FOOTBALL GUIDE • 2026/27 THIRD KITS
The third kit doesn't replace a club's history. It gives it a new expression.
The third kit, sometimes called an "alternate kit," complements a club's home and away strips. Often freer in its use of colors, it attracts fans looking for a different piece and collectors who follow every season closely.
Why do clubs offer a third kit? Is it official? Is it better to buy one than a home kit? Here are the answers, along with several examples from the 2026/27 collections featured on PlanetFoot.
THIRD OUTFIT
A design that adds to the home and away kits.
DIFFERENT IDENTITY
A palette sometimes far removed from classic colors.
OFFICIAL PRODUCT
A licensed piece, to be distinguished from an imitation.
The models at a glance
| Model | Colors / Format | For what use? |
|---|---|---|
| Borussia Dortmund | Purple / Yellow | Contrast with yellow and black |
| AC Milan | Dark gray / Red | Alternative to the rossonero |
| Olympique de Marseille | Lavender / Navy blue | A variation of Marseille blue |
What is a third football kit?
The third kit is a team's third official outfit for a given season. It complements the home and away kits, especially within the world of official equipment offered by clubs and their kit manufacturers. The colors can be very different from the team's traditional codes.
A third kit is not automatically worn for every match and does not guarantee that a team will use it in a specific encounter. Its presence in the catalog is enough to make it part of the official collection when it is licensed.
Why do third kits change colors so much?
The third kit provides a playground for graphic expression for manufacturers. It can feature patterns, shades, and contrasts that are less expected than the historic home kit. The result sometimes appeals more to style enthusiasts than to purists of classic colors.
This does not mean that the third kit automatically has better material or a specific cut. Technologies should be checked on the reference sheet and compared to the home model from the same manufacturer.
Three examples of 2026/27 third kits
The purple and yellow Borussia Dortmund third kit offers a bold variation of the BVB palette. The dark gray and red AC Milan third kit prefers a dark base.
The lavender and navy blue OM third kit plays with another shade of blue. These models show that a third kit can remain identifiable without exactly replicating the main outfit.
How to choose the third kit that fits your style?
Start with the color: do you want a highly visible piece or a jersey that's easy to wear every day? Then look at the cut, the men's/children's category, and any custom printing. If you are looking for your first club jersey, the home kit might remain more iconic.
If you already own several home kits, the third kit freshens up your collection more. Also, consider matching accessories and shorts where available, without assuming that every club offers all sizes and variations.
PlanetFoot's advice: collector or fan?
For a collector, the originality of a third kit is judged primarily on the design and the memory associated with the season. For a fan who wears their jersey daily, comfort and ease of pairing can tip the scales.
Explore the selection of third kits on PlanetFoot directly and check the exact characteristics of the models. An authentic third kit must always be distinguished from a counterfeit, regardless of its palette.
Frequently asked questions: 2026/27 third kit
What does "third" mean on a football kit?
"Third" refers to a club's third official outfit, in addition to the home and away kits.
Is the third kit official?
Yes, a third kit marketed under license by the club's manufacturer is an official product.
Is a third kit always more original?
Many offer a freer palette, but this depends on the clubs and seasons.
Is a third kit more expensive?
Not necessarily. Compare the actual prices of the different models at the time of purchase.
Which 2026/27 third kits can be found on PlanetFoot?
The catalog includes versions for AC Milan, OM, and Borussia Dortmund, depending on available sizes.
The 2026/27 third collection in one place
Alternative colors, seasonal designs, and officially licensed jerseys: discover our selection of third kits.
See third kits →PlanetFoot selection. Photos, sizes, prices, and availability to be checked on official product pages at the time of purchase.
