Chelsea’s women’s team has recently unveiled their new third alternate kit for the upcoming 2024-25 season. This black kit, featuring jagged graphics and loud neon trim, takes inspiration from the DIY aesthetic of the punk rock scene that was prominent in London and beyond during the 1970s. The design mimics the torn and patched clothing associated with influential punk bands like the Sex Pistols and The Clash.
The design of the new Chelsea women’s team kit draws stylistic pointers from the boutique run by Vivienne Westwood and Malcolm McLaren, which played a significant role in defining the punk rock fashion era. The location of this iconic boutique on London’s King’s Road, near Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge stadium, adds a layer of historical and cultural significance to the kit.
The black kit is accented with jarring pink and yellow tones, adding a bold and vibrant touch to the overall design. The minimalist Chelsea lion crest is prominently displayed on the chest, accompanied by a vertical Nike Swoosh that deviates from the traditional horizontal placement. This unconventional design choice sets the kit apart from other third kit designs in the current season.
During a friendly match against Arsenal in Washington DC, as part of their preseason tour in the U.S., Chelsea’s women’s team donned the new kit for the first time. The match concluded with a 1-0 victory for Chelsea, with new signing Sandy Baltimore scoring the winning goal just after half-time. The debut of the bold new jersey was met with both excitement and intrigue, establishing it as a statement piece for the upcoming season.
This new third kit adds to Chelsea’s collection of visually striking and potentially divisive designs for the season. Following the release of their home kit featuring a “blue flame” pattern, the women’s team third kit continues the trend of pushing boundaries and breaking away from conventional football kit designs. As the reigning Women’s Super League champions, Chelsea’s women’s team sets the tone for innovative and unconventional style on and off the field.