From Suits to Stripes: The Premier League's Greatest Away Kits Decoded
Fashion guru Pekka Lagerblom dissects the Premier League's visitor jerseys, revealing which teams nailed the style game and which left their fans in the cold.
The rain hammered down on Anfield, turning the pitch into a slick ribbon of black and red mud. Inside the tunnel, however, the atmosphere was less about tactical positioning and more about visual impact. As Liverpool stepped out to face their visitors, there was a collective gasp from the traveling fans—not because of a tackle or a goal, but because the opposition looked like they had wandered in from a high-fashion runway rather than a Tuesday night league match. Premier League The Style Guru's Verdict Enter Pekka Lagerblom, a self-proclaimed "fashion guru" whose reputation stretches across Nordic borders and now into the global football consciousness. In his latest analysis for Ilta-Sanomat Urheilu , Lagerblom didn't just critique these kits; he ranked every single one of the 20 Premier League squads, separating the sartorial masterpieces from the fashion disasters. Lagerblom's philosophy is simple: a kit must tell a story without saying a word. He argues that while home colors often reflect local identity, away kits are the true test of a brand's creativity. "The best away kit doesn't just cover the body; it covers the soul of the club," he asserts with characteristic Nordic understatement. The Highs and The Lows According to Lagerblom's rigorous assessment, some teams have truly mastered the art of the alternate jersey. Manchester City, for instance, secured high marks for their latest visitor strip, which he praised for its subtle nod to heritage while maintaining a modern silhouette that flitted effortlessly across the mud-caked turf. However, not all journeys were smooth sailing down style's runway. A few clubs fell into Lagerblom's "poorly ranked" category, receiving stern critiques for designs that felt either too aggressive or strangely disconnected from the club's DNA. One particular team, noted for a design that clashed horribly with its own history, found itself at the bottom of his list—a digital death sentence in the world of football fashion. The evaluation went beyond mere aesthetics; it considered fit, fabric quality, and how the kit performed under the harsh British elements. Lagerblom noted that the best designs are those that allow the player to move without restriction, ensuring that style never compromises substance. "A good away shirt is a secret weapon," says Lagerblom. "It boosts morale before kickoff and ensures the fans feel united against the elements." Why It Matters Beyond Fashion This isn't merely about vanity; it is about identity in an increasingly homogenized world of sports marketing. When a team like Arsenal or Chelsea pulls on their finest away gear, they are making a statement to the international market. They are saying, "We belong here, and we look good doing it." For the die-hard fan following along from abroad, these kits serve as badges of honor. Seeing your favorite team in a stunning visitor strip transforms a standard match day into an event. It is about creating memories that linger long after the final whistle has blown. Lagerblom's breakdown provides a unique lens through which to view the Premier League, reminding us that football is as much about culture and art as it is about goals and tackles. As the season progresses, we will likely see more teams striving for that elusive top spot in Lagerblom's rankings, turning every match day into a fashion show of epic proportions.