As part of Nike’s commitment to produce performance apparel with reduced environmental impact, the shirt and shorts of each new England kit is made from up to 13 recycled plastic water bottles.
The process means the bottles are chopped into flakes, then melted down to form yarn that is spun into fabric, reducing energy consumption by up to 30 per cent compared to manufacturing virgin polyester.
Weighing 150 grams – 23 per cent lighter than previous Nike kits – it also boasts a 20 per cent stronger knit structure and significantly improved stretch.
The fabric uses Nike Dri-FIT technology to draw sweat away from the body through the fabric where it can evaporate.
Ventilation zones, consisting of tiny laser cut holes, feature under the arms on both sides, as well as on the waistband of the shorts
A mesh panel across the entire back increases air circulation.
Nike describes the new look as a: “clean, distinctive design that takes the kit back to its roots with its traditional colours of white and dark blue to celebrate the FA’s 150th anniversary.”
The dark blue three lions crest has a gold border, a gold star above it signifying England’s World Cup win and a gold ribbon graphic below inscribed with ‘150 years’ and the dates 1863 and 2013, marking the FA’s anniversary.
The shorts are dark blue and the socks are white with a thin dark blue band at the top.
