The new England home shirt was revealed this afternoon as England strode on the Wembley pitch for their friendly international against Slovakia. And, for the first time, the shirt has been created using a bespoke tailoring process for each player.

While the unique all-white kit is notable for its clean, classic, simplified look, it is the product of a complex design journey. Umbro has reclaimed its proud heritage with a modern, ‘Football Tailoring’ concept, which involved fitting sessions for every player, making each individual squad member’s kit unique to them.

New England Shirt

Umbro’s design team, headed up by senior designer David Blanch, was joined by noted RCA graduate Aitor Throup, a specialist in motion design and Savile Row trained tailor Charlie Allen. Together they deconstructed the traditional shirt and evaluated every stitch and seam in relation to its purpose in football.

The result is a stylish, made-to-measure kit specifically designed to adapt to and reflect player movement during a game.

The fabric used is an evolution of current kit materials, combining a high cotton content with performance capabilities and breathability. The shorts come in different length fittings and even the socks have had seams repositioned and feature special ankle sections for improved fit.

Taking initial inspiration from the all-white strip worn in the 1966 World Cup semi-final against Argentina, the new England Shirt is a stunning statement of confidence in pure, unadulterated, white-on-white. Even the star representing England’s 1966 World Cup victory is in tonal white.

The only colours on display on the new England Shirt are a red Umbro logo and the newly-designed, light blue ‘Three Lions’ Crest.

Every detail on the kit has been considered: from the easy-hanging, darted shoulders and ribbed, vented underarm, to the flattened inside seams; from the single-button placket collar to the layout of the airflow vents (which are arranged in the pattern of the roses on the Crest).

Every detail is designed purposefully for ultimate performance and stylish appearance. The kit also features a small section under the badge for the name of the opposition and the match date for each game.

After being individually measured and fitted, each player will wear their own, bespoke kit. John Terry, captain of England commented:

The fitting process quickly made us realise that Umbro’s approach for 2009 was going to be very different from anything that has been done before. Having a shirt that matches your own personal measurements creates a kit that literally has the fit and style of a tailored suit. You immediately feel comfortable and confident when you put the kit on.

The crisp smartness of the new kit reflects the approach and increased confidence seen for England under team manager Fabio Capello, who played a pivotal role in approving the design and process. Capello said:

The opportunity to be part of the process allowed me to input my vision for the future of the England team. The Football Tailoring concept will instill pride and confidence into the player wearing the kit and will create an intimidating visual for the opposition.

In line with the new ‘Football Tailoring’ approach, the new England shirt will be the first ever to be sold by chest size instead of the conventional small, medium and large sizes.

The new England shirt is available priced at £50, order yours now.

» Comment here