One of the biggest events in sportswear design in the biannual calendar (if there is such a thing) is the release of the England home shirt and kit. No shirt generates as much interest or debate but this year’s release scaled new heights.

For the first time the kit 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.

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 kit 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.

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