MLS: Grading each club’s newest kits for 2019 – part 1

With the 2019 MLS season approaching, clubs are finishing their preseason and unveiling their newest kits. Which kits are the best (or worst) of the bunch?

MLS clubs typically have two kits for each season: a primary kit and a secondary kit. Clubs get new kits every other season, usually overlapping their primary and secondary so a new kit in general is released each season. As the season’s opening weekend approaches, more and more kits are currently being unveiled.

There are a couple of reasons for club’s getting new kits so often, the biggest two being money and refreshment. New kits mean more sales, and a new kit every other year keeps things fresh and interesting for the fan base.

There is a love-hate relationship with new kits. It is impossible to please every fan, but in a subjective sense some kits are better than others. Unfortunately, with Adidas being the sole kit provider for the league, creativity and individuality is not a big focus (for most clubs at least).

Twelve clubs will be graded today based on creativity, individuality, unique touches, and any sort of tribute to the club’s history (if applicable).

Without further ado, here are your 2019 MLS kit grades.

Chicago Fire

Chicago gets a new secondary kit this season, replacing their gray and blue kit from 2018. The new secondary is all white with a red bar across the chest with blue trim and red Adidas stripes on the shoulder. Motorola is the club’s newest kit sponsor. The new secondary is practically a reverse scheme from their primary, which is red with a white bar across the chest.

As creativity goes, it’s not the most creative, although the kit does have a fresh look about it. The red bar should pop against the white, offering something slightly different from the league’s usually plain white kits (more on that later). The kit features a silver star above the crest for their MLS Cup win in 1998, a small C on the back of the neck, and a small flag as a jock tag.

Kit grade: B-