While we are already over a week into the Soccer Worldcup in South Africa, and the first not very successful England game kicked of Saturday last week, I still wanted to show a little refashion project I made for our littlest supporter and discuss the main Jersey designs on pitch in SA.
Above: Father and daughter proudly sporting their partner look. I cut up a men’s sized official Umbro Away Jersey (also see below), and created a little dress out of it by using a Figgy’s Kids pattern that I was happy enough to test (the pattern will come out later this year). I did a couple of little adjusts like lowering the neck and adding some elastic shirring around the waist – which was easy as the pattern is simple and straight forward. Shelly and Karen are providing super tricks and tips on how to work with knits without the use of a serger. Once you have accomplished your first tee or dress, the inner designer in you will roar and you won’t be able to stop yourself making more and jazzing things up as you wish.
Talking about design. I looked a little bit closer at the jerseys that are currently working the pitches in South Africa and wanted to express my thoughts.
Nike:
Photos: Nike.
The Nike Jerseys are as expected very clean with the major visible federation design elements being sublimated graphics. The use of side panels with mesh inserts and the tried and trusted dri-fit technology. What is remarkable however is that Nike uses 100% recycled polyester material in their jerseys. Nike sponsors a total of 9 federations at the WC.
I think I haven’t talked about shoes on this blog – especially not trainers, but these are truly outstanding and dominant on the pitch in South Africa right now and designed by my very talented hubby. So excuse this promo: More info and insight on his creative process here and here, here and here.
Adidas:
Photo: adidas
Adidas is by far the largest Sponsor in the World Cup. They outfit about 12 federations with the key ones being Germany, Argentina, Spain, Mexico, South Africa. I like how adidas is going for a more classic spin on the German, Argentinian and Spain jerseys with a slimmer fit and variations on their trademark 3-stripe design. All jerseys feature their Clima Cool technology and use virgin polyester fabrications with mesh panel inserts. The biggest feature on field are the printed silicone-like straps on the jerseys. A technology that adidas has been working with for quite some time which is supposed to lead to increased Proprioception. The theory is that by wearing a garment with this technology, the athlete has a higher sensory perception of his body parts in relation to the one where pressure is applied. This is achieved by compressing muscle groups and in case of the adidas jerseys, a sensory experience through rubberized printed areas.
However, some jerseys I feel are still a bit too busy. France for example looks a bit too 90s with the print that reads too busy on field (which is surely not the reason why the players boycott training right now) and the greek jersey with it’s asymetrical, decorative flatlock stitching isn’t my favorite either.
Adidas also runs the strategy to highlight their strong soccer past by offering a special edition box containing a retro jersey and a current 2010 jersey at a price tag of $300. They do the same for Mexico and France. What kept me wondering was why the pack is sold under the Original Logo. Is adidas looking more into their great past then what the future brings?
Puma:
While Puma has been a strong powerhouse with football and sponsors 7 federations, 5 of which are from the African continent, the team that promises the most success is Italy. And this is probably the nicest jerseys of them all. Now I have to correct myself here as I am watching the Germany – Ghana game: The Ghana Jersey is the best one. Love the Star on the right front shoulder.
Photo: bigsoccer.com
Umbro:
While Umbro’s Kit designed by Aitor Troup, is probably my favorite jersey it’s unfortunately only sported by the English team. He used a cotton polyester blend in the front that has a very pleasing hand. Mesh back panel for lumbar ventilation was used and elastic jersey for the raglan sleeve construction to achieve a very fitted sleeve that is knowingly difficult to create. The pattern has some neat and thought out elements, like upper back darts around the shoulder plates. It is very clean and classic with beautiful design elements. We’ll see how long we can watch this jersey in action in South Africa.
So, do need to note something here as I have learned: The jersey was in fact designed by an internal Umbro designer who seemed not to have the ‘street cred’ then Aitor has, who has been featured on the Kanyewest blog. He’s probably most famous for multiple 3D gasmask protruding from shirts. Very reminiscent of concepts an old colleague of mine.
7/10/10 – Quick update – hopefully a helpful one if you are int he business of making the Tara Top or dress. I gave my version of the Tara to my friend Susan this week. She’s 5 months pregnant (you can’t even notice!) and the dress looks beautiful on her! So my suggestion would be to make the dress at least one if not two size smaller than the measurements suggest. If you want to be really sure, I’ll make one maybe next week in size 38. Then we’ll know for sure!
