Throughout their history, the Gunners have regularly enjoyed some absolutely iconic shirts. Today, though, we are going to make our picks for the greatest Arsenal kits ever.
Umbro were the first kit maker to put their logo on an Arsenal kit, in 1977. They produced the North London side’s jerseys all the way until 1986 when Adidas took over.
The brand with the three stripes formed a successful partnership with the Gunners, creating some truly memorable strips. Then, Nike oversaw Arsene Wenger’s arrival, which also brought one of the most trophy-laden spells in Arsenal’s history.
Finally, Puma produced Gunners’ gear for five years during the 2010s before Adidas returned once more. Each maker has created some absolute classics through the years – however, just five have made our list.
#5: 2001/02 away
A shirt as successful as it is stunning, the Gunners’ title-winning 2001/02 strip kicks off our greatest Arsenal kits list.
Boasting the iconic “SEGA” sponsorship, this gold and navy effort was definitely one of Nike’s best. Coming with navy shorts and socks, it had an understated look to go alongside the classy gold colour.
For Arsenal fans, this shirt has a legendary legacy. Arsene Wenger’s side wore this strip when they beat Man United at Old Trafford to seal the 2001/02 Premier League title. Sylvain Wiltord got the only goal as the Gunners claimed a 1-0 victory.
A few days earlier, Arsenal had won the FA Cup, too – so, they had achieved a fantastic domestic double. And what a shirt to do this in!
Arsenal actually reprised this away kit in 2002/03, using it as a third strip. Interestingly, though, this came with a change of sponsor; the Gunners had O2 on their jerseys from the start of the 2002/03 campaign.
#4: 2022/23 away
The most recent entry on our greatest Arsenal kits list, Adidas produced a beautiful alternate shirt for this season.
A cool black jersey comes with a tastefully letter-patterned shirt base, allowing the bronze to stand out. The club crest – reverted back to the traditional cannon – and the sponsors are in this metallic shade. Additionally, Adidas’ typical trio of shoulder stripes come in silver.
The German kit maker have really knocked this year’s alternate shirt out of the park. Gunners fans will also be glad that the on-pitch product has been appealing, too. Mikel Arteta has inspired his side to the top of the table – with hopes of finally breaking their league title drought.
#3: 1992 – 94 home
There is just something about the Adidas template from the early 90s that produced absolutely sublime shirts. Switching to home kits now, and this jersey that Arsenal used for two seasons is definitely among their greatest.
Most striking on this jersey are the bold, block-colour Adidas stripes emblazoned across the white sleeves. Then, the unique central alignment of the Arsenal badge, Adidas logo, and JVC sponsor is wonderful too.
Adidas’ decision to add a bold V-neck design for the collar was also an inspired one.
Like other jerseys on this list, the 1992 – 94 home shirt saw the Gunners claim some silverware. George Graham’s squad won a domestic cup double while sporting this kit, claiming the 1993 League and FA Cups.
Following the 1994 season, Arsenal switched to Nike as their kit supplier. Although the US brand made some fantastic shirts, not many come close to Adidas in the early 90s.
#2: 1991 – 93 away
Again, the brand with the three stripes came through with a legendary shirt in 1991. Fans affectionately call this kit the “bruised banana” – but don’t let the name fool you. It is simply stunning.
The German brand’s bold take on Arsenal’s typical yellow away kit has become a cult classic. A brash chevron-style black design provides a stark contrast to its bright base colour.
In keeping with the busy design, Adidas used red trim around the collar, navy Adidas stripes, and put their Trefoil logo in red.
Meanwhile, the brilliant JVC sponsor sits in the middle of the chest – also in red to stand out. The shorts attempt to tone down the garishness, though, featuring a tasteful navy. Alternatively, Arsenal did utilise yellow shorts, too – a very bright look indeed.
The bruised banana kit is one of those rare shirts that transcended use on the pitch. It became a proud example of how football and fashion could work as one – thus is undeniably one of the greatest Arsenal kits.
#1: 2005/06 home
Finally, leading our list of the greatest Arsenal kits ever is their sumptuous, redcurrant design from 2005.
This kit commemorated the North London side’s last season at Highbury before they left their historic ground for the Emirates. And boy, did Nike make sure they went out with a bang.
The beauty of this kit arguably lies in its simplicity. The deep, almost maroon colour makes for a gorgeous jersey base. Nike’s decision to utilise gold on the kit numbers and logos gives an inspired essence of elegance, too.
Further traditionalist elements include a simple collar, providing a classic feel – as do the plain white shorts. Watching the likes of Thierry Henry and Robert Pires glide across the Highbury pitch in this strip was absolute footballing art.
Sadly, though, this fantastic one-season wonder did not see success. Although Arsenal reached the 2006 Champions League final in this kit, they lost the showpiece in Paris to Barcelona.
In said final, they wore their yellow away kit from the 2005/06 campaign. Maybe playing the final in their greatest-ever kit would’ve inspired Arsenal to the trophy. Either way, the 2005/06 home shirt earns our vote as the Gunners’ best-ever jersey.
Featured image credit: Getty