit design is another love letter to the club’s home state and Maine’s endearing traditions.
For nearly five decades, under the cover of darkness on February 13th, Valentine Bandit has hung hundreds of simple red hearts on buildings across Portland to spread love and warmth during the depths of Maine’s long winters. This recurring tradition of communal love and kindness, an act distinct in its anonymity and simplicity, inspired the minimalist polka-heart pattern of Hearts’ Bandit Kit. The repeated red hearts, set against a white background, are a tribute to the small but meaningful gestures that weave together the tight-knit fabric of the Maine community.
“There’s something about seeing those hearts scattered across town – a quiet reassurance that, even in the cold and solitude, we are connected,” explained Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, founder, Portland Hearts of Pine. “The Bandit Kit is a tribute to those unsung acts of kindness and the fabric of our community that make Maine so special. We hope it’s a reminder to cherish connections, spread love, celebrate the little things, and bring warmth and light to others, even in the darkest days.”
The kit design serves as a tribute to the club’s home state, celebrating Maine’s rich traditions and culture. It sees a white base overlaid by small red hearts – a double nod to both the club's name and also the time of year. While honouring local heritage and legacy, the modern jersey also takes inspiration from iconic soccer styles worldwide. Notable influences include the heart-shaped flower petal motifs from Dutch club Heerenveen’s historic kit and the bold polka dot patterns featured in the French Women’s National Team’s 2019 World Cup jersey.
The look is finished by black accents in the collar, cuffs and branding, as well as with that striking sponsor callout to Maine itself.
Produced by Hummel, the Bandit Kit will be worn in select home and away games and is available for purchase in short-sleeve, long-sleeve, women’s cut, and youth sizes.
If any place captures the spirit of togetherness embodied by the Bandit Kit, it’s Bubba’s Sulky Lounge—a unique blend of dancehall and antique shop that has fostered connection and community in Portland since 1961. With this in mind, Hearts selected Bubba’s as the inspiration and backdrop for the jersey’s marketing campaign.
Get the Portland Hearts of Pine 'Bandit' Kit at heartsofpine.com
