The Story of Partick Thistle’s Kits
Few clubs in Scotland embrace colour and individuality quite like Partick Thistle. Originally founded in 1876, the club’s early colours were blue and yellow, but by the 1930s they had adopted the vibrant red-and-yellow combination that defines them today. Those fiery tones came to symbolise both the club’s attacking football and the warm, community spirit of Glasgow’s Maryhill district.
Nicknamed The Jags, Partick Thistle’s kits stand out not only for their colours but for their fearless experimentation — bold stripes, solid panels, and striking patterns that have evolved over generations.
Kit Evolution and Brand Heritage
Partick Thistle’s visual identity has changed frequently but always with flair. The club has partnered with a wide variety of manufacturers over the years, including Umbro, Hummel, Joma, and O’Neills, each interpreting the famous red and yellow in their own style.
Home shirts often feature vertical or horizontal striping, while away kits have ranged from black and white to purple, pink, and even tartan-inspired patterns. The club’s willingness to experiment — often with fan approval — has earned them a reputation for having some of the most distinctive shirts in Scottish football.
Recent designs have blended heritage with modern touches, using sublimated thistle motifs and minimalist trims to celebrate their history while appealing to a new generation of fans.
Famous Partick Thistle Shirts
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1971/72 Home Shirt – worn during the club’s unforgettable 4–1 League Cup Final win over Celtic, one of Scottish football’s biggest upsets.
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1994/95 Away Shirt – a bright purple classic from the Premier Division era, remembered fondly by supporters.
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2013/14 Home Shirt – marking their top-flight return, featuring crisp yellow-and-red vertical stripes.
2022/23 Centenary Shirt – a retro-inspired design celebrating 100 years at Firhill, blending history with contemporary detailing.
Little-Known Facts About Partick Thistle Kits
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Colour origins: The red and yellow combination was chosen to reflect the colours of the Maryhill burgh crest, tying the club’s look to its local identity.
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Not actually from Partick: Despite the name, the club moved to Maryhill in 1909 — though the “Partick” name and colours stayed as a symbol of their roots.
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The thistle emblem: The club crest has featured the Scottish thistle since 1902, one of the earliest examples of a national flower used in a football badge.
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Experimental 1990s: Partick Thistle were one of the first Scottish clubs to experiment with fluorescent colours in the early 1990s.
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Mascot fame: The club’s eccentric mascot, Kingsley — designed by Turner Prize-winning artist David Shrigley in 2015 — has appeared on several limited-edition shirts and training tops.
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Charity collaborations: The Jags have frequently used one-off shirts to raise money for local causes, including children’s charities and community food banks.
Fan-designed kits: Supporters have had direct input on several recent away designs, continuing the club’s tradition of individuality and creativity.
Our Range and Personalisation Options
At UK Soccer Shop, you can shop the full Partick Thistle collection — official home, away, and third shirts, plus retro classics and training wear. Every jersey is 100% authentic, featuring the official crest, manufacturer logo, and sponsor detailing.
Personalisation is available across most designs, allowing you to add your name or that of club legends such as Alan Rough, Kris Doolan, or Chris Erskine.
For fans of Scottish football heritage, explore related collections:
Why Partick Thistle Shirts Stand Out
Partick Thistle shirts embody creativity, individuality, and community pride. Their bright colours and fearless designs capture the essence of Glasgow’s football culture — proud, passionate, and slightly unpredictable. Whether you’re collecting retro classics or wearing the latest release, a Partick Thistle shirt is a bold expression of Scottish football at its most original.