Home, away, third... These terms come up often, but what do they actually mean? Why do clubs have multiple jerseys and how do you choose the right one for you? We explain everything.
The three types of jerseys
The home jersey
This is the club's main jersey, worn during home matches. It typically features the team's historic colours:
- PSG: navy blue with a central red stripe
- Real Madrid: pristine white
- Manchester United: red
- FC Barcelona: blue and garnet stripes
It is often the best-selling jersey because it represents the very identity of the club.
The away jersey
Worn during away matches, this jersey must be sufficiently different from the opponent's home kit to avoid confusion. It generally offers an alternative colour palette:
- PSG: often white or pink
- Real Madrid: usually black or purple
- Manchester United: white, blue or black
Away jerseys allow kit manufacturers to be more creative and offer original designs.
The third jersey
Introduced in the 1990s, the third kit is a reserve jersey used when the first two don't allow the teams to be distinguished. It is often the most original and allows the greatest creative freedom.
Some third kits have become cult classics: the orange Juventus jersey, the fluorescent yellow PSG jersey, and the special "4th kit" designs for certain competitions.
Why do these distinctions exist?
Sporting reason
The rule is simple: during a match, both teams must be easily distinguishable. If PSG (blue) host Inter (blue and black), Inter must wear their away jersey.
Commercial reason
Let's be honest: offering multiple jerseys per season allows clubs and manufacturers to multiply sales. A passionate supporter may be tempted to buy all three versions!
Which one to choose?
| Type | Advantages | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Iconic colours, safe choice, timeless | Purists, first club jersey |
| Away | Often original design, stand out | Those who want a different look |
| Third | Unique, collector's item, bold designs | Collectors, design enthusiasts |
Special editions
Beyond the three classic jerseys, there are special editions:
- Training jerseys: For training, more affordable
- Pre-match jerseys: Worn during warm-ups
- Limited editions: Collaborations, anniversaries
- Goalkeeper jerseys: Distinct colours for keepers
Our recommendation
If you can only buy one jersey, go for the home jersey. It best represents your club's identity and will remain timeless over the years.
If you want to stand out or already own the home kit, the away or third jersey can be excellent choices, especially when you particularly like the design.
Discover our collection
Browse all home, away and third jerseys from your favourite teams. Free shipping from 2 jerseys.
