Last updated: October 2026 · Updated every season with the latest release patterns
Every year, fans ask the same question: when do new football kits come out? The answer depends on whether you want a home, away or third shirt, a club or a national team, and which league you follow. This guide explains the release calendar for new football kits month by month, so you know exactly when to look — and how to get the design you want before your size sells out.
Quick answer: New football kits for most European clubs are released between May and September. Home kits usually launch first (late May to July), away kits follow in July and August, and third kits arrive from late July to September. National team kits are usually released in the months before a major tournament, often around the March international break. Kids versions launch at the same time as adult shirts.
Table of Contents
The new football kits release calendar
Exact dates change every year and differ by club and kit maker, but the pattern is remarkably consistent. Use this month-by-month calendar as your guide to when new football kits are most likely to appear, and plan your purchases around it.
| Month | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| January–March | Leaks and early images of next season’s designs begin to appear. National team kits often launch before a summer tournament. |
| April | More leaks; some clubs tease launch dates. Last season’s shirts become easier to find. |
| May | The first home kits are revealed — some clubs wear them in the final match of the season. |
| June | Most home kits are launched; some away kits arrive. |
| July | Pre-season tours begin; many away kits launch. |
| August | The season starts; remaining away kits and the first third kits are released. |
| September | Most third kits are launched; European competition kits appear. |
| October–December | Special editions, goalkeeper variants and festive gift buying. |
When do new home kits come out?
Home kits are almost always the first new football kits of the season. Most clubs in the Premier League and across Europe reveal them between late May and early July. Some launch the home shirt before the previous season has even finished, so players can wear it in the final home game — a popular way to build excitement.
If you want a new home shirt for the start of the season, start looking in June. That gives you time to choose your size and version calmly, rather than rushing the night before the opening match.
When do new away kits come out?
Away kits usually follow in July and August, often timed with pre-season tours and friendlies. Because away shirts tend to be bolder and more experimental, they frequently become fan favourites — and sometimes outsell the home shirt.
When do new third kits come out?
Third kits are usually the last of the main new football kits to launch, typically between late July and September. Many clubs use the third kit for European competitions or cup games, and designs often take more risks with colour and pattern.
When do goalkeeper kits come out?
Goalkeeper kits usually launch alongside the home or away kit, although some are released later in the season. They are produced in smaller numbers, so popular sizes can sell out quickly.
When do new national team kits come out?
National teams do not follow the club calendar. Their new football kits are usually linked to major tournaments:
- Tournament years: new designs are often revealed in the spring, frequently around the March international break, so fans can buy them before the summer.
- Non-tournament years: a new home or away design may launch in the autumn or spring, sometimes lasting for two years.
- Special editions: anniversary shirts and one-off designs can appear at any time.
The 2026 World Cup brought a wave of national team designs, and the next big moments for shirts are the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, Euro 2028 in the UK and Ireland and the 2030 World Cup. Read our guide to World Cup 2026 shirts for the full story of the latest tournament.
The new season is here. Shop 2026/27 football shirts, 2026/27 national team shirts and 2026/27 kids kits — with free worldwide shipping on every order.
New football kits by league
Premier League
Premier League clubs typically launch home kits from late May to July, away kits in July and August and third kits from August to September. Browse our Premier League shirts.
La Liga
Spanish clubs usually follow a similar summer pattern, with launches clustered in June, July and August. See La Liga shirts.
Serie A
Italian clubs often launch during the summer, with some designs revealed close to the start of the season. See Serie A shirts.
Bundesliga
German clubs frequently reveal home kits in May or June, with alternates following through the summer. See Bundesliga shirts.
Ligue 1
French clubs, including PSG, typically launch through June to August. See Ligue 1 shirts.
Scottish football
Scottish Premiership clubs often launch early in the summer because their season starts slightly earlier than in England.
Major League Soccer (USA and Canada)
MLS runs on a different calendar, with the season starting in late winter. New MLS kits are therefore usually revealed early in the calendar year, ahead of the season start.
South America
Clubs in Brazil and Argentina often follow the calendar year, so new designs can appear early in the year as well as mid-season.
How new football kits go from design to shop
The shirt you buy in summer has usually been in development for a long time. While every kit maker works differently, the process generally follows these stages:
- Concept: designers research the club’s history, city and identity to find a theme.
- Development: the design is refined with the club, and fabrics and fits are tested.
- Approval: the club signs off the final design, including sponsor placement.
- Production: shirts are manufactured in every adult and kids size.
- Launch: a reveal campaign, followed by the shirts going on sale online and in stores.
Because of this long lead time, new football kits are usually finalised many months before fans see them — which is also why leaks are so common.
Sponsors and new football kits
Sponsorship can affect both the design and the timing of a launch. When a club changes its front-of-shirt sponsor, the new deal must be confirmed before shirts can be produced, which sometimes delays a release.
One big change affects the Premier League: clubs agreed to remove gambling sponsors from the front of matchday shirts from the start of the 2026/27 season. As a result, many clubs have new front-of-shirt partners this season, making the 2026/27 designs look noticeably different from recent years.
Special, limited and anniversary editions
Alongside the main home, away and third shirts, clubs and national teams increasingly release special designs:
- Anniversary shirts celebrating a founding year or a famous triumph.
- Charity and awareness shirts worn for one match and often sold to raise funds.
- Collaboration editions created with designers, artists or fashion brands.
- Pre-match and training tops worn during warm-ups.
These releases can arrive at any point in the season, and they are often produced in smaller numbers than the main new football kits.
Women’s teams and new football kits
Many clubs now launch their women’s team kits alongside the men’s, often using the same design. Some clubs create unique designs or sponsor arrangements for their women’s teams, and the Women’s Super League calendar means launches can fall slightly earlier or later than the men’s. With the 2027 Women’s World Cup approaching, interest in women’s national team kits is also growing quickly.
How to keep track of launch dates
- Follow your club on its official website and social channels for confirmed dates.
- Watch the final weeks of the season — many home kits are revealed then.
- Check pre-season tours, where away kits are often worn for the first time.
- Bookmark this guide — we refresh it every season with the latest patterns.
Launch-day checklist
Want your new shirt as soon as it is released? Prepare in advance:
- Know your size from the size chart.
- Decide on adult or kids sizing for each family member.
- Choose your version — slim player version or relaxed fan version.
- Have your delivery address and payment ready.
- For gifts, note the delivery time and plan ahead.
What about kit leaks?
Images of new football kits often leak months before the official launch, through supplier catalogues, social media and specialist kit news sites. Leaks are a fun preview, but designs can change before release — so wait for the official launch before treating any leak as final.
When do kids versions of new football kits come out?
Kids versions are almost always released at the same time as the adult shirts. Because many parents buy before the new school year and again at Christmas, popular kids sizes can sell out fast. Check our guide to kids football kit sizes before ordering.
When do last season’s shirts get cheaper?
As soon as new football kits launch, demand for the previous design drops. That is usually the best time to pick up last season’s shirt at a lower price. January to April is another good window, before the next wave of launches. Our guide to cheap football shirts shares more ways to save, and you can browse our 2025/26 shirts.
7 best tips for getting new football kits first
- Know the calendar. Home in early summer, away mid-summer, third late summer.
- Know your size before launch day. Use our football shirt size guide so you can order quickly.
- Decide player version or fan version in advance. See our guide to player version vs fan version.
- Follow your club’s official channels for confirmed launch dates.
- Order early for gifts. Allow two to three weeks before birthdays and Christmas.
- Consider the away or third shirt if the home shirt sells out in your size.
- Look after it. Read our guide to how to wash a football shirt so your new design stays perfect.
A quick guide for each type of fan
- The matchday regular: buy the home shirt in June or July so it is ready for the opening game.
- The style-focused fan: wait for the away and third designs in late summer — they are often the most fashionable.
- The parent: buy kids kits before the school term starts, sizing up for growth.
- The bargain hunter: pick up last season’s shirt once the new designs arrive.
- The international fan: watch for national team launches in the spring before a tournament.
What to expect for the 2027/28 season
If the usual pattern holds, new football kits for 2027/28 will start to appear from late May 2027, with home kits leading the way through June and July, away kits through the summer and third kits from August. National team designs for Euro 2028 are likely to be revealed in the months before the tournament. We update this guide every season, so check back for the latest timings.
Why do clubs release new kits every year?
Shirt sales are a major source of income for clubs and kit makers. A new design every season keeps the range fresh, supports sponsorship deals and gives fans a reason to buy. Many supporters also enjoy the tradition — launch day has become an event in its own right, with videos, photoshoots and players modelling the new designs.
For fans, the annual cycle means plenty of choice: the latest design, last season’s favourite or a retro classic from decades ago. Explore our best classic football shirts if older designs are more your style.
Why some new football kits sell out
Not every design sells at the same speed. New football kits are most likely to sell out when:
- The design is a fan favourite or has a retro feel.
- The club has just won a trophy or signed a star player.
- It is a national team shirt in a tournament year.
- It is close to Christmas or the start of the season.
Middle sizes (M and L) and popular kids sizes tend to go first. If you have your eye on a particular shirt, it is worth ordering soon after launch.
New football kits or retro shirts?
Both have their place in a fan’s wardrobe. New football kits keep you up to date with the current squad and are perfect for matchday. Retro shirts connect you with the history of your club or country and are hugely popular for everyday wear.
| Choose new kits if you… | Choose retro if you… |
|---|---|
| Want to match what the team wears this season | Love a particular era or player |
| Go to games regularly | Want a shirt for casual, everyday wear |
| Are buying for a young fan following today’s stars | Are buying for a parent or grandparent |
Many fans do both — the new shirt for matchday and a retro classic for the weekend. Browse our classic football shirts to find your era.
Home, away and third: what is the difference?
| Kit | Purpose | Design style |
|---|---|---|
| Home | Worn at home and when colours do not clash | Traditional club colours |
| Away | Worn when the home kit clashes with the opponent | Contrasting colour, often bolder |
| Third | Worn when both home and away clash, or in cup and European games | Most experimental |
| Goalkeeper | Must contrast with both teams’ outfield colours | Bright, distinctive colours |
Buying new football kits from outside the UK
Launch dates are global, so fans everywhere can buy at the same time. All Football Kits is based in Birmingham and ships free to the UK and worldwide — including Ireland, Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, the Middle East and Asia — with delivery typically taking 10–14 days. You can follow every order on our track order page.
Be first in the new colours. Shop the latest club shirts and international shirts, or explore retro classics — adult sizes XS to XXL, kids sizes too, and free worldwide shipping.
Frequently asked questions
When do new football kits come out?
Most club kits are released between May and September: home kits first (late May to July), away kits in July and August, and third kits from late July to September.
When do Premier League kits come out?
Premier League home kits usually launch between late May and July, with away and third kits following through July, August and September.
When do national team kits come out?
National team kits are usually released in the months before a major tournament, often around the March international break.
When do kids football kits come out?
Kids versions are usually released at the same time as the adult shirts.
When is the best time to buy a football shirt?
Buy at launch for the newest design, or wait until after the new season starts — or January to April — for better prices on last season’s shirts.
Are kit leaks accurate?
Often, but not always. Designs can change before release, so treat leaks as previews until the official launch.
This guide to new football kits is updated every season, so it stays accurate for 2026/27, 2027/28 and beyond. For official league news, visit the Premier League website.
