For
the 2013-14 season Manchester City will play in a new Nike-designed away kit
that honors the club's history and founding fathers. The club unveiled the kit
today in Hong Kong as part of its pre-season tour.
City
was founded as St Mark’s in 1880 before becoming Gorton AFC in 1884, and then
Ardwick AFC between 1887 and 1894. The new City away shirt has a subtle
half-and-half design, a graphic element that reflects Ardwick AFC's design in
the 1890-91 season. The colors represent Gorton AFC, who played in black.
The
away shirt features a grandfather collar, a long placket and a stand at the
back.
The
Manchester City crest, Nike Swoosh and sponsor’s logo are all in gold to reflect
the Club’s most recent successes.
The
new away shorts are black, and the away socks are black with a dark charcoal
band at the top.
This
new kit showcases Nike's committment to aiding the performance of players with
key technological benefits:
RECYCLED
POLYESTER
·
The
kit is made from recycled polyester as part of Nike’s commitment to produce
performance apparel with reduced environmental impact. The shirt and shorts of
each kit are made from up to thirteen recycled plastic water bottles.
·
In
the pioneering process, plastic bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted
down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up
to 30 percent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
·
Since
2010, Nike has diverted more than 1.1 billion plastic bottles from landfill
through the use of recycled polyester.
·
FABRIC
AND NIKE DRI-FIT
·
The
kit weighs just 150 grams, 23 percent lighter than previous Nike kits. It also
boasts a 20 percent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
·
The
fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through
the fabric where it can evaporate, to keep players cool and dry.
·
Ventilation
zones, consisting of tiny laser-cut holes, feature under the arms on both
sides, as well as at the shorts waistband, to allow additional comfort and
cooling. A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.
FIT
AND CONSTRUCTION
·
The
shirt has been crafted with bonded T-bars to support the seams at key points
and inner welded seams with a clean finish to give a more striking appearance,
while also increasing comfort and performance.
NIKE
PRO COMBAT
·
To
complete the ultimate playing uniform for modern football, Nike Pro Combat
baselayer is supplied to be worn underneath the match-day kit, offering players
greater comfort and impact protection.
·
The
Nike Pro Combat range of long-sleeve and short-sleeve tops made of
sweat-wicking fabric allows players to keep cool and dry in hot conditions, and
warm and dry when the weather becomes cold. The slider shorts feature extra
padding and thigh protection to absorb impact so players can go to ground and
tackle with greater confidence.
