What is the purpose of a logo for a football team? It's a question that no one now asks. Yet, only a century ago, team uniforms and logos were not as branded to a team's identity as they are today. Now that another season is in the books, let's take a brief look at how uniforms evolved from black and dark navy blues to the defining colors of today’s uniforms. 

In the early days of football, participants wore simple outfits with matching colors. Their uniforms, on the other hand, evolved in tandem with the rules. Similar to rugby in both style of play and attire, players wore cotton or wool sweaters with no padding to counteract the cold. The first under-jersey shoulder pads were introduced to the game at the turn of the century. Shoulder pads were made of leather, which was the heaviest and most malleable material available at the period, and provided an extra layer of protection from both opponents and the weather. When it came to uniform design and branding, however, the prospects were as gloomy as the chilly northeastern winters.

Around the 1940s, as equipment advanced beyond leather, so did the look of uniforms, with a few teams, most notably the Los Angeles Rams, breaking away from the conventional look of uniforms with painted horns on their helmets. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that teams began to embrace a more vibrant look. Teams from all throughout the league walked onto the field wearing brand-defining colors and emblems to be better seen on television and by fans in the crowd. 

More than half a century later, uniforms are still being altered and redesigned to keep up with the latest trends. A continual progression that all began with a simple can of paint. 

Need help customizing your school or league team logo? Visit us online at the Team Uniform Store in Florida to let us help you get started with all your uniform needs.