The Famous Blue Shirt: Evolution of Chelsea’s Kits The history of Chelsea’s iconic blue jersey

The evolution of Chelsea Football Club’s blue jersey is a testament to the club’s deep-rooted tradition, innovation, and fan loyalty. From Chelsea’s founding in 1905, their kit has seen multiple changes, showcasing its rise from a humble football squad to a major football force.

Initial Roots and Identity (1905–1930s)

When Chelsea was founded in 1905, the club’s original kit featured Eton blue and white, tied to the Earl of Cadogan, the club’s inaugural president. Despite being referred to as «The Pensioners», after the Chelsea Pensioners, British war veterans, the team never adopted the Pensioners’ iconic red military uniforms. As early as 1906, Chelsea adopted the now-famous royal blue color, which has since become the club’s signature color.

The transition to royal blue was gradual, becoming fully embraced by the 1930s. In this era, Chelsea introduced its classic royal blue shirt, white shorts, and black socks with blue and white details. This kit, with its rugby-style collar, became synonymous with the club. This color scheme, inspired by the Earl of Cadogan’s racing colors, solidified Chelsea‘s identity in football.

The Ted Drake Era and First League Title (1950s)

In the 1950s, Ted Drake’s management brought a major transformation to Chelsea. Appointed in 1952, he replaced the traditional Cadogan-inspired crest with a modernized emblem. Drake’s vision went beyond visual changes, guiding Chelsea to its first-ever League Championship in 1955. The championship-winning kit, featuring a royal blue shirt, white knickers, and black stockings, became iconic, marking Chelsea’s rise in English football.

The Iconic 1960s and Lion Crest

The 1960s brought further changes, as the club launched its lion crest in 1960. This lion, derived from the first president’s family arms, became a significant emblem of the club’s heritage. Chelsea also embraced the now-iconic look of blue shirts, white shorts, and blue socks during this period. This look helped Chelsea establish its identity as a leading football club. By the late 1960s, the team secured major titles, such as the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup, further solidifying the royal blue jersey’s place in football history.

1970s Cup-Winning Kits

In the 1970s, Chelsea made several design innovations. One notable change was the addition of two stars on the jersey to represent the club’s FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup triumphs. The FA Cup-winning kit from 1970 remains one of Chelsea’s most celebrated looks, featuring blue shirts, white shorts, and blue socks as part of Chelsea’s golden era. Other tweaks, such as experimenting with white shorts and black socks, added variety to the classic design.

The 1980s and the Introduction of the Chelsea Collection

The 1980s marked a period of both challenge and innovation. Chelsea launched the «Chelsea Collection», a unique marketing strategy aimed at rejuvenating the club’s identity. The club introduced a new crest with a leaping lion over «CFC,» making Chelsea the first English club to market its kit as a fashion product. This collection included bold designs, with distinct red and white stripes accenting the royal blue.

Although the 1980s were turbulent in terms of performance, the club’s kit innovations laid the foundation for modern marketing success.

The Roman Abramovich Era and Chelsea’s Transformation (2003 Onwards)

Roman Abramovich’s acquisition of Chelsea in 2003 transformed the club. With massive financial support, Chelsea started signing top-tier players and securing major titles, including multiple Premier League championships. Abramovich’s era also brought big changes to the club’s kit. Chelsea entered partnerships with major global brands like Adidas and Nike, ensuring modern and technologically advanced kit designs. Nike’s AeroSwift technology, making kits lighter and more breathable, was a breakthrough in the 2010s.

Innovation and Tradition in the 2020s

Recently, Chelsea has found a balance between tradition and innovation. Their 2020s kits honor the legendary blue jersey while incorporating modern elements, including dynamic designs and high-performance materials. The 2020/21 kit showcased a diamond pattern that beautifully mixed modern aesthetics with Chelsea’s historical roots. Bold away kits, such as gradient blue and white designs, have been embraced.

Chelsea’s partnership with Nike has continued to yield exciting new kits, blending performance-enhancing technology with fresh styles. Nike’s Dri-FIT ADV technology is a standout feature, ensuring the players’ comfort during matches.

Legacy of the Blue Jersey