Ranking the best new kits for the 2026 MLS season

Tom Weber

• 19 Feb 2026 15:00 CST
• 7 min read

Analysis

A new season usually means new kits, and this is no different in Major League Soccer.

With the new MLS season kicking off on 21 February, the league's 30 franchises have now released their fresh strips for the upcoming campaign. However, it wouldn't be MLS if it didn't do some things a little differently from Europe and other parts of the world.

In Europe's top leagues, it has become customary for clubs to have a brand new design every season. This is not the case in MLS. The league is still somewhat old school in the sense that jerseys usually have a much longer shelf life.

Another major difference is that Adidas is the league's sole gear manufacturer. There are no Nike, Puma or Castore kits in MLS. This monopoly has been a source of contention at times.

For example, for MLS's 25th anniversary season in 2020, all the kits in the league had the same basic design with Adidas' three stripes boldly plastered across the right shoulder. It was pretty bad.

That said, it can't be denied that Adidas has produced some real crackers over the years, and some of the designs for 2026 are definitely up there with the best of them.

With the help of numerous contributors, FootballTransfers has picked the five best new MLS kits for the 2026 season...

5. New England Revolution

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence. Naturally, then, it serves as inspiration for the New England Revolution's new 2026 home kit, certainly making it Adidas' most patriotic creation.

The Revs' "Independence Day" kit features a striking red and white firework design on a traditional navy base. It is a celebration of "the New England pride that helped shape the country."

"The Independence Day kit is a striking design unlike anything we've had in decades," vice president of Marketing and PR Cathal Conlon said. "It offers a fresh take on iconic patriotic imagery, yet is immediately recognisable as a Revolution jersey with our classic red, white, and blue colour palette."

4. Los Angeles FC

LAFC have one of the most distinct identities and sleekest colour schemes in MLS. It is not difficult to make black and gold look good. However, instead of going down the traditional route in 2026, Adidas has decided to produce another quite bold design for the Hollywood club.

Inspired by the Art Deco architectural movement of the 1920s, LAFC's new home kit - the creatively named "Primary Kit" - features a recurring gold pattern of geometrical shapes on a black base.

It continues a trend of LAFC incorporating Art Deco in their identity, but this design is easier on the eye than the 2022 "5 Year Strong" primary kit, which also had a clear Art Deco influence.

Describing the inspiration behind the kit, LAFC wrote on their website: "Some cities have a single architectural identity. Los Angeles has many. One style in particular took root in the 1920s, and came to define the city’s design aesthetic.

"On buildings bathed in sunlight, Art Deco conveyed endless possibility - a canvas on which dreams could be realised. This architectural ideal, Art Deco, informed the construction of the Grand Lobby at BMO Stadium in 2016, and now, 100 years after it arrived in LA, it has inspired the design of the 2026-2027 LAFC Primary Kit."

3. Sporting Kansas City

The first away jersey on this list, Sporting Kansas City's "18th & Vine" design firmly fits into the franchise's proud history of producing daring and beautiful kits. As the name suggests, the kit is inspired by Kansas City's 18th & Vine district, the home of the American Jazz Museum.

This eye-catching kit "features neon-inspired script, rhythmic patterns and bright, glowing accents that draw from the vibrant signage that lights up the neighbourhood."

Blue, pink and purple diamonds adorn the front of the shirt without being too in-your-face. Light blue details, including Adidas' stripes on the shoulders, add another layer to this beautiful kit.

2. Philadelphia Union

Like the New England Revolution, the Philadelphia Union will also boast a new Independence Day-inspired home jersey in 2026. Aptly named the "1776 Kit," this busy design will not leave you indifferent - you will either love it or hate it.

Most of us here at FootballTransfers and others quizzed for this article love the kit. Although the details catch the eye, they are not overbearing. There is method to the madness, and this is what makes this kit good.

The jersey features Benjamin Franklin, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Liberty Bell, and John Hancock’s signature on the Declaration of Independence.

"The layered design brings together historical references, typography, and architectural elements in a cohesive composition," the Union explain on their website. "Texture, contrast, and subtle imperfections reflect the idea that progress is built through effort and evolution.

"A restrained monochrome palette gives the jersey a timeless look, allowing the details and story to stand out."

1. Atlanta United

Although on-pitch success has eluded free-spending Atlanta United in recent years, the Five Stripes consistently produce interesting kits. Their 2026 away kit, inspired by the 1996 Olympics, is easily one of the best they have had.

The design itself is nothing spectacular. It is a single stripe on a one-coloured foundation. However, the colourway - which has no relation to Atlanta United's usual colours - is what makes the "Spirit of '96 Kit" special.

The off-white, green and gold harmonise perfectly and match the palette of the 1996 Olympic logo. The red, purple and blue leaves from the logo are subtly stitched into the sash as well.

"The crest, star-studded and entirely gold, resembles a gold medal, the pinnacle of Olympic success. The badge represents the club’s commitment to that same goal, and as always, sits over our heart."

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