Nike unveils France home kit for 2014 FIFA World Cup

23 Nov '13

5 min read

After the final whistle at an ecstatic Stade de France, members of the French National Team - Franck Ribery, Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and Raphael Varane - unveiled the new French National Team home kit to be worn in Brasil next year.

Combining the best in performance innovation with insightful design details, the new French kit captures the innate style and national pride of France with a sophisticated look.

ULTIMATE IN COOLING AND COMFORT

Aiding performance by regulating player body temperature over the course of match is a primary focus for Nike’s design teams. Utilizing a combination of Nike Dri-FIT Technology, “burnout” mesh and laser-cut ventilation holes, designers are able to localize cooling where players need it most.

Nike Dri-FIT technology pulls moisture away from the skin to the outside of the garment where it evaporates more quickly, and laser-cut holes and engineered mesh in key areas where heat is generated allow for increased breathability and airflow across the skin.

In addition to keeping players cool, Nike is utilizing a new dual-knit fabrication that incorporates cotton and recycled polyester for the best in moisture wicking properties, while adding a softer feel and more flattering shape.

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

In line with Nike’s commitment to superior performance with lower environmental impact, the shirt, short - and for the first time in a national team kit, the socks - all feature fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. (100% recycled polyester in the shorts, 96% recycled polyester in the shirt and 78% in the socks). Each kit is made using an average of 18 recycled plastic bottles. Since 2010, Nike has diverted almost 2 billion bottles from landfills, enough to cover over 2800 full-sized football pitches.

PERFECT FIT

Designers used three dimensional body scans of elite footballers to collect data on the form of today’s players and identify an updated fit, improving comfort and allowing the body to move more naturally within the kit.

While looking at every element of the modern football kit, Nike designers also paid special attention to the kits’ socks. Combining athlete insight and research with new materials and

fabrications, the Nike Elite Match Fit sock for 2014 features a sleeker fit specific to football.

Strategically cushioned zones provide comfort and protection at the big toe and anklebones where the majority of impact occurs, while arch support locks down the foot to prevent slipping. Material was also eliminated to enhance touch and decrease bulk, and flex grooves were added to the ankle and the top of the foot to prevent any bunching.

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