Close
The USA’s most memorable football kit is making a comeback. While many fanatics are happy to see the return of this 1994 USA jersey retro, let’s not forget how controversial it was when it debuted.
via adidas
The denim-inspired World Cup kit definitely ruffled a few feathers when it was initially launched, with everyone from players to adidas executives struggling to take it seriously.
However, it all makes sense when you find out the person who designed the kit was none other than Peter Moore. To those unfamiliar with that name, his other creations such as the adidas EQT line and oh yes, the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1, might ring a bell.
Moore began his tenure with adidas in 1989, contributing to the men' s US soccer division in April of 1991. Talking in an interview around the design process with Alan Siegel in 2014, Moore said, “Hey I have an idea, let’s be American, let’s not try to be European, or whatever we think real football looks like, let’s just be American.”
This is evident in just how authentically American the 1994 US World Cup kit was and still is. Referencing the nation’s number 1 fabric was a genius move, channeling an overt sense of patriotism that has gone on to earn its reputation among the footballing world today.
BAPE even came out with its own version of the ’94 World Cup kit earlier this year, a drop which may have led the younger streetwear fan to discover the original for the first time.
The original kit now goes for just under £500 in second hand football shirt shops, so this retro is a much needed return for many wanting to rock the faux-denim jersey during the 2026 World Cup.
Commenting on the retro, Inigo Turner, Design Director at adidas Football says, “With the U.S. Denim jersey, we set out to capture the side of American soccer that has always been distinctive and original.”
Ditching the shaggy barnets and short shorts, adidas has gone all out with its cowboy-themed promo, combining the ’94 USA retro kit with a pair of baggy jeans and skateboard instead.
We’ll be giving the nod of approval to any brave enough to sport this faux-denim number in the beer garden this summer. Although given the kick off times, we might be cooped up inside by that point.
The USA denim jersey is dropping via adidas.com on March 10th alongside a matching pair of denim shorts, track top and cap.
View article