5 Alternate Kit Legends: A Visual History Of Manchester City’S Extra Jerseys

When it comes to football clubs with rich histories and unforgettable kits, Manchester City stands as one of the Premier League's most storied teams. From their classic Sky Blue home strip to the array of colorful and innovative alternate kits, City has never shied away from expressing their identity through their apparel. This blog post delves into the visual history of Manchester City's extra jerseys - those alternate kits that have been integral in the club's branding and fandom over the years.

The First Forays into Alternate Kits 🚀

Origins and First Attempts

In the early days of football, teams often had a single kit which served for home and away games alike. However, as the game evolved, so did the need for a secondary strip, particularly to avoid color clashes with other teams. Manchester City made their first forays into alternate kits in the late 1970s.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City first alternate kit" alt="Manchester City First Alternate Kit"></div>

Important:

• Manchester City's first alternate kit was introduced in the 1975-76 season.
• It was a simple but striking design, featuring a maroon shirt with white shorts and black socks.

<p class="pro-note">⚽️ Note: The use of maroon was likely inspired by the colors of the Belgian club Standard Liège, with whom Manchester City had a friendly relationship during that era.</p>

The 1980s - A Decade of Dazzling Designs ✨

Gold and Blue Stripes: A Bold Statement

The '80s were a period when Manchester City experimented with bold patterns and colors. A particularly memorable kit was their 1980-81 away kit.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City 1980s kit" alt="Manchester City 1980s Kit"></div>

• This kit featured gold and blue stripes, a daring move away from their traditional colors.
• The kit symbolized the club's ambition to make a mark not only on the field but also in the fashion arena.

The Tartan Takeover

City also donned a tartan kit in the mid-80s, aligning with the era's fascination with Scottish and Celtic themes.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City tartan kit" alt="Manchester City Tartan Kit"></div>

• The tartan design was rare in football, making this kit stand out not just for its uniqueness but also for its cultural nod.

The 90s and Early 2000s - Nostalgia and Change 🧑‍🏫

The Purple Revolution

The '90s saw Manchester City taking the kit evolution a step further with the introduction of the 1995-96 purple and gold third kit.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City purple kit" alt="Manchester City Purple Kit"></div>

• This alternate strip was a testament to the club's willingness to embrace radical change, combining regal colors with a bold design.

The Blue and Black Revival

The turn of the millennium brought nostalgia with a 2001-02 away kit featuring blue stripes over a black background.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City blue and black kit" alt="Manchester City Blue and Black Kit"></div>

• This design harkened back to a historical era of City’s identity, reinforcing the notion of tradition amidst progress.

Modern Era - Innovation Meets Heritage 🧳

The Cult Kits of the Late 2000s

The late 2000s were an interesting time for Manchester City kits, with the introduction of 2007-08 third kit featuring a light blue and white vertical stripe design.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City 2007-08 kit" alt="Manchester City 2007-08 Kit"></div>

• This kit was embraced by fans and has become somewhat of a cult classic in City's wardrobe.

Etisalat Era: The Beginnings of New Tradition

As the club entered the new era under new ownership, alternate kits became more prominent, with the 2010-11 kit symbolizing a significant shift in the club's fortunes.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City 2010-11 kit" alt="Manchester City 2010-11 Kit"></div>

• Marking the beginning of the Etisalat era, this kit encapsulated the club's modern, forward-looking identity.

The Citroen and GMC Inspirations 🚗

Auto-inspired Kits

City’s kits have often had unique inspirations, with the 2017-18 kit showcasing a design reminiscent of Citroen's iconic green.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City Citroen kit" alt="Manchester City Citroen Kit"></div>

• This automobile-inspired kit provided a refreshing change from traditional football kit designs.

GMC and the Bold Stripe

Building on the auto-inspiration, the 2018-19 third kit drew inspiration from GMC's color schemes, showcasing City's diverse influences.

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Manchester City GMC kit" alt="Manchester City GMC Kit"></div>

<p class="pro-note">🔍 Note: Both Citroen and GMC were not just design inspirations but also partners of Manchester City during those respective seasons.</p>

Conclusion

From humble beginnings in maroon to daring gold stripes, tartan patterns, and modern automotive influences, Manchester City's alternate kits have woven a rich tapestry of design and tradition. Each kit not only tells a story of fashion and creativity but also reflects the club's ethos at various points in its history. From color revolutions to cultural nods and bold design statements, Manchester City has embraced its kit as an extension of its identity. The journey through their alternate kits has shown that while tradition holds strong, the club is never afraid to venture into new territories, making every season a canvas for their expressive flair.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What was Manchester City's first alternate kit?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>The first alternate kit for Manchester City was introduced in the 1975-76 season and featured a maroon shirt, white shorts, and black socks.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why did Manchester City introduce alternate kits?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Originally, clubs had one strip for home and away games, but alternate kits were introduced to avoid color clashes with opposing teams, and later as a means to express the club's identity through fashion and branding.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What are some of the most memorable alternate kits worn by Manchester City?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Some of the most memorable include the gold and blue striped kit of the 1980-81 season, the tartan kit from the mid-80s, the purple and gold third kit in the 1995-96 season, and the automobile-inspired kits from the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>