Last night (March 11, 2019) in Paris, Nike debuted new women’s soccer uniforms for 14 out of the world’s 24 national WWC (Women’s World Cup) teams. The splashy presentation included 40 of the world’s top performing female athletes including 28 soccer players. In addition to official uniforms, the presentation included custom items designed by Paris-based label Koché.
The roll out represented the first time in Nike’s history that women’s uniforms were made specifically for female athletes as opposed to an extension of items made for the men’s teams. Made from recycled bottles, the uniforms are sized more loosely than the men’s and also have slightly longer sleeves and a collar that’s halfway between a crewneck and a v-neck.
According to Nike press, “[Designers] learned that a v-neck is preferable, provided it’s not too deep, just deep enough to easily and quickly slide the head and hair through. They heard that draw cords and side-seams on the shorts can be a distraction, that sleeves needn’t be overly short to be considered feminine, that the rise of the shorts makes all the difference and so much more.”
The roll out is timed in advance of the WWC taking place in Paris from June 7 through July, 7, 2019.
As part of its efforts to increase its commitment to and investment in women’s soccer, Nike also announced a three-year official partnership with UEFA Women (Union of European Football Association). Nike will be the official ball supplier for all UEFA Women’s competitions, including the Women’s Champions League and the UEFA Women’s Euro tournament in 2021. Adidas remains the official ball supplier for the men’s and women’s World Cup tournament.
Nike’s new 2019 football kits will debut on national teams this month and will be available to purchase on nike.com in May.
