critical analysis

I’ve decided that Croatia have the best uniforms of the tournament so far!

First of all they have solid white socks. This may seem trivial, but socks play a huge role in the overall effect of a uniform. After all it’s the socks that show of the speed and movements of the players – the angles at which they stand off the turf, the way they blur when players run, and how they contrast to the field and the shoes is critical to communicating the deft movements of these incredible athletes. Dark socks just don’t cut it, even when they elegantly match a solid color scheme like Italy’s or Portugal’s. Not enough contrast from the surroundings with dark socks, not enough flash. Some of the teams with white socks have gone and ruined them by adding all sorts of odd vertical stripes, which while designed to me slimming, I’m sure, just don’t work. 1 to 3 horizontal stripes are acceptable because of the way the create arcs as a player runs, but vertical stripes just get in the way of the pristine white.

Second, Croatia are one of the few teams who still use a unique jersey designed after their countries flag. 1994 was loaded with custom jerseys – Mexico’s sublimated Aztec design at the top of the list at the time – but since then makers have gone for plain and understated. At first I like this, it was a refreshing change and the Nike jerseys worn by Brazil, the US, and a few others were classy. But now everyone has the same jersey in a different color! And they are all decorated with little wispy highlights around the seams that look like someone missed the pattern while sewing. Croatia on the other hand use the bold red and white checker pattern of their national flag for a dynamic look. The solid white back keeps it from being overwhelming, and the loose fit (unlike the muscle shirt-style made by Puma and some others) allows the shirt to wave and ripple under the arms and along the side of the torso as the run…and especially when they celebrate by flying with outstretched arms! The waving flag effect is especially enhanced by the slow-motion replays of the celebrations. It’s a great effect on the field, but also the crowd has a unique look that’s both dizzying and electrifying.

While I’m not a big fan of white shorts (light top, dark shorts, white socks as a general rule) Croatia make them work and as a whole the uniform is classy, flashy, and individual all at the same time.

Argentina are probably a close second with the vertical striped jerseys they’ve worn for years. Adidas did a nice job on these and like the Croatian shirts they have that waving effect and the flag reference. They compliment the shirts with black shorts and white socks…everything you could ask for. Too bad Spain have the same jersey, different colors.

Even though Brazil are going with the blue socks, its hard not to enjoy their classic yellow and blue. They didn’t do anything to ruin it, so we are left with flashbacks to the teams of Pele, Zico, and Socrates.

A few honorable mentions: Angola for the horizontal colors on the jersey, Holland for still being brave enough to wear solid orange, and T&T because everything about them is worth celebrating!

As for the worst? Ukraine have got to take the cake so far, and not just because they have the worst loss (though thankfully someone took that role away from the US)! That hideous all yellow with the horrible blue razor stripes…I’m surprised their coach wasn’t wearing Will Farrell’s blue on blue tiger outfit. It actually looked like a Nuevo college football uniform and I half expect the Oregon Ducks to copy it next year. Somehow Sweden didn’t look as bad…

Also in the running is every team with a Puma jersey sporting those three logos around the collar – talk about your logo creep! Nike has learned to downplay the swoosh, Puma needs to take the hint.

Of course this is only based on the first set of games…we’ll soon see who’s second jerseys effect the standings.