In preparation for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup, The US Women’s National Team (USWNT) will be wearing a new home uniform and boot combination from Nike. Designed to deliver an unrivaled performance and to inspire athletes and fans alike with its modern style, the coolest thing about the new uniform is that it also has a low environmental impact.
Global Creative Director for Nike Soccer, Martin Lotti, comments, “This is a huge moment for these players and for women’s sports. It was a privilege to design this uniform for the best team in the world. When creating for this amazing event so close to home, we wanted to create real impact and make sure it was built for brilliance in every way.” By going green, Nike managed to do just that.
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Each piece, the jersey, shorts and socks, is made out of recycled polyester, which is made from – get this – recycled plastic bottles! The plastic bottles are melted down to produce fine yarn used to create the fabric. Eighteen plastic bottles were used per kit. By using recycled polyester, Nike is also reducing the amount of energy that is consumed in the manufacturing process by as much as 30 percent. In addition to the kit, this is Nike’s first development of a women-specific integrated soccer cleat.
While the “green” method was used in the construction of each piece of the kit, the technology behind the design deserves a huge nod as well. “This is also the first time we’ve designed an integrated look from the cleats up. We see the combination of the new uniform and footwear collection as an expression of our commitment to both performance innovation and style,” said Lotti. Using 3D body mapping, the new home uniform features a women’s-specific fit that maximizes a woman’s natural body movement, while providing comfort and performance. For a touch of femininity, Nike chose dual-knit cotton and recycled polyester fabric for a softer feel.
Unlike Nike’s previous kits, this new kit weighs 16 percent lighter, allowing for maximum speed and comfort. Nike also used multiple technologies to create a cooling system that regulates the athlete’s body temperature. The Nike DriFit draws sweat away from the body where it is evaporated directly from the fabric. Strategically placed mesh and laser-cut ventilation side holes help to increase air regulation and thermo regulation.
Nike has also produced a full range of training apparel as well as “off-field” press and travel looks for the players. The Men’s team will get a replica home uniform in support of the Women’s team. The USA jerseys are available now in women’s, men’s and youth sizes in the Nike Soccer App, at Nike retail stores and online at nike.com.