FeatureExplained: The subtleties behind Liverpool's 2026-27 adidas home kit

The strip – which can be bought at our online store, on the LFC Store app and in-store – draws heavy influence from the iconic design the Reds wore from 1989 to 1991 with its famous geometric pattern.

But there are differences – some grand, some subtle – when comparing the two kits, as Andrew Dolan, senior product manager at adidas, recently pointed out to Liverpoolfc.com.

See what they are below...

A different shade of red

Dolan: "The design is heavily inspired by the iconic 1989-91 home kit, but we've evolved the colour to bring it into a modern context. Back then, the red was much brighter and closer to a vivid scarlet. For this kit, we've introduced a deeper tone called 'active maroon', which gives it a richer, more contemporary feel while still respecting that heritage foundation."

The famous pattern

Dolan: "The graphic draws clear inspiration from the original 1989 design, but it isn't a direct replication. We've reinterpreted it to suit a modern aesthetic, opening up the spacing around key elements like the crest and sponsor while keeping the pattern running across both the front and back of the shirt. It's a balance between staying true to the original and refining it for today's game."

The thicker Three Stripes

Dolan: "A standout update this season is the introduction of the larger Three Stripes on the sleeve. It's something we've recently brought into football – including on some of the adidas World Cup kits – and it adds a bold, contemporary edge to the shirt while reinforcing that strong adidas identity."

Collar evolution

Dolan: "One of the more subtle updates comes in the collar and cuffs. On the 1989 shirt, you had a white flat-knit with red tipping. For this version, we've inverted that, introducing a red flat-knit with white tipping. It's a small detail but one that helps modernise the overall look while still clearly nodding to the original design."

Style and performance

Dolan: "From a performance perspective, the player edition shirt is built using advanced body mapping technology. The fabric is engineered in zones to manage heat and sweat more effectively, particularly across the chest. Moisture is drawn away from key areas and dispersed towards the extremities, down the body and through the sleeves, helping players stay cooler and more comfortable at the highest level."

The crest

Dolan: "The crest is heat-applied, which reflects how far product innovation has come. Interestingly, the player shirts in 1989 featured embroidered crests, but today's heat-applied execution is significantly lighter and reduces friction on the skin. It's a change driven by performance, players consistently prefer it, and it supports the overall feel and function of the kit."

• Buy the kit now at our online store, on the LFC Store app and in-store