Although 2023 has seen many new trends, phases, and styles in clothing, we can all admit that most of us have a soft spot for vintage looks and retro vibes. The saying 'out with the old, in with the new' isn't so relevant nowadays in the football community, with more of the 'old' kits, boots, and trends coming back for a second spin. Adidas has hit this nail perfectly on its head with their new release of the Retro Originals Collections for Germany, Spain, Argentina, Columbia, Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Mexico and Jamaica.
Adidas created this campaign to bring back iconic looks from the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Within the new range, we don’t see any permed hair, ruffles, or flares; however, we do get blasted into the past with the Beckenbauer-styled tracksuit, original trefoil logo, and unique collars and trims. Adidas has achieved such simplicity yet excellence in these pieces, which we can see being worn as lifestyle wear over anything else.
The Germany gear includes two alternative jerseys, one predominantly white home and green away jersey. Adidas has managed to blend the red, black, and yellow colours throughout the collar and title stars. The lifestyle pieces are more subtle, with white being the predominant colour, along with black stitching. Simplicity is key for the basics, making it not boring but balanced. The jersey pair rekindles memories of the German team that won Euro '96.
Spain, however, is bold, colourful, and striking. Although they’ve stuck to their route colours—red, yellow, and blue—adidas has incorporated two opposite-coloured sleeves on the jersey. Three stripes of yellow and red direct the badge vertically down the jersey, while the windbreaker-type jacket is dark blue with red and yellow accents. Spain’s Beckenbauer tracksuit is mind-blowing. With a mulberry-purple look mixed with a light indigo shade, embroidered with white stitching, this must be one of the smartest looks adidas has created. A more complex design that captures the 1996 tournament precisely.
No jerseys for Italy, Belgium, Sweden, Colombia, or Jamaica feature classic tracksuits along with basic vintage tees. A vintage adidas tracksuit wouldn’t be recognised without the thick cuffed sleeves or turtleneck collars. Each nation's primary colours have been used within the items, finished off with the crisp three stripes running down the shoulders.
Mexico’s products take us back to the 1986 FIFA World Cup in their homeland, with the design being inspired by the classic mid-80s look. Red, green, and white – Adidas has blended this unique palette to create a subtle yet standout design. A full mint green tracksuit with orange stripes? C’mon now! The tee is a little bolder than the jersey itself, with the tee being predominantly red with white trims; the jersey contradicts this design massively. Mexico couldn’t go for a bright tracksuit, tee, and jersey, so they’ve left the jersey white. However, this is where the striped red, green, and white trims take the stage. This plain jersey is just the right amount of simplicity, allowing the story to be told through the stitching.
Argentina is the only nation to include a predominantly black tracksuit; however, adidas has still managed to incorporate white and baby blue within the shoulder stripes. The jersey, however, may be the cleanest one seen so far while still being such an eye-catching piece. This vibrant blue, along with the black additions, allows the jersey to show its loud presence in any scene. Football in Argentina has been developed through their number 10’s: Diego Maradona, Omar Sivori, Lionel Messi, you name it, Argentina has had it. That’s why the number 10 has been added to the jersey in bold, boxy lettering. The matching shorts would finish this kit off in perfection.
