Tottenham Hotspur, since their formation in 1888, have not only been one of the most successful clubs in the world but have also been synonymous with iconic football kits that have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Their most glorious era came in the 1960s when they became the first side ever to complete the league and cup double, and they further etched their name in history as the first English team to win a European trophy.
Throughout these historic triumphs, which have extended well into the 21st century, Tottenham’s kits have played a significant role in their identity. The Lilywhites have worn some of the best kits of all time, designed by renowned brands like Nike, Hummel, Umbro, and even a nostalgic nod to Pony. These jerseys have not only clothed some of the greatest players in the club’s history but have also symbolized the club’s motto, “Audere est Facere” — “To Dare is to Do.”
Ranking Factors
- Style – what the kit looks like is the most important thing.
- Iconic Moments – The most important kits have memorable moments.
- Key Players – Kits are more recognisable when they have iconic players like Harry Kane and Glenn Hoddle in them. During the era of poor Spurs sides, the kits are rarely remembered.
9 Greatest Tottenham Home Kits | ||
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Ranking | Season Kit Used | Manufacturer |
1. | 1991/1993 | Umbro |
2. | 1997/1999 | Pony |
3. | 2016/2017 | Under Armour |
4. | 1985/1987 | Hummel |
5. | 1999/2001 | Adidas |
6. | 2002/2004 | Kappa |
7. | 2005/2006 | Kappa |
8. | 2024/2025 | Nike |
9. | 2020/2021 | Nike |
These kits, worn on the hallowed turf of White Hart Lane and now the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, have captivated fans with their beauty, reflecting both the highs and lows of the club’s journey. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and rank the best of the best in Tottenham Hotspur’s storied history.
9. 2020/2021 – Nike
The 2020/2021 campaign was a season to remember, albeit for reasons that went beyond football. The COVID-19 pandemic gripped the nation, and football, stripped of its passionate fans, felt eerily soulless. For Tottenham supporters, it was a particularly bittersweet season. The club had just unveiled a state-of-the-art stadium, but the pandemic robbed them of the chance to witness Gareth Bale’s return in person.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the 2020/2021 kit became iconic. It was bold, unconventional, and a significant departure from previous designs, yet it worked brilliantly. Bale, one of the Premier League’s greatest wingers, delivered electrifying performances in this kit, particularly towards the season’s end. Worn during a historic 6-1 thrashing of Manchester United at Old Trafford, this jersey has cemented its place in Tottenham’s crazy history.
8. 2024/2025 – Nike
As Tottenham gear up for the 2024/25 season, they do so with high hopes under the stewardship of Ange Postecoglou. The kit for this campaign is a masterpiece of simplicity and tradition. It stays true to the classic elements of every Spurs kit — a white base with dark navy trims. While the red AIA logo remains a point of contention among fans, the overall design is superb.
Crafted from Dri-FIT ADV, an innovative fabric designed to keep players cool, this kit is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The bold collar and striped details pay homage to some of the team’s most iconic kits from the past, making it a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
7. 2005/2006 – Kappa
Tottenham’s 2005/2006 kit, designed by Kappa, is a throwback to a simpler, yet stylish era. With navy sleeves and a crisp white base, this kit stood out for its clean lines and understated elegance. It became iconic, not just for its design, but also because it was worn by legendary strikers Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe.
However, this kit is also remembered for one of the most infamous moments in Tottenham’s history — “Lasagna Gate.” On the final day of the Premier League season, needing a win to secure Champions League qualification ahead of bitter rivals Arsenal, the majority of the squad was struck down with food poisoning. Spurs lost 2-1 to West Ham, missing out on fourth spot. Despite the heartbreak, the kit remains a fan favorite.
6. 2002/2004 – Kappa
From 2002 to 2004, Kappa’s design for Tottenham was a study in minimalism. The fully white base was a departure from previous designs, and it worked beautifully. Despite the club’s struggles on the pitch during this period, with a 10th place finish under Glenn Hoddle and a disappointing 14th place the following season, the kit remains a bright spot in a dark era.
The neckline added a unique touch, and the tight fit was a hit with fans. This kit stands as a reminder that even in difficult times, Tottenham’s style on the field has always been second to none.
5. 1999/2001 – Adidas
As Tottenham entered the new millennium, they did so with a kit that oozed nostalgia. The 1999/2001 Adidas kit is iconic, with its navy collar, piping detail on the sleeves, and a distinctive Spurs label towards the bottom of the torso. It had personality in spades, and the only downside was the brevity of Tottenham’s partnership with Adidas. Fans can only imagine the stunning designs that could have been if the collaboration had continued.
4. 1985/1987 – Hummel
Glenn Hoddle, Tottenham’s greatest midfielder of all time, graced the pitch in the iconic Hummel kit from 1985 to 1987. This kit is a masterpiece of design, featuring chevron lines down the sleeves, diagonal pinstripes on the chest, and a deep v-neck collar that was quintessentially 1980s. Even today, remakes of this kit are popular, and original versions fetch high prices among collectors.
3. 2016/2017 – Under Armour
Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham side of 2016/2017 was the best the club had produced since the 1960s. This was the final season at White Hart Lane, and Tottenham went unbeaten at home in the Premier League. The kit, with its gold trims and navy section at the top, was different from the conventional Spurs shirt, but it perfectly captured the spirit of a team that came so close to winning the title.
2. 1997/1999 – Pony
The 1997/1999 Pony kit is a classic example of how nostalgia can transform even a disappointing season into something memorable. Despite finishing 14th in the 1997/98 campaign and watching Arsenal win the league and cup double, Spurs fans fondly remember this simple yet effective kit. The v-neck, sleeve patterns, and old-school Hewlett Packard sponsor made it a standout, and having David Ginola, a player who carried Spurs week in and week out, wearing it only added to its allure.
1. 1991/1993 – Umbro
Topping our list is the 1991/1993 Umbro kit, widely regarded as Tottenham’s best-ever home kit. This jersey is not only stunning in its design but also carries the weight of history, as Spurs won the FA Cup in it, beating Nottingham Forest 2-1 in the 1991 final. The collar, buttons, and neck details all contribute to its timeless appeal. More than 30 years on, this kit remains a symbol of Tottenham’s rich history and tradition.