- The home jersey features the traditional colors of the club or country.
- The away jersey helps avoid confusion when two teams have similar colors.
- The away jersey is often bolder and changes more frequently.
- Many clubs also have a third jersey, known as the "third kit."
- The choice mainly depends on your taste and intended use.
All clubs and national teams have at least two jerseys: a home and an away. But what are they really for, and which one should you choose? We'll explain it simply. Let's start with the home jersey.
The home jersey: the true colors
The home jersey displays the team's traditional colors: Real Madrid's white, Les Bleus' blue, Morocco's red and green. It's the historic jersey, the one supporters recognize instantly.
The home jersey is worn during "home" matches. Essentially, it's the visual identity card of the club or national team.
It is often the best-selling jersey because it is the most iconic. To understand how these colors are chosen, read our article on why Real Madrid plays in white.
The away jersey: to avoid confusion
The away jersey exists for a practical reason: to prevent two teams with similar colors from looking too much alike on the field. When the home kit risks being confused with the opponent's, the team plays in their away kit.
Traditional colors, the most iconic jersey. Changes little.
A different color to avoid confusion. Bolder, changes often.
Since it simply needs to contrast with the home kit, the away jersey offers creators more freedom. It is often more original and changes design more frequently. This is also where brands dare the most, as seen in our roundup of the most beautiful jerseys of the 2026 World Cup.
What about the third jersey?
Many clubs also have a third jersey, known as the "third kit." It serves as a backup when neither the home nor away kit is sufficient to distinguish the team from the opponent. It's often the most creative and collectible jersey of the season.
Sawa Football designs exclusive limited editions in France, in the colors of the most loved national teams and clubs. Creations you won't find anywhere else.
View jerseys →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a home and away jersey?
The home jersey features the team's traditional colors and is worn "at home." The away jersey, in a different color, helps avoid confusion when two teams have too similar colors.
Why do teams have an away jersey?
For a practical reason: if the colors of two teams are too similar, one must change outfits. The away jersey allows for a clear distinction between the two sides on the field.
What is a third jersey?
The third jersey, or "third kit," is an additional jersey used when neither the home nor away kit is sufficient to distinguish the team from the opponent. It is often the most creative and collectible jersey of the season.
Which jersey to choose, home or away?
The home jersey is the safe bet, with the team's iconic colors. The bolder away jersey allows you to stand out. The choice mainly depends on your tastes and intended use.
Home for historical colors, away to stand out and avoid confusion: each jersey has its role. It's up to you to choose according to your tastes. And whatever your choice, always check the origin of your jersey before buying.
