The Story of Hearts’ Kits
Founded in 1874, Heart of Midlothian FC — or simply Hearts — are one of Scotland’s most historic clubs. Their deep maroon home colours are among the most distinctive in British football, representing pride, loyalty, and tradition.
The club’s name and colours are inspired by Sir Walter Scott’s novel Heart of Midlothian and by the old Edinburgh Tolbooth’s heart-shaped mosaic, still a landmark near the Royal Mile today. Over generations, the maroon shirt has become a symbol of the city itself and a rallying point for supporters across Scotland.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
Hearts’ earliest shirts were a mix of maroon, crimson, and claret shades, often varying season to season as dye quality differed. By the early 1900s, the club standardised its deep maroon colour, pairing it with white shorts and black socks — a combination that remains largely unchanged today.
Manufacturers such as Umbro, Adidas, Hummel, Puma, and Umbro Scotland have each interpreted the famous maroon in their own way. The club’s partnership with Umbro in the 1980s and its modern link with Umbro again have both produced elegant, heritage-driven designs.
Away kits traditionally contrast sharply — from white and gold to bold navy, mint, and even grey — often inspired by Tynecastle’s architecture or Edinburgh’s skyline.
Famous Hearts Shirts
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1955/56 Home Shirt – worn during one of the club’s greatest ever seasons, winning both the League Championship and the Scottish Cup.
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1997/98 Home Shirt – remembered for the Scottish Cup Final victory over Rangers, ending a 36-year wait for silverware.
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2005/06 Home Shirt – iconic for the club’s second-place league finish and Scottish Cup triumph.
2019/20 Retro-Inspired Kit – celebrating classic maroon design and the opening of the new Tynecastle stand.
Little-Known Facts About Hearts Kits
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Maroon origins: The exact shade of maroon is unique to Hearts — said to have been mixed from local Edinburgh dyes in the 19th century.
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Royal influence: Hearts’ colours were chosen partly to reflect Edinburgh’s royal heritage, earning them the nickname “The Maroons” long before the term became official.
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Badge symbolism: The heart-shaped crest is based on the Heart of Midlothian mosaic on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, where supporters still spit on the heart for good luck.
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Wartime tribute: In 1914, several Hearts players enlisted to fight in World War I — a special “McCrae’s Battalion” shirt has been released in their memory.
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European firsts: Hearts were one of the first Scottish clubs to wear numbered shirts in European competition.
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Fan connection: The club’s Foundation of Hearts supporters’ trust is referenced subtly inside some modern shirts as a nod to the fans’ ownership model.
Colour purity: Hearts have resisted sponsor overloading, ensuring their maroon shirts retain a clean, traditional look — rare in modern football.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you’ll find the full Heart of Midlothian range — official home, away, and third shirts, retro editions, and training wear. Every jersey is 100% authentic, featuring the official club crest, manufacturer logo, and sponsor detailing.
Personalisation is available across most designs, letting you add your name or that of club heroes such as John Robertson, Rudi Skácel, or Lawrence Shankland.
Explore related collections to complete your Scottish football lineup:
Why Hearts Shirts Stand Out
Few clubs in world football have such a distinctive and timeless look as Hearts. The deep maroon shirt is a statement of history, belonging, and passion — as tied to Edinburgh as the castle that overlooks it. Whether you’re reliving past glories or supporting today’s side, a Heart of Midlothian shirt embodies the pride and heritage of Scottish football at its most authentic.