Every club and national team has at least two kits each season: a home kit and an away kit. If you are deciding which to buy, here is what sets them apart and how to choose.

Why teams have two kits

Teams wear an away (or change) kit when their usual home colours would clash with the opposition, so both sides remain easy to tell apart. The home kit uses a club traditional colours, while the away kit gives designers room to experiment with bolder or contrasting looks.

How the designs differ

• Home kits stick closely to a club identity and historic colours.
• Away kits are often more adventurous, with colours you would not see at home.

Which should you buy?

If you want the classic, recognisable look, choose the home kit. If you prefer something different and stand-out, the away kit is often the more distinctive choice. Many collectors enjoy owning both. Explore current away kits like the Arsenal Away 2025/26 and Liverpool Away 2025/26.

Why clubs have two (or three) kits

Home and away kits exist so teams can avoid colour clashes with opponents. The home kit uses the club’s traditional colours and is worn at their own stadium; the away kit is a different colourway worn when visiting a team with similar colours.

Design philosophy differences

Home kits tend to be conservative, sticking closely to a club’s historic identity. Away kits give designers more freedom, often featuring bold, experimental colours and patterns that wouldn’t work as a primary shirt.

Third kits and beyond

Many clubs also release a third kit for further clash situations or simply as a fashion-forward release. Third kits are usually the most daring designs of a season and are popular with collectors.

Which to buy first

If it’s your first shirt from a club, the home kit is the safer, most recognisable choice. Away kits make a great second purchase once you already own the classic colours.

Value and collectibility

Away and third kits, produced in smaller numbers, often become more sought-after over time, especially if worn during a memorable season. Read our collector’s guide.

Shop both

We stock home and away kits separately for every major club in our Team Jersey collection.

Frequently asked questions

Why do teams change kits during a match?

If both teams kits are too similar, one switches to a change kit so players, officials and fans can tell them apart clearly.

Is a home or away kit better value?

Both are priced similarly. The better choice depends on whether you prefer the traditional look or a more distinctive design.

Browse the collection

See home and away options across our full shop.

Caring for both kits equally

Whether home or away, proper care keeps colours vibrant and fabric intact. Wash cold, inside out, and air dry, our full care guide has everything you need for either kit.

Mixing and matching for style

Many fans wear away kits casually specifically because the bolder colours work better outside a stadium setting. Don’t feel locked into always choosing the home shirt, the away kit might suit your personal style even better.

Building your full collection

Over time, many fans end up owning both home and away versions of their favourite club, plus a third kit for good measure. Each tells a slightly different story about the club’s identity and the era it represents.