Cricketing Clobber: The Evolution of Cricket Whites
For any cricket tragic, there’s nowt quite like pulling on the crisp whites for a day out at the crease. But today’s batting kits have come a fair way from their humble beginnings as simple woollen garb. Modern, custom cricket kits merge cutting edge technology with athletic style.
The Early Days: Basic Basics
In cricket’s fledgling years, kit was pretty no-frills stuff. Basic white shirts, trousers and caps were the norm – designed more for modesty on the village green than performance. Wool and felted materials ruled the roost, keeping a chap covered up proper while affording decent freedom of movement for bowling, batting and fielding. Frills and flair weren’t really a consideration.
In cricket’s fledgling years, kit was pretty no-frills stuff. Basic white shirts, trousers and caps were the norm – designed more for modesty on the village green than performance. Wool and felted materials ruled the roost, keeping a chap covered up proper while affording decent freedom of movement for bowling, batting and fielding. Frills and flair weren’t really a consideration.
Standards and Status Symbols. As the game embraced professionalism in the 19th century, certain traditions and status symbols emerged around cricket clobber. The baggy green cap became an iconic look for the Aussies, while English kits featured fancy cable-knit sleeveless pullovers called slipover vests, the basics for warmth. Manufacturers started embroidering posh club crests onto kits as a mark of distinction.
The Custom Kit Revolution. Coloured kits first caused controversy by appearing in domestic one-day matches in the 1960s. Garish greens, blues and yellows replaced whites as teams sought to stand out. While seen as a bit un-cricket back then, coloured gear soon spread into international play and is now the custom for cricketers worldwide today.
High Performance for the Modern Game. Today’s top cricket manufacturers combine scientific insights with cutting-edge textiles to produce turbo-charged batting kits. Moisture-wicking base layers, reinforced shirts, ultra-lightweight padding and advanced protection are all designed to boost performance and safety. Even the classic whites have been re-engineered using specialised breathable fabric blends.
As you dream up your cricket club’s snazzy new look, take inspiration from the sport’s deep-rooted kit traditions while keeping things fresh for the modern game. After all, you’ll want your blokes looking smart and sharp whether batting or fending off those pesky dibbly-dobbly deliveries! Keep it in the family with customised and personalised pieces to set you apart from the others afield. Check out our custom cricket kit catalogue today.
