New US Home Jersey 2012 Released

Nike released the new US 2012 Home jersey today, with a red/white striped design offering a new look for the national team. Nike actually dropped one off with us today to check out, and I personally like it a lot. The look is very different to recent US jerseys, including the recently released 2012 Away jersey, and offers a very distinctive look.

The replica jersey is currently available to order for $84.99 at Soccer.com.

Here are details from the Nike PR:

The new USA home kit combines heritage and patriotism in a bold new design that both the Men’s and Women’s teams will debut on the pitch this summer. The jersey utilizes the colors of the American flag with a blue crew neck collar and a body featuring red and white stripes.

The shirt also features a tonal sash to echo the same design on the shirts worn by the US Men’s National Team when they famously defeated England in the 1950 Finals in Brazil.

Both kits are visually identical but the women’s kit is designed specifically for the female athlete to enhance range of motion creating a uniquely feminine silhouette. The American Stars and Stripes flag, affectionately known as ‘Old Glory,’ is placed inside the back of the neck of both versions to inspire pride.

I have actually read some negative comments online this morning, from so-called fans who don’t like the striped design, and I have to say that I don’t agree with them. Having seen it in person, I can tell you that it looks sharp and still contains all the patriotic attributes you expect from a national team jersey. For those interested in picking one up, I have some advice to offer in terms of sizing. The authentic version (as pictured) are designed for an athletic body – so if you have a bit of a gut, go up a size from what you normally wear or stick to the replica version. The authentic version features the number on the front, whereas the replica has solid stripes across the chest.

Check out some additional images of the new kit below – the last image is of the box they arrived in….there is definitely a wow factor when you open a box only to see lights shining up through the popcorn! The box the jersey came in had lights installed in the bottom, shining upward. Pretty cool!