The Dutch have had some of the coolest kits in the past decade.
From their humble beginnings back in 1905 to the days of Cruyff, Resenbrinck, Neeskens, and the Dutch sides of the 1970's to the last World Cup they have surely been ahead of the game with their color combinations as well as designs. Who said you couldn't be flashy and play spectacular football?
Ok, the teams of Gullit, Van Basten, and Rikjaard of that 80's could be excluded in the aesthetics department. That 1988 kit was a little too much for my taste, but we can forgive them. Hey, they did win the European Championship that year with that jersey.
The Dutch crest (Nike)
Even the relatively anonymous 2002 away kit was one of the best. Unfortunately the taste of Louis Van Gaal's failure will be etched to that design despite having one of the best away jerseys then. to today, their second kits would are some of the best around.
The Design
This edition of Clockwork Oranje is no exception. Nike did a great job of using their current design with the Dutch flag colors. This is in ways a tribute to that 1905 team that beat Belgium 4-1 in their first-ever match. Although it is not as true in design as the original, as compared to the In previous versions of the away kit, Nike was able to give the red, white, blue and as they bring to the fray some revolutionary and ecologically conscious designs for their jerseys.
The new white away shirt has an extremely modern look. The blue round neck, white red and blue thin strips of V-pattern, reminiscent of the Dutch flag. On the back collar shirt the word “Nederland” pattern on the inside collar decorated with fine Dutch side of the flag.
Netherlands crest is embroidered on the left breast, while on the inside lining of that same crest the words “Oranje Leeuwen” (Orange Lions) are embroidered. The design of the font used by the Dutch artists, well-designed, outline of a majestic lion head. Jersey numbers makes it very unique. The design is inspired by the intersected directions of the canals in the historic city of Amsterdam.
Each jersey come with a tag of authenticity on the bottom left.
All of the jerseys have been made from recycled plastic bottles (eight to be exact).
Their away jersey exudes the greatness that the founders of Total Football have. Although it does not have the mystique behind those revered oranje jerseys, they are still as elegant as they have always been.
The Verdict
Overall there were no problems with the Nike jersey. The jersey fits very well and is very comfortable. Trust me, to have a try this jersey out is a true test for those anyone that is looking to see if Dri-Fit technology works. As promised, the Dutch jersey took away the perspiration from the skin and allowed me to be cool. I was very skeptical at first, but the proof was in the pudding- actually in the shirt as when I wrung it the sweat came pouring out.
Overall the experience was a pleasant one. After years of having to wear stuffy jerseys in the humidity of South Florida. This area is without a doubt a true testing ground for these types of jerseys as days that are 85 degree fahrenheit (29.4 celsius) with 80-90% humidity are here on a year-round basis. That will definitely not be the case in the World Cup in South Africa will be the first winter solstice World Cup in 32 years.
So players like Wesley Sniejder, Ryan Babel, Robin van Persie, Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben, and Edson Braafheid, the new Nike kit will have them dressing the part of contenders. It will be up to them to take that next step and make history by winning the Jules Rimet trophy in South Africa.
If you want to get the Netherlands away jersey or the Brazil home jersey check out SoccerPro.
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