Staying
true to the traditional (predominantly) white scheme, the home kit now features
a vertical central red stripe that gives the jersey a dynamic and modern
appearance. The jersey has a bold red V-neck collar and proudly carries the
traditional national crest. The Eagle is also featured inside the back of the
neck, reflecting the pride and passion of Polish football.
“In addition to providing leading performance
benefits, our aim is to celebrate the spirit and pride of each country. We know
how much the Eagle means for Polish players and we see incredible support from
fans throughout the years. To reflect the bond between team and nation, the
iconic Eagle is featured twice on the body of the jersey and discreetly inside
the collar,” said Martin Lotti, Nike
Football Design Director.
The
away kit features the reverse design, with a vibrant red field and dynamic
vertical white stripe in the center.
Both
home and away kits are complemented by red shorts. Simple and iconic, the fit
is slimmer and more tailored to the body, with a cut specifically designed to
aid movement and comfort. The center back of the shorts feature a mesh insert
panel to aid in cooling and allow for moisture management.
ULTIMATE
IN COOLING AND COMFORT
The
kit aids performance by helping regulate player body temperature over the
course of a match. By using a combination of Nike Dri-FIT technology, mesh
panels and laser-cut ventilation holes, designers are able to localize cooling
where players need it most.
Nike
Dri-FIT technology pulls moisture away from the skin to the outside of the
garment where it evaporates quickly. Laser-cut ventilation holes and engineered
mesh in key areas allow for increased breathability and airflow across the
skin.
“By
managing sweat and keeping the body cooler longer, players feel more
comfortable, sweat less and perform better,” said Lotti.
In
addition to helping players stay cool, the kit is made with a new dual-knit
fabrication that incorporates cotton and recycled polyester for the best in
moisture-wicking properties, while adding a softer feel and more flattering
shape.
ENVIRONMENTAL
SUSTAINABILITY
In
line with Nike’s commitment to superior performance with lower environmental
impact, the shirt, short — and for the first time in a national team kit, the
socks — all feature fabric made from recycled plastic bottles (100 percent
recycled polyester in the shorts, 96 percent recycled polyester in the shirt
and 78 percent in the socks).
Each kit is made using an average of 18 recycled plastic bottles. Since 2010, Nike has diverted almost two billion bottles from landfills, enough to cover more than 2,800 full-sized football pitches.
Each kit is made using an average of 18 recycled plastic bottles. Since 2010, Nike has diverted almost two billion bottles from landfills, enough to cover more than 2,800 full-sized football pitches.
“Incorporating
environmental sustainability is a key part of the design and development
process for us,” said Lotti. “Our aim is to create a kit that performs for
players and is good to the planet.”
PERFECT
FIT
Designers
utilized three-dimensional body scans of elite footballers to collect data on
the form of today’s players and identify an updated fit, improving comfort and
allowing the body to move more naturally within the kit.
While
looking at every element of the modern football kit, Nike designers even paid
special attention to the kits’ socks. Combining athlete insights and research
with new materials and fabrications, the Nike Elite Match Fit sock for 2014
features a sleeker fit specific to football.
Strategically cushioned zones provide comfort and protection at the big toe and anklebones where the majority of impact occurs, while arch support locks down the foot to help prevent slipping. Material was also eliminated to enhance touch and decrease bulk, and flex grooves were added to the ankle and the top of the foot to prevent bunching.
Strategically cushioned zones provide comfort and protection at the big toe and anklebones where the majority of impact occurs, while arch support locks down the foot to help prevent slipping. Material was also eliminated to enhance touch and decrease bulk, and flex grooves were added to the ankle and the top of the foot to prevent bunching.
NIKE
PRO BASELAYER
The
new Nike Pro baselayer is the lightest ever from Nike and features increased
venting and breathability.
Players
have a variety of Nike Pro baselayer styles for players to choose from.
These are designed for the varying temperatures and conditions athletes will encounter in Brasil, which are expected to vary from high heat during mid-day matches, to much colder temperatures in the southern match locations during evening games.
These are designed for the varying temperatures and conditions athletes will encounter in Brasil, which are expected to vary from high heat during mid-day matches, to much colder temperatures in the southern match locations during evening games.
Nike
has redesigned its baselayer short for 2014 taking insights directly from some
of the best players in the world.
“When
we asked players to talk about the kind of protection they need during a match,
they showed us scars and abrasions on their upper-back hip area from sliding,”
recalled Lotti.
“Several players showed us these same injuries so we set out to add more protection, while balancing the need for lightweight breathability.”
“Several players showed us these same injuries so we set out to add more protection, while balancing the need for lightweight breathability.”
Weight was eliminated through the addition of mesh for increased breathability and cooling where the athlete generates heat.
