The Story of Exeter City’s Kits
Founded in 1901, Exeter City FC have proudly worn red and white since 1910 — a colour combination that has become central to their identity and one of the most recognisable looks in lower-league football. The switch from their early green shirts (which clashed with local rivals Plymouth Argyle) marked the birth of the Grecians’ distinctive striped heritage.
For over a century, Exeter’s red-and-white stripes have symbolised unity, hard work, and pride in Devon’s capital city.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
Exeter’s early kits were basic cotton designs with wide vertical stripes. Over time, the pattern became more refined — alternating thin and thick bands, sometimes offset with black or gold trim. The club’s kits have been produced by notable brands such as Umbro, Puma, Joma, Carbrini, and Hummel, each bringing their own twist to the classic stripes.
The 1990s brought bolder sponsor logos and more adventurous away designs, while modern shirts have returned to cleaner patterns and heritage detailing. Away colours have varied widely — black, blue, yellow, and even purple — offering a refreshing contrast to the traditional red and white.
Exeter’s commitment to authenticity and community representation means their kits often include small tributes to the city, from embossed crests to local skyline motifs.
Famous Exeter City Shirts
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1910 Home Shirt – the first red-and-white striped design, still the club’s signature more than a century later.
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1980/81 Home Shirt – worn during Exeter’s memorable FA Cup run to the quarter-finals.
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2007/08 Home Shirt – marking the club’s promotion back to the Football League after five years in non-league football.
2019/20 Home Shirt – celebrating the club’s 100th year at St James Park.
Little-Known Facts About Exeter City Kits
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Early colours: Exeter originally wore green before switching to red and white to avoid confusion with Plymouth Argyle.
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Brazilian connection: Exeter played Brazil’s national team in 1914 — a match believed to be the Seleção’s first-ever game.
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Fan ownership: The Exeter City Supporters’ Trust has helped fund several kit launches, with proceeds going back into the club.
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Local ties: Sponsors have frequently included local Devon businesses, reflecting Exeter’s strong community ethos.
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Kit rarity: Vintage shirts from the 1980s and 1990s are highly collectible due to limited production runs.
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Unique crest: The double-headed eagle on the club badge represents the city’s coat of arms — a feature that’s proudly displayed on every shirt.
Charity editions: Exeter regularly release one-off kits supporting causes such as Mind and Children’s Hospice South West.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you’ll find the full Exeter City 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 Exeter favourites such as Matt Taylor, Steve Flack, or current-day stars from their League One campaigns.
Why Exeter City Shirts Stand Out
Few kits in football represent community and tradition like Exeter’s red-and-white stripes. Built on over a century of history and supporter pride, every Exeter City shirt tells the story of resilience, loyalty, and local identity. Whether you’re celebrating promotion memories or supporting the next generation of Grecians, these shirts are a timeless symbol of Devon’s football heart.