'Like a bus seat back in the day' - new Wales kit leaves fans divided
The Football Association of Wales has released a new home kit that has sparked debate among fans due to its unique pattern. While the association defends the design as inspired by traditional Welsh weaving, some supporters have unfavorably compared the aesthetic to bus seat upholstery.
Why it matters
Kit launches are significant cultural moments for national sports teams, often serving as a flashpoint for fan engagement and brand identity discussions.
Image source, FAW Image caption, Welsh internationals Angharad James-Turner and Ethan Ampadu help model the kit
Wales football fans have been left divided over the country's new home kit, with some comparing the pattern on the red shirt to that seen on bus seats.
The new shirt was revealed on Thursday by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), which said it was "inspired by the rich tradition of Welsh double cloth weaving".
It is the first Wales shirt produced by sportswear brand Sudu, after the FAW parted ways with Adidas after 13 years.
FAW said the reaction to football kits was "subjective", adding it remained "incredibly proud of the creative process behind the new Cymru home kit".
The association said the kit rejected "reused designs", and that Sudu had worked with the association and fans "to understand the DNA of the nation".
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