Leeds United first club to sell adult replica kits in 1973

The Guardian Sport2 min read • Latest: Sep 16, 2026, 7:00 AM

Last updated Sep 16, 2026

Leeds United first club to sell adult replica kits in 1973
Summary

Leeds United is recognized as the first club to sell adult replica kits to the public, starting in 1973. Initially, only children's sizes were produced, marking a significant shift in fan culture away from traditional scarves and flags. The trend of fans wearing replica kits has developed over decades, influenced by various factors including DIY creations, unofficial kits, and special editions for cup finals. This change reflects broader cultural shifts within the sport, as supporters began to show their allegiance more visibly through merchandise. The emergence of these kits has had lasting effects on merchandising in football.

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By the Numbers
  • Leeds United started selling adult replica kits in 1973.
  • Initially, only children's sizes were sold.
  • The trend shifted away from scarves and flags for support.
  • Various unofficial and DIY kits predated official club offerings.
  • Cultural changes influenced fan merchandise visibility.
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  • 7:00 AMThe Guardian SportWhen did football fans first start wearing replica kits? | The Knowledge
What they're saying
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Plus: more costly (and beneficial) red cards, plus attacks with triple half-century of international goals Mail us with your all of your questions and answers “When did fans wearing replica kits become a thing?” asks Alex Ecob. “Older footage shows people in regular clothes and a few scarves/flags in the team colours. What kickstarted the trend? Did one club get there first?” As the question suggests, this is a not a straightforward answer. Buckle up folks, as we veer wildly from copyright acts to academia, via multiple reports of unofficial kits, DIY jobs, cup-final special editions, youth strips, sew-on jobs and the like. But if we are to draw a line in the sand, and declare one date or one jersey as the first official, adult replica kit to be sold by a club to the general public (or at least those close enough to the club shop), then we probably have to give the gong to Leeds United in 1973, although only children’s sizes were produced initially. Continue reading...

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