A throwback to our origins: Explaining the detail on West Ham United’s third kit

Andy Carroll and Pedro Obiang pose in the new West Ham United third kit

In 1900 a football team in east London named Thames Ironworks FC made the decision to disband.

From the ashes of that team rose West Ham United.

In the 117 years that have followed that name has become more than just a title. It has become synonymous with passion, determination, hard-work and a way of playing football.

Mark Noble and Pablo Zabaleta pose in the new West Ham united third kit

And it all started with this shirt.

West Ham United’s new third strip is directly inspired by the first-ever kit worn by the Irons, in the 1900/01 Southern League season.

Javier Hernandez poses in the new West Ham United third kit

On September 1 1900, in the club’s first home game wearing that strip, the Hammers ran out 7-0 winners over Gravesend.

The sky-blue shirt is also embroidered with the first known crest ever to ever appear on a West Ham United jersey, from the famous first Wembley FA Cup final of 1923.

The date ‘05.07.1900’ has also subtly been stamped across the back of the neck as a reminder of the club’s roots and the inspiration for this kit.

Buy your new Third Kit here

The simple design of the shirt is completed with a buttoned collar and a cuffed sleeve, finishing off an elegant and refined new addition to the West Ham United locker.

The top is accompanied by white shorts, again sporting the 1923 cross irons crest, and black socks in a complete tribute to the first West Ham United team.

West Ham's newest kit is now available to buy from the Club stores at the London Stadium in Stratford, the Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock and at the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford. 

Supporters can also purchase the kit from the online store here.

Michail Antonio poses in the new West Ham United third kit