Nike. Adidas. Puma.
They dominate the biggest clubs, competitions and contracts in football, but does having the biggest portfolio actually mean you’re producing the best shirts?
Hummel keep providing reasons to question it.
Their latest creation for CS Marítimo is unmistakably about the club wearing it, diving straight into the maritime identity that has connected Marítimo with their home of Funchal for generations.
The Madeiran capital has long been an important port and gateway for trade and travel, a history reflected by the ship’s wheel sitting proudly within Marítimo’s crest.
For the third shirt, that wheel escapes the confines of the badge.
A rich wine-coloured base hosts an intricate pattern of ships’ wheels knotted together by traditional rope. Importantly, it isn’t simply the crest repeated endlessly across the fabric. The elements have been reworked into a pattern of their own, giving the shirt considerably more character.
That deep wine shade feels particularly at home on Madeira too. Whether intentional or not, it’s difficult not to make the connection with another of the island’s most famous exports.
Then there’s the collar.
Wide and open with an almost old naval-uniform quality, it strengthens the maritime theme without needing another graphic to explain it. A small amount of red and green trim brings Marítimo’s traditional colours back into the picture.
It’s exactly what we enjoy seeing from bespoke kit design.
Take the badge away and there’s still a story connecting this shirt specifically to Marítimo and Madeira.
Perhaps that’s where brands like Hummel can really challenge football’s giants. They might not dominate the Champions League, but are they actually producing some of the most interesting bespoke shirts in football?
Credit; @csmaritimomadeira @hummelsport
#maritimo #hummel #madeira #maritime #footballkits #thekitsman
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