The Story of Blackpool’s Kits
Founded in 1887, Blackpool FC are instantly recognised for their bright tangerine home shirts — one of the most distinctive looks in world football. Originally playing in red and white, the club adopted tangerine in 1923 after receiving a recommendation from Dutch national team representatives who praised its visibility and vibrancy.
The colour perfectly suited the seaside resort identity of the town, symbolising energy, warmth, and individuality. Over a century later, The Tangerines remain a unique presence in English football.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
Blackpool’s kits have evolved through partnerships with top brands such as Umbro, Puma, Fila, Erreà, and Nike, each adding their own touch to the iconic design. Early shirts were plain orange wool, later refined into lightweight synthetics as football modernised.
The 1950s brought timeless simplicity — plain tangerine shirts with white trim — worn by the club’s greatest ever team under Joe Smith. In later decades, diagonal patterns, shadow stripes, and bold sponsors gave the shirts a more modern edge. Recent Erreà designs have blended that heritage with subtle detailing, such as embossed crests and nods to the 1953 FA Cup triumph.
Away kits have ranged from white and navy to turquoise and grey, always maintaining a sense of Blackpool’s confident, coastal character.
Famous Blackpool Shirts
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1952/53 Home Shirt – the iconic “Matthews Final” design, worn in the legendary FA Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers.
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1970/71 Home Shirt – marking Blackpool’s promotion to the First Division and European adventure in the Anglo-Italian Cup.
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2009/10 Home Shirt – worn during the club’s promotion to the Premier League under Ian Holloway.
2021/22 Home Shirt – celebrating the club’s return to the Championship, with modern orange tones and heritage trim.
Little-Known Facts About Blackpool Kits
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Colour origins: Tangerine was chosen in 1923 after Dutch officials commented on its brilliance and uniqueness — the club never looked back.
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FA Cup legacy: The 1953 final shirt is one of the most famous in English football history, thanks to Stanley Matthews’ legendary performance.
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Distinct identity: Blackpool are the only professional English club to permanently wear tangerine as their home colour.
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Maritime influence: The blue details in some kits symbolise the Irish Sea and the town’s coastal setting.
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Retro popularity: The 1970s Umbro and 1980s Adidas shirts are cult favourites among collectors.
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Family connection: The club’s nickname, The Tangerines, inspired generations of replica shirt sales and has become synonymous with their identity worldwide.
Community editions: Modern kits have featured tributes to local charities and the Blackpool Tower — a proud reminder of the town’s spirit.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you’ll find the full Blackpool collection — official home, away, and third shirts, retro editions, and training wear. Every jersey is 100% authentic, featuring the club crest, manufacturer logo, and sponsor detailing.
Personalisation is available on most designs, letting you add your name or that of club legends such as Stanley Matthews, Charlie Adam, or Brett Ormerod.
Why Blackpool Shirts Stand Out
Blackpool’s tangerine shirts are more than just a colour — they’re a statement. Bright, bold, and unmistakable, they represent individuality, optimism, and history. Whether you’re collecting a retro FA Cup classic or wearing the latest release, a Blackpool shirt embodies everything that makes English football unique — heritage, pride, and character that shines as brightly as the seaside itself.