The Story Behind Peru's Iconic Football Kits
The Peru national football team shirt is instantly recognisable across the footballing world, thanks to its distinctive diagonal red sash across a brilliant white background. This design has become one of international football's most enduring and beloved kits, representing a nation with a rich sporting heritage and passionate fanbase. The Peru kit embodies the country's national colours - red and white from the Peruvian flag - in a unique configuration that sets La Blanquirroja apart from every other team on the planet.
For football fans and kit collectors alike, Peru shirts represent something special. The simplicity and boldness of the design means it transcends mere sportswear - it's a symbol of national identity worn with immense pride by Peruvians worldwide. Whether you're watching them compete in the Copa América, battling through World Cup qualifiers, or taking on South American rivals like Brazil, Argentina and Chile, the Peru football shirt is unmistakable.
Evolution of the Peru Football Kit
Peru's football kit history dates back to the early 20th century when the national team first began competing internationally. The diagonal sash design was officially adopted in 1936, inspired by the kit worn by Peruvian club Universitario de Deportes. Before this, Peru had experimented with various designs, but none captured the imagination quite like the diagonal red stripe. This bold aesthetic choice was revolutionary for its time and has endured for nearly 90 years, with only minor modifications to keep pace with modern football kit technology.
The manufacturing history of Peru kits reflects the evolution of global sportswear. Over the decades, various brands have had the honour of producing La Blanquirroja's shirts. Adidas enjoyed a long association with the Peru national team during several periods, including their glory years of the 1970s. Walon Sport, a Peruvian company, took over kit production in the late 2000s, representing a period of national pride in home-grown manufacturing. More recently, Marathon Sports held the contract, continuing to modernise the traditional design while respecting its heritage.
Currently, Peru's kits feature contemporary performance fabrics, moisture-wicking technology, and ergonomic cuts that previous generations of players could only dream of. Yet the core design remains sacrosanct - that bold red sash continues to cut diagonally from the right shoulder to the left hip, just as it has for decades. The away kits have traditionally offered more variation, with red shirts featuring a white sash providing the inverse of the home design, though all-red and even grey alternatives have appeared over the years.
Sponsors have also played their part in Peru's kit story. Various companies have graced the chest of the Peru shirt over the years, from telecommunications giants to beer brands, each contributing to the financial sustainability of Peruvian football while accepting that their logo would always play second fiddle to that iconic diagonal stripe.
Most Iconic Peru Jerseys Through the Years
The 1970 Peru shirt holds legendary status in the nation's football folklore. Worn during the Mexico World Cup, this kit saw Peru reach the quarter-finals in what many consider the golden age of Peruvian football. Players like Teófilo Cubillas, Héctor Chumpitaz and Hugo Sotil wore this jersey as they thrilled the world with their attacking flair and technical brilliance. The simplicity of the design from this era - pure white with the red sash and minimal adornments - remains the template that modern iterations strive to honour.
The 1978 Argentina World Cup jersey holds similar reverence. Despite the tournament's political backdrop, Peru's kit from this competition represents another peak moment for La Blanquirroja on the world stage. These vintage Peru shirts are highly sought after by collectors today, commanding premium prices in the retro football shirt market.
More recently, the 2018 World Cup shirt marked Peru's return to football's biggest stage after a 36-year absence. This kit witnessed genuine emotion from Peruvian fans worldwide who had waited a generation to see their team compete in Russia. The modern interpretation of the classic design featured updated performance materials while maintaining the aesthetic purity that makes Peru's kit so special.
Little-Known Facts About Peru Football Kits
The diagonal sash on Peru's kit runs from right shoulder to left hip when viewed from the front - a detail that must be precisely replicated. The exact angle and width of the sash have been subject to subtle adjustments over the years, but the Peru Football Federation maintains strict guidelines to preserve the design's integrity.
Peru's nickname "La Blanquirroja" translates to "The White and Red," directly referencing their iconic kit colours. Interestingly, when Peru plays at home in Lima at the Estadio Nacional, the crowd of fans wearing replica shirts creates a sea of white with red diagonal lines - a stunning visual spectacle that demonstrates the kit's cultural significance beyond sport.
The Peru women's national team wears an identical design to the men's team, one of the few national sides where both teams' kits are indistinguishable (aside from cut and fit). This represents the unity of Peruvian football regardless of gender and gives the women's team equal claim to the nation's most famous sporting symbol.
During the 1980s and 1990s, some Peru away kits featured unusual colour combinations including light blue and even pink variations, representing experimental periods that have since given way to more traditional red-based designs for the alternate strip.
Our Peru Football Shirt Collection
At UK Soccer Shop, we stock an extensive range of Peru football shirts to suit every fan. Our collection includes official Peru home kits, away jerseys, and training wear from the current season. We offer replica versions that provide the same great look at a more accessible price point. Sizes are available for adults and children, ensuring the whole family can support La Blanquirroja together.
We also maintain a selection of retro Peru shirts celebrating the most iconic designs from the team's history. These vintage jerseys are perfect for collectors or fans who want to own a piece of Peruvian football heritage. From classic 1970s designs to memorable tournament kits, our retro range lets you own the shirts that defined generations.
Official Personalisation Options
Make your Peru football shirt truly your own with our professional printing service. Add any player's name and number in official lettering, or create a custom shirt with your own name on the back. Popular choices include legends like Paolo Guerrero (Peru's all-time leading scorer), Christian Cueva, and current squad members, but you're free to choose any name and number combination you desire.
Our printing service extends to international football shirts across our entire range, so whether you're also shopping for European teams, other South American nations, or club football shirts, you can personalise them all.
Why Choose UK Soccer Shop for Your Peru Kit?
We pride ourselves on being one of the UK's leading football shirt retailers, offering genuine merchandise, competitive pricing, and exceptional customer service. When you order a Peru football shirt from us, you're guaranteed an authentic product with fast dispatch and reliable delivery. We're passionate about football and understand what it means to wear your team's colours, which is why we go the extra mile to ensure every customer receives exactly what they're looking for.