West Ham 17/18 Kits: A Look Back
Alright guys, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the West Ham kit for the 2017-2018 season! It's always fun to reminisce about past kits, isn't it? These shirts often hold a special place in our hearts, tied to memorable matches, brilliant goals, and maybe even a few heartbreaks. The 17/18 season for West Ham was certainly one of those that had its ups and downs, and the kits themselves played their part in the overall narrative. We'll be diving deep into the design, the details, and the overall vibe of these kits, so buckle up!
The Home Kit: A Classic Reimagined
When we talk about the West Ham kit for the 2017-2018 season, the home shirt is usually the first one that springs to mind. This kit aimed to blend tradition with a touch of modern flair, and for the most part, I think it succeeded. The iconic claret body with the blue sleeves is a staple for West Ham, and for this season, they kept that classic combination. What made it stand out, though? Well, the shade of claret was a really rich, deep hue, which always looks fantastic on a football shirt. The blue sleeves offered a nice contrast, creating that instantly recognizable silhouette that fans love. It’s the kind of design that just feels right for West Ham. It’s not overly complicated, it respects the club’s heritage, and it looks good on the pitch and off it. You could easily wear this down the pub or to a casual meetup, and people would know you’re a West Ham fan.
The fabric technology used was also pretty standard for the time, focusing on breathability and comfort – essential for players on the pitch and fans in the stands, especially during those chilly London evenings or sweltering Saturday afternoons. The club crest was, as always, embroidered proudly on the chest, a symbol of pride and history. The sponsor logo, which was Betway for this season, was integrated cleanly, not overpowering the design but still clearly visible. Sometimes, sponsors can really clash with a kit, but Betway's branding seemed to work reasonably well with the claret and blue. The fine details, like the trim on the collar and cuffs, were often subtly incorporated, adding to the overall polished look. We’re talking about those little touches that elevate a shirt from just being sportswear to something a bit more special. It's the dedication to these minor elements that often defines a classic kit. Think about the neckline – was it a classic crew neck? A V-neck? These small design choices can have a surprisingly big impact on how the shirt is perceived. The 17/18 home kit leaned into a clean, straightforward aesthetic that celebrated the club's identity. It was a kit that understood its roots and presented them in a way that felt fresh for the time. It wasn't trying to reinvent the wheel, but rather to perfect the existing formula, and that's often a winning strategy for football kit design. The players who wore it, the moments they created – it all adds to the legacy of this particular home shirt. It was a solid effort that paid homage to the club's iconic colours and history, making it a popular choice among the fanbase.
The Away Kit: A Bold Statement
Moving on to the West Ham away kit for the 17/18 season, this is where things got a bit more adventurous. While the home kit played it safe with tradition, the away kit often provides an opportunity for manufacturers to experiment a little more, and this was certainly the case here. The away kit for 2017-2018 featured a striking dark green colour. Now, green isn't a colour you immediately associate with West Ham, which made this shirt a talking point right from its release. But honestly, I think it worked really well! The dark green was deep and sophisticated, giving the kit a unique and modern feel. It was a departure from the usual white or black away kits we've seen over the years, and that boldness is something to be admired. It showed that the club and the kit manufacturer were willing to take a risk and try something different, which can be exciting for fans.
The design itself usually incorporates subtle patterns or contrasting elements to make it pop. For this particular away shirt, there might have been subtle tonal patterns woven into the fabric, or perhaps contrasting trim in a lighter shade or even a vibrant accent colour. These details are crucial because they prevent the shirt from looking too plain, even with a strong primary colour like dark green. The sleeves might have featured contrasting cuffs, or the collar could have had a unique design. The sponsor logo, again Betway, would have been adapted to fit the colour scheme of the away kit, ensuring it looked integrated rather than slapped on. Sometimes, sponsors opt for a white or even a lighter green version of their logo to complement the shirt's colours. The club crest would have been present in its usual form, a constant reminder of the team's identity. The overall silhouette of the away kit would have been similar to the home kit in terms of fit and material, designed for performance and comfort. However, the visual impact was vastly different. The dark green created a sense of understated elegance, making it a stylish choice for players and supporters alike. It’s the kind of away kit that gets people talking, and whether they loved it or were unsure at first, it definitely left an impression. It’s a prime example of how an away kit can be both functional and fashionable, offering a refreshing alternative to the traditional home colours. This particular West Ham kit showed creativity and a willingness to deviate from the norm, which is always a positive sign for kit enthusiasts. It's these kinds of designs that often become cult classics among collectors and fans who appreciate a bit of flair.
The Third Kit: Surprise Factor
Beyond the home and away options, football clubs sometimes release a third kit, and the 17/18 season was no exception for West Ham. While not always as widely used as the first two, the third kit often represents the pinnacle of design experimentation. It’s the kit that gets pulled out when needed for specific away grounds where colours might clash, or sometimes just for a bit of variety. The West Ham third kit from 2017-2018 was definitely a surprise package. Often, third kits are used to introduce completely new colourways or bold graphic designs that wouldn’t typically fit the home or away brief. For this season, West Ham’s third kit was a light, almost pastel-like shade of grey, often referred to as 'light silver' or 'charcoal grey'. This was a significant departure from anything the club had previously worn, making it a unique addition to their kit history. The colour itself was quite understated, but the design elements made it pop.
There were usually some striking graphic details involved, perhaps a subtle pinstripe pattern or a more prominent geometric design that ran across the shirt. This contrast between the muted grey and the bolder graphic elements created a very modern and edgy look. Some fans really loved this contemporary aesthetic, while others found it a bit too far removed from traditional West Ham colours. The trim colours often played a crucial role in tying the whole design together. You might have seen accents of a brighter colour, like a vibrant blue or even a fiery orange, used on the collar, cuffs, or side panels. These pops of colour would have provided a much-needed contrast against the light grey background, adding dynamism and visual interest. The sponsor logo would have been carefully chosen to complement these colours, often in a dark grey, black, or one of the accent colours. The club crest would have been present, possibly with a slightly different tonal application to blend in or stand out as desired. The material and fit would have followed the same performance-oriented standards as the other kits. However, the visual identity was completely distinct. This third kit was all about making a statement, offering a fresh and contemporary look that aimed to appeal to a new generation of fans while still respecting the club's prestige. It was a testament to the creativity of the kit designers, pushing boundaries and exploring new avenues in football apparel. It’s a West Ham kit that definitely stands out in memory, precisely because it was so unexpected and different. It showed that West Ham wasn't afraid to be bold and innovative with their merchandise, and that's something special in the world of football fashion. It’s a kit that tells a story of a specific moment in time for the club, a willingness to embrace the new.
Fan Reaction and Legacy
It's always fascinating to see how fans react to new kits, and the West Ham kit releases for the 2017-2018 season were no different. The home kit, with its classic claret and blue, generally received a positive reception. It’s hard to go wrong when you stick to the traditional colours, and this design was seen as a safe but stylish choice. Many fans appreciated the nod to heritage and the clean, no-fuss aesthetic. It was the kind of shirt that players and fans alike could feel proud to wear, embodying the club's core identity. You'd see it everywhere – at the London Stadium, in pubs across East London, and even further afield. It became a symbol of support, representing the unwavering loyalty of the West Ham faithful.
The away kit, however, tended to be more polarizing. The dark green colour was a bold choice, and while some fans loved its uniqueness and sophisticated look, others were less convinced, perhaps longing for a more traditional away strip. It’s the kind of kit that sparks debate, and that’s often a good thing in the world of football fashion. It shows that the design isn't just blending into the background; it's making an impression. Those who embraced it often pointed to its distinctiveness and how it stood out from the crowd. It was a conversation starter, a way to express individuality while still supporting the team. For many, it was a welcome departure from the norm, offering a fresh perspective on the club's colours.
The third kit, with its light grey and striking graphic details, was perhaps the most divisive. This was a kit designed to push boundaries, and as such, it attracted a wide range of opinions. Some fans lauded its modern and edgy design, seeing it as a progressive step for the club. They appreciated the innovation and the willingness to experiment with colours and patterns that were far removed from West Ham's traditional palette. Others felt it lacked the quintessential West Ham spirit and was too far removed from the club's identity. However, even those who weren't fans of the design often acknowledged its bravery. It represented a commitment to exploring new territories in kit design, which can be exciting for collectors and fashion-conscious fans. Ultimately, the legacy of the West Ham kit 17/18 collection lies in its diversity. It offered something for everyone: a classic for the traditionalists, a bold statement for the trendsetters, and an experimental piece for the adventurers. These kits are more than just clothing; they are pieces of the club's history, capturing the spirit of the team and its supporters during that particular season. Whether you loved them or were indifferent, they certainly left their mark and continue to be discussed among fans today, making them memorable parts of West Ham's rich kit heritage. The 17/18 season's kits are a testament to how football fashion can be both a reflection of heritage and a glimpse into the future, sparking conversations and creating lasting memories for the fanbase. They are a key part of the club's visual narrative.
