Step onto the pitch and into history with AC Milan’s latest shirt for the 24-25 season. The new design pays homage to tradition but incorporates innovative elements to celebrate the club’s storied history in a stylish and modern way.
Introduction to AC Milan and their iconic red/black colors
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about AC Milan is their iconic red and black striped jerseys, the origins of which can be traced back to 1899, when Kilpin, a professional tailor, designed the team’s first jerseys. He chose the colours as a tribute to his hometown team Notts County.
The choice of red and black stripes is significant for AC Milan as it represents not only their club but also their city. These colours are deeply rooted in Italian culture as they also appear on the flag of Lombardy (the region where Milan is based).
In 1910, white shorts were added to complete the classic look that is now renowned worldwide. For the 1942-43 season in the Fascist era, the club were required to wear white jerseys emblazoned with the Red Cross. However, in 1945 they reverted to the original red and black stripes.
In recent years, the design of the AC Milan kit has changed slightly, but the red and black stripes have always remained the same. The most notable change came during the 2012-13 season when Adidas introduced thicker vertical stripes instead of the traditional pinstripes.
Design elements of the new 24-25 kit and how it pays homage to tradition
One of the most striking features of the new shirt is the return to the vertical stripes, a classic design that has been synonymous with AC Milan for decades. This iconic design was first introduced in 1899 and has since become an integral part of the club’s identity.
Representing passion, power and strength, the red and black stripes have always been associated with AC Milan. However, what sets this particular kit apart is the subtle addition of gold accents.
There are two notable additions to the new kit – the St George’s Cross on the collar and the ‘Diavolo Rosso’ (Red Devils) crest. The St George’s Cross is a symbol that is closely associated with Milan, as it represents the city and its patron saint.
Evolution of AC Milan’s kits over the years
The first official AC Milan shirt was introduced in 1899 when the club was founded by Englishman Herbert Kilpin. It featured a white shirt with thin red and black vertical stripes and black shorts.
It wasn’t until 1919 that AC Milan reintroduced the colour red into the uniform after merging with another local team, US Internazionale Torino. This led to a new striped design featuring thicker alternating red and black stripes and white shorts.
In 1946, after the end of the Second World War, AC Milan made another major change to their kit by adding thinner diagonal pinstripes within each main stripe.
In 1981, Adidas made another change when they added three thick horizontal bands to the front of the jersey with a geometric pattern on the lower band.
In recent years, AC Milan’s jersey has undergone subtle changes from various suppliers such as Lotto, Reebok and Puma. However, the iconic red and black stripes have remained a constant feature throughout all of these iterations.
Conclusion
AC Milan’s iconic red and black colours are not only a style statement, but also have a profound historical significance for the club and its city.
These colours are a symbol of tradition, passion and strength – all values that are deeply rooted in AC Milan’s identity as one of Europe’s most successful football clubs.