The Story of PAOK’s Kits
PAOK’s black-and-white colours are among the most distinctive in European football. Founded in 1926 by Greek refugees from Constantinople, the club adopted these colours as symbols of mourning and rebirth — black representing the sorrow of exile, white symbolising hope and renewal. Together, they became a visual statement of identity and resilience.
Over the decades, PAOK’s striped shirt has come to symbolise more than just sport; it represents northern Greece’s spirit, independence, and pride.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
In the early decades, PAOK’s kits featured wide black and white stripes, often handmade or locally produced. As the club grew, major international brands began to shape its visual identity — including Adidas, Nike, Macron, and Castore in recent years.
Each brand has reinterpreted PAOK’s stripes with a modern twist: sometimes narrow and sharp, sometimes wide and traditional. Away kits have included bold experiments — silver, gold, purple, even camouflage — but the home shirt has always stayed true to the black-and-white combination.
In the modern era, Macron and Castore have placed extra focus on fabric quality and fine detailing, often incorporating subtle nods to the Byzantine heritage and the double-headed eagle crest.
Famous PAOK Shirts
-
1975/76 Home Shirt – worn when PAOK won their first Greek championship, cementing their place among Greece’s elite clubs.
-
2000/01 Home Shirt – featuring sleek narrow stripes and worn during the club’s Greek Cup triumph.
-
2018/19 Home Shirt – celebrated as the invincible season when PAOK won the Super League unbeaten, a first in club history.
2021/22 European Kit – a minimalist black design with metallic crest detailing, worn during a deep Europa Conference League run.
Little-Known Facts About PAOK Kits
-
Constantinople roots: PAOK’s double-headed eagle crest symbolises the Byzantine Empire, connecting the club’s founders to their origins in Constantinople.
-
Colours with meaning: The black and white palette was chosen to represent both mourning for the past and hope for the future — one of the few football kits with deep cultural symbolism.
-
Early badge differences: Until the 1960s, the eagle faced the opposite direction on the shirt compared to today — it was flipped to align with the national emblem.
-
Unique fan culture: In 2018, the club released a limited-edition kit featuring the signatures of 10,000 season-ticket holders woven into the fabric.
-
Salonika pride: The collar lining on several Macron designs features the phrase “Hellas Thessaloniki PAOK,” reinforcing the club’s northern Greek identity.
-
European distinction: PAOK’s 2019–20 away kit was inspired by the Byzantine mosaics of Thessaloniki, featuring subtle geometric textures that went largely unnoticed until revealed by fans online.
Limited runs: PAOK often produces smaller quantities than other major clubs — making each season’s shirts highly collectible across Europe.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you’ll find the full PAOK Salonika range — including home, away, and third shirts, plus training wear and retro designs. Each jersey is 100% authentic, featuring the official crest, manufacturer logo, and sponsor detailing.
Personalisation is available on most shirts, allowing you to add your own name or that of club heroes like Vieirinha or Dimitris Pelkas.
For collectors and Greek football enthusiasts, explore related categories:
Why PAOK Shirts Stand Out
PAOK’s black-and-white shirts represent more than a club — they symbolise identity, resilience, and pride. Each design carries a story of cultural roots, modern success, and passionate support from Thessaloniki to the world. Whether you’re wearing the latest release or a retro classic, a PAOK shirt connects you to nearly a century of history and heritage.