Thursday marks one of the most eagerly anticipated kit launches in Villa’s recent history. Aston Villa and adidas are pleased to unveil the home kit for the 2026/27 season, which is inspired by the club’s designs from the 1960s.
The 2026-27 home shirt reimagines that era’s unconventional claret and blue concepts through a clean, modern, and elegant aesthetic.
Featuring an all-claret base, a retro polo collar, and the sky blue Adidas three stripes on the shoulders, this design creates a departure from the raglan-sleeved home shirts that Villa have worn in the modern era, usually finished with gold detailing.
It is a shirt well-suited to carry Villa into their second Champions League campaign.
Launch film & a uniquely modern reveal
The 2026/27 home kit was launched in a slightly different way compared to previous editions. The reveal included a short film featuring manager Unai Emery, club captain John McGinn, Ezri Konsa, Amadou Onana, Ollie Watkins, Matty Cash, and Youri Tielemans, as well as former Villa skipper Dennis Mortimer, who famously lifted the 1982 European Cup trophy.
The film was produced in an iconic Pathe newsreel style, matching the era that inspired the design. Instantly recognisable by its traditional voiceover, fast-paced structure, and styling, the film captures the positive energy around the club and appropriately nods to past European glories.
Technical innovations & design details
Regarding the kit itself, the club website further explained the technical aspects and materials used and can buy it here now:
“The authentic jersey is engineered with CLIMACOOL+ technology, which allows players to remain cool and comfortable whilst on pitch, with ventilation features that allow air to flow over the body naturally, while sweat-wicking and quick-drying fabric keeps players dry. Shorts and socks in the ‘glow blue’ shade will accompany the claret shirt.”
However, the kit currently does not feature a front-of-shirt sponsor. Last season’s sponsor, Betano, can no longer appear due to Premier League regulations prohibiting gambling sponsorships on the front of match shirts.
Why the 1960s era?
One question that remains unanswered is why the club specifically chose the 1960s as the inspiration. There has been no official explanation, though it may be linked to the Pathe-style short film or perhaps a deeper historical meaning.
In Aston Villa’s history, the 1960s represented an important turning point for the club. It marked the beginning of their resurgence after a difficult period, reflecting a spirit of rebuilding and returning to the top. Back in 1960, Villa were managed by Joe Mercer.
The former Manchester City boss guided the club back to the top flight after just one season in the Second Division following relegation in the 1958/59 campaign.
Even more significantly, the Villans went on to win the League Cup in the 1960/61 season after overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Rotherham United 3-2 on aggregate. Villa also reached the final of the same competition again in 1963 but were defeated by local rivals Birmingham City.
Bring home history: The Europa League trophy display
The headline attraction on Thursday goes beyond the kit itself. The Europa League trophy, won just eight days ago in Istanbul against Freiburg, will be on display at The Sports Illustrated Warehouse throughout the day while the store is open.
This is the opportunity that every Villa supporter has been waiting for across thirty years of waiting. The trophy is real. It is in Birmingham. It will be at Villa Park on Thursday. Supporters will be able to take photographs using their own devices, with club staff on hand to assist and manage the experience. Entry to The Warehouse will be managed in limited numbers to keep queues moving smoothly.
The 2026/27 home kit is available from 9am on Thursday, May 28. If you can’t make it to the physical storefronts, the product will be live online on the following links:
- Official Store: Aston Villa Store
- Official Partner: Kitbag
- Adidas Official: adidas.co.uk
One of the most exciting elements of Thursday’s launch is the exclusive customisation available only in Villa Stores. Supporters can have their 2026-27 home shirt printed with the club’s official cup font along with the Europa League Winners Champions League Badge.
That specific combination, acknowledging both the Istanbul triumph and the Champions League campaign that follows, will be available exclusively at Villa Park,Kitbag and the Bullring. Standard shirt name and number printing is also available in store.
The club’s official mascots Hercules and Bella will be present throughout the day alongside face painting, interactive games, and live music from a DJ in B6. Former players will also be available for meet-and-greet opportunities.
Food and beverages, including an ice cream van, will be on site. The club encourages supporters to bring their own refreshments to stay hydrated given the expected queues and warm weather. A cap, sunglasses, and suncream are specifically recommended ahead of what promises to be a long and joyful day in Birmingham.
Both Villa Stores at Villa Park’s Villa Village and the Bullring’s East Lower Mall near Selfridges open at 9am on Thursday and remain open until 8pm.
Supporters are encouraged to arrive early, as a large number of fans are expected and a queuing system will be in place outside both the Villa Store and The Sports Illustrated Warehouse throughout the day.
