While adidas’s dual-layer templates introduced for the 2002 World Cup were ultra-modern in construction in order to aid players deal with high temperatures, from a distance they looked almost retro.
Bar the eyelets to allow the inner layer to do its thing, they offered simple crew- or v-necks devoid of extraneous trim and there was little in the way of jazzy designs – one of our favourite versions was the hastily-knocked-up blue Sweden away.
The simplicity should be ideal, then, for a throwback-infused FKF, we hope – the test case is West Ham United, with 2002 close to the midpoint between their two adidas eras.
In 2002-03, the Hammers were in their final season with Fila – the home kit launched a year previously was rooted in the classic look, its companion sky-blue away, equally history-referencing, was still available as a third and the new away was white and claret to complete a fine set.
While the adidas template’s reliance on raglan sleeves is probably a mark against recreating ‘the’ West Ham look, it still has heritage in that it harks back to the club’s first adidas set in 1980.
We had added some blue trim to the away – it was lacking in real life – while the horizontal bar seen on the Germany away and Leverkusen home at the time serves as a way of channelling the two-bar 1960s look while also embracing modernity.
As ever, feedback is welcome, along with future FKF requests – comment below or get in touch on Bluesky, Twitter or Facebook.
These 3 shirts would be really great in case of being real, all of them very beauty but with 2 brilliant brands adidas and Dr martens as sponsor.
Bonus points for having Di Canio too