Nike unveils France home kit for 2014 FIFA World Cup

 

The new Nike Pro baselayer is the lightest ever from Nike and features increased venting and breathability.

After the final whistle at an ecstatic Stade de France, members of the French National Team - Franck Ribery, Blaise Matuidi, Yohan Cabaye and#

 

For 2014, Nike will offer a variety of Nike Pro baselayer styles for players to choose from. These are designed for the varying temperatures and conditions athletes will encounter in Brasil, which are expected to vary from high heat during mid-day matches, to much colder temperatures in the southern match locations during evening games.  

 

Nike has redesigned its baselayer short for 2014 taking insights directly from some of the best players in the world.

 

The result is the Nike Pro Combat Ultralight Slider Short.  Featuring increased and adjusted protection to match the athlete’s sliding pattern, the short is also 20% lighter than previous versions and made with 87% recycled polyester.  Weight was eliminated through the addition of mesh for increased breathability and cooling where the athlete generates heat. 

 

‘SOULFUL’ DESIGN

 

The fabric detail of the French National Jersey is inspired by the story of Nîmes, a town in the south of France. Nîmes was the birthplace of modern denim, and the fabric takes its name from the town (literally ‘de Nîmes’). Nîmes is historically known for its textiles and patterns and the landscape of Nîmes is said to have inspired today’s rugged denim as well as the silk shawls worn throughout Europe in the 18th century.  This paradox between raw denim and elegant silk mirrored Nike designers’ desire to create a beautiful design aesthetic for the French home shirt.

 

The design team spent time refining the home kit’s collar focusing on comfort and beauty. The collar and side-hem also feature a selvedge-like accent.

 

The crest features a new design inspired by the 1958 crest and reflects players’ feedback of wanting to “feel the history of our country”.  The cockerel-design has been enlarged, freed from its badge and given the space to again become the ultimate symbol of French national pride. It's also beautifully embroidered just above the heart and on the bottom of each player’s number, and a flag is placed on the inside of the neck on each kit.

 

The shorts are a classic white with venting to assist in cooling, and a cut specifically designed to aid movement and comfort.  Simple and iconic, the fit is slimmer and more tailored to the body based on fit research with a cut specifically designed to aid movement and comfort. The center back of the shorts feature Nike’s signature laser vents to aid in cooling and allow for moisture management.