The new MLS x adidas Archive Collection debuted third kits for five MLS clubs, and some are better than others.
Right before Major League Soccer commenced its month-long break for the MLS All-Star Game and Leagues Cup, the league unveiled a collaboration with adidas that featured new jerseys for LA Galaxy, LAFC, Inter Miami, Portland Timbers, and Sporting Kansas City. The retro kits all pay homage to their club’s cities and histories, some dating all the way back to the inaugural MLS season in 1996. The teams did a great job conveying a unique story with each design, but a couple ultimately fell flat.
More additions are coming soon to the MLS x adidas Archive Collection, but for now, check out the best jerseys ranked.
look at this 😍
introducing the Archive Collection – the @InterMiamiCF , @TimbersFC , @LAGalaxy , @SportingKC & @LAFC , 3rd kits drop for this @MLS season 🤤⚽
mira esto 😍
presentando la Archive Collection, tercera equipación de @InterMiamiCF , @TimbersFC , @LAGalaxy ,… pic.twitter.com/jKhbZFskZT
— adidas Football (@adidasfootball) July 16, 2024
5. LA Galaxy
Rooted in history. Rooted in culture. Rooted in Los Angeles.
This is the RetroGrade Kit 💫 pic.twitter.com/tRn9iY8bMg
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 16, 2024
LA Galaxy’s archive kit draws inspiration from the club’s first ever jerseys from the 1996 MLS season. Of course, the historical reference is spot-on, and the jersey delivers a powerful dose of nostalgia for long-time Galaxy fans. Let’s just say, though, that there is a reason the MLS giants have pivoted so far from their original clashing colors.
4. Portland Timbers
Legacy never looked so legendary.@JewsburyJ in the new adidas Archive Collection@adidasfootball x #RCTID pic.twitter.com/q4R5yh3eSN
— Portland Timbers (@TimbersFC) July 16, 2024
Portland Timbers’ addition to the Archive Collection honors Clive Charles, the former Timbers player who joined the club in 1978. The defender was a pioneer in the sport after debuting in the Premier League as one of the first Black players. The maroon kit pays homage to the City of Roses as well as West Ham, where Clive started his career.
The rich historical and cultural impact of the Timbers jersey cannot be overstated, but to the uneducated eye, it might come across as just a plain, maroon kit.
3. Sporting Kansas City
The iconic Wizards reimagined 🧙🌈
Introducing the adidas x MLS Archive Collection.
Available now at https://t.co/gMt73iURgU or https://t.co/Y3HpMhxjVT#SportingKC | @adidasfootball pic.twitter.com/jX5v966N3x
— Sporting Kansas City (@SportingKC) July 16, 2024
Sporting Kansas City’s third jersey pays homage to the club’s iconic rainbow kits of the 1990s. The Wizards have the most creative and eye-catching piece in the Archive Collection, releasing a design that both honors and reinvents their history. Although the design might be a little busy, it is exactly what a true “archival” jersey should be.
2. LAFC
Fit Check 📸 #LAFC x @Adidas Archive Collection pic.twitter.com/AmLmTb68k7
— LAFC (@LAFC) July 18, 2024
Sure, LAFC only made their MLS debut six years ago, but they still did a great job of bringing a 70s-esque feel and flare to their Archive Collection jersey. The Black and Gold traded in much of their traditionally dark kit for lighter colors while also keeping their golden hue front and center to honor their crest.
1. Inter Miami
The wait is over! Our new third kit from the @adidasfootball Archive Collection is here ✨ pic.twitter.com/Om2CARxtXq
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 16, 2024
Inter Miami might not have the same legacy and history as other MLS clubs, but they do have the best kit in the Archive Collection. The minimal design is clean, simple, and honors the vibrant colors so many people associate with Miami sports. The orange accents are also a nice touch to add a third color to the Herons’ third kit.
