The Story of Crystal Palace’s Kits
Crystal Palace have one of the most vibrant and evolving identities in English football. Founded in 1905, the club originally played in claret and blue — a nod to their early links with Aston Villa — before switching to the now-iconic red and blue stripes in 1973.
This change redefined Palace’s image, making their kits among the most distinctive in the English game. The blend of deep red and electric blue quickly became synonymous with the club’s bold, attacking football and the proud working-class character of South London.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
In the early years, Palace’s shirts featured simple collars and heavy cotton fabric, supplied by local outfitters. By the 1970s, Admiral revolutionised football kits with its dynamic patterns, and Palace were early adopters, embracing bold striping and modern materials.
The 1980s and 1990s saw partnerships with Bukta, Adidas, and Le Coq Sportif, while the 2000s introduced Diadora and Puma, each interpreting the stripes differently. More recent Macron designs have balanced heritage and modern performance fabrics, with intricate detailing inspired by Selhurst Park’s history.
Away kits have ranged from striking yellow and white to black, turquoise, and even sash designs — a creative tradition that keeps Palace’s look fresh every season.
Famous Crystal Palace Shirts
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1973/74 Home Shirt – the first to feature red and blue vertical stripes, marking the beginning of Palace’s modern identity.
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1990 FA Cup Final Shirt – worn during the club’s first major cup final appearance, remembered for its bold diagonal sash and yellow trim.
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2012/13 Promotion Shirt – the Macron design worn when Palace secured Premier League promotion via the play-offs.
2021/22 Home Shirt – celebrating the club’s history with a sash-style diagonal twist on the modern red and blue stripes.
Little-Known Facts About Crystal Palace Kits
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Claret and blue origins: Palace wore Aston Villa-style colours for their first six decades before adopting red and blue to forge their own identity.
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Architectural inspiration: The name “Crystal Palace” derives from the glass exhibition building built for London’s Great Exhibition in 1851; some kits have included subtle geometric patterns referencing that architecture.
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The sash legacy: The white shirt with a red and blue sash, introduced in the late 1970s, remains a cult classic and has been reimagined several times as away or third kits.
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Badge evolution: The club crest has changed multiple times — from the early CP monogram to the current bold eagle and Crystal Palace facade.
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Fan-driven designs: In several recent seasons, fans have influenced away kit colours through club polls and supporter consultation.
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Unique sponsor history: Palace were among the first English clubs to feature a local sponsor (GAC Logistics) on both men’s and women’s kits in the same season.
Selhurst detailing: Some modern shirts include coordinates of Selhurst Park printed inside the neckline — a subtle nod to the club’s roots in Croydon.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you’ll find the full Crystal Palace collection — home, away, third, and retro shirts, along with training wear and fan merchandise. Every jersey is 100 % authentic and produced to official Premier League standards.
Personalisation is available across most shirts, letting you add your name or that of club legends such as Geoff Thomas, Wilfried Zaha, or Michael Olise.
For collectors and Premier League fans, explore related sections:
Why Crystal Palace Shirts Stand Out
Palace’s red and blue stripes symbolise South London pride — bold, unapologetic, and full of personality. Every shirt carries the spirit of Selhurst Park: loyal fans, fearless football, and a club that never stops fighting. Whether you’re adding to your collection or wearing it on matchday, a Crystal Palace shirt is more than a kit — it’s a declaration of identity.