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The era of using men\u2019s hand-me-down jerseys is long gone in the women\u2019s game. We have seen the USWNT jersey undergo numerous changes, and it all stems from the growth and increased development of women\u2019s soccer as a whole. Let\u2019s take a look at the transformations the USWNT jersey has experienced, and it resembles the immeasurable impact of the various legends who have worn the crest.<\/p>\n
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\nHand-Me-Downs Era<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nThe legendary \u201885ers had to use the men\u2019s national team jerseys for international matches. The oversized jerseys were nothing like today\u2019s jerseys. From having to inscribe \u201cUSA\u201d on the jerseys to having to pin the loose parts of the jersey back, players like Michelle Akers and Denise Bender had to make what was given to them work.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Even the \u201899ers had a taste of the Hand-Me-Down Era. In their early national experiences, players such as Mia Hamm, Brianna Scurry, and Julie Foudy had to wear oversized jerseys. Yet, things started to take a turn when 1994 came around.<\/p>\n
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Nike-Custom Era\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nAfter branching away from the Adidas brand, the partnership with Nike has brought a lot of change for the USWNT kit. Adidas did release the first jersey specifically designed for women, and Nike took that to higher levels. The kit we know as the \u201c<\/span>Waldo<\/span><\/a>\u201d jersey and even the all white kit worn in the memorable 1999 WWC Championship match are all thanks to the Custom-Era.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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While many positive changes and remarkable jersey designs were created in this era, the most special practice that came from the Custom-Era was adding the stars that represent World Cup wins. As the USWNT began winning World Cup titles, the stars were added above the USA crest on the jersey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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Unified Era\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nNike aligned the women\u2019s and men\u2019s jerseys to match one another. Even though the USNT and USWNT kits parallel each other, there are still unique designs that come up.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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Along with this, Nike uses a high-tech approach to apply breathable fabric in highly compressed areas, such as under the armpit and in the ribs. A comfortable neckline is also something Nike aims to provide with its jersey creations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
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All in all, it is fair to say that the USWNT jersey has seen a variety of changes in its existence thus far. Yet, similar to the growth of women\u2019s soccer, the USWNT jersey reflects the perseverance and persistence needed to reach great outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
Featured image @victrasports<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n
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