Home and away: Ranking the Women’s World Cup jerseys

An obsession with football uniforms has escaped the fusty confines of men’s locker rooms faster than a spritz of Lynx body spray, with an outbreak of prints and colours on jerseys at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Sportswear giants Adidas, Nike and Le Coq Sportif are among the brands investing heavily in women’s uniforms and accompanying merchandise, with a level of detail that – unlike player salaries – matches their male counterparts.

Most athletes are already winners, with uniforms that address performance, along with protection against period leakage, but some designs warrant a red flag.

It’s a draw

The Matildas (Home and away): For soccer observers more familiar with Emily in Paris than Australian defender Ellie Carpenter, the off-side rule falls into the know-it-when-you-see-it category. A similar approach can be taken with the Matildas’ jerseys. You immediately know why they’ve failed to score, without having to understand that they’re playing it safer than a Country Road skirt.

Australian Fashion Week’s designers to watch are divided on the World Cup co-host’s attire.

Loading

Alix Higgins, who specialises in clinging tops and dresses, with esoteric slogans against futuristic prints, prefers the ocean-inspired away jersey. While former amateur soccer player Liandra Gaykamangu, turned designer with her Liandra label, is a fan of the green and gold home jersey.

“Mint with blue and a touch of gold is a fresh take on our national colours,” Higgins says of the away jersey. “It escapes the cultural cringe we have with the traditional green and gold. It feels fresh.”