Flags to Fabrics:

With the World Cup currently in play, it’s prescient to look at how some countries use their national colors to outfit their teams with jerseys that reflect national flags and more, evolving into iconic team kits. But it’s more than just taking the flag's colors and sticking them on a jersey — often a national team’s kit invokes national identity as well. With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most striking and memorable kits from this year’s tournament, as well as exploring just how jersey design works.

Whether you’re designing custom jerseys for your club or kitting out your country, the idea behind a good jersey remains the same. As well as looking great, jerseys need to be made of breathable material for maximum comfort on the playing field. Some sides have even made use of cooling gear, as temperatures are soaring this summer and it’s important to stay cool even if you’re not currently playing. That said, there are plenty of custom accessories you can choose for your team as well.

This year’s kits have introduced heritage storytelling, national icons, historical symbols and designs and many other elements, marking one of the biggest shifts in jersey design for over a decade. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable examples.

Ghana’s home colors have a pencil-sketch element, and the prerequisite black star that their country requires on its jerseys. The pencil sketch is intricate, like a spider’s web, referencing Ananse, the spider character from the folklore stories of the Akan people. The black star sits proudly in the center of the shirt. Custom soccer jerseys like these are easy to make for your own club too, with 3D design technology and other cutting-edge features to help you make the perfect kit.

The Mexican national side has a long history of iconic kits (including goalkeeping jerseys), and the co-hosts have embraced that tradition again this year. Inspired by the much-loved 1998 World Cup shirt, the new look draws on the Aztec Piedra del Sol calendar and Mexico’s national palette. It can’t be denied that it’s a super strong-looking kit, even though Mexico may have already ended their campaign.

Second favorites in the tournament, France have come up with a winning design for their home colors. The trademark bleu has been offset with a striking zig-zag design, and the return of the white color last seen during their successful 1998 campaign. Let’s see if it brings them good fortune this time round.

The co-hosts have already bowed out of the tournament, but that doesn’t mean their kit isn’t worth a mention. It marks a striking departure from the all-white of previous years, with the stripes of the national flag bedecking the jersey. Custom jerseys like this are easy to design for your club, whether you’re playing Sunday league in the park or semi-pro.

The smallest nation to grace the biggest stage, Curaçao may be out, but their away colors are still getting tongues wagging. A minimalist design lifted by its classic three stripes in the country’s colors and a simple trefoil. Whether it’s minimalism you favour or something more intricate, you can incorporate your dream design into a soccer jersey.

Reaching the World Cup finals after an almost three-decade absence is something to cheer, and the Norwegians have marked it with a bold, almost traditional design. The nation's flag is boldly emblazoned on the jersey, and it has even been praised by GQ, if you needed any more convincing.

Despite a disappointing end to their first World Cup since 1998, having bowed out at the group stage, the Scots sure know how to design a great away kit. This time round they went for coral, paying homage to the colors of the mid-90s, with a clean, no-collar design which adds up to a great look. This simple look is great for kids’ soccer jerseys, with no fiddly bits.

Another throwback design taking its cues from classic 80s shirts, the Spanish away colors are striking and simple. They were already selling fast before the start of the tournament, and the team will be hoping for more chances to wear them before the finals are over.

Despite a heartbreaking loss to the mighty Brazil in the round of 32, the away colors of Japan have had tongues wagging since they first went on display. Multi colored thin pinstripes against a white trefoil background, the shirt looks great and could easily be worn as general casual wear. It could easily inspire amateur sides looking to create something distinctive and affordable themselves.

Noticing a trend? Away colors give designers more scope to fit their players out with wilder or more intricate designs than regular ‘home’ colors. Belgium’s second kit combines frozen blue and pastel pink, ostensibly inspired by the nation’s famed surrealist movement. Simple or multicolored, you’ll find that you can tailor your own team’s jersey online with minimal fuss or hassle.

It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Three Lions, does it? However far England go in the tournament, they’re always decked out in the classic white jersey (with an honourable mention for the iconic red away shirt so loved by fans and players alike). Simple and classic, it’s a time-honoured shirt, and has pretty much sold out in replica form the world over.

The World Cup is beloved by much of the world, even those who don’t take much interest in the sport during regular season play. It’s a feast of colors, patterns, and striking design which reflects the passion with which supporters and players bring to this top-tier event.

Image credits Title image: Unsplash / Cristian Tarzi; Image 2: IMAGO / SAYSPORTS; Image 3: IMAGO / DeFodi Images; Image 4: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire; Image 5: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire; Image 6: Unsplash / Visionhaus; Image 7: IMAGO / VCG; Image 8: IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire; Image 9: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire; Image 10: IMAGO / Icon Sportswire; Image 11: IMAGO / Gribaudi/ImagePhoto; Image 12: IMAGO / Moritz Müller