The 2019 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season is just a week old and while jersey reveals typically occur prior to the start of a new campaign, the Chicago Red Stars are doing things differently this year.
Just one day removed from a 1-1 tie against the defending North Carolina Courage to begin the season, Chicago revealed its 2019 primary kit on Sunday evening in front of season ticket holders and invited guests. Dubbed “Elevated,” the jersey pays homage to the Windy City’s intricate train system.
The Red Stars are known for producing some of the highest-quality uniforms in the NWSL and that doesn’t change with the debut of the new threads. Chicago owner Arnim Whisler understands the importance of maintaining his brand ahead of a big year in Women’s Soccer.
“This jersey is absolutely a pivotal moment in Red Stars history,” said Whisler “In a year with the Women’s World Cup and the player’s representing their countries, this breaks it down even more as a representation of Chicago. We were able to fully customize this year’s jersey top with the two crucial pieces of Chicago – the skyline and train system.
Our team has always been known to have the top jerseys in the league and I think this year we continue to lead the way again. This jersey is more than just a jersey. It truly is a piece of Chicago and art and I am excited for the Chicago locals to finally see it.”
The uniform was designed in house thanks to the efforts of graphic designer and Chicago native Andrew Cuagliardo.
“Growing up in Chicago, I wanted to continue the strong tradition of the city’s themed jerseys for the Red Stars,” Cuagliardo said. “I wanted to put my own spin to it and make it unique. I thought to incorporate the ‘L’ train pattern would be something unique to the city and stand out on a jersey. No one has really done something like that before so I spent hours trying to customize this pattern to exactly the look we have now. I hope not just Red Stars fans, but Chicago fans will love this and represent their city and their team.”
The unique design doesn’t stop on the front of the kit but continues on the back as well. The iconic skyline of Chicago is featured prominently as creates a sense of civic pride to those who wear the jersey.
“Chicago has the best skyline in the world,” said Guagliardo. “I’ve seen a lot of teams put their city’s skyline somewhere. I wanted to do the same and show off how amazing it looked. Just another small detail that makes this jersey 100% customized.”
The new jersey debuts on April 20th when the Red Stars take on the Portland Thorns in Bridgeview, Illinois.
