Up-Close: USA 2014 World Cup Nike Authentic Home Jersey

Nike recently launched the home jersey that will be worn by the United States national soccer team at this summer’s 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. It will also be the primary kit for all of the USA national teams during the 2014/15 international soccer calendar.

As with all of its national team shirts, Nike has released replica and authentic versions of the USA 2014 World Cup home jersey (available at World Soccer Shop). The authentic version is the same as that worn by US national teamers such as Clint Dempsey, Michael Bradley and Jermaine Jones when they take the pitch for Team USA.

This is our World Exclusive detailed look at the USA 2014 World Cup Nike Authentic home jersey. Along the way we will give you some of our thoughts on the new shirt.

Design

After favoring simplistic jersey designs using sashes and hoops over the past few years (apart from the fantastic v-neck USA Centennial shirt), Nike has used a smart, classic polo collar for a USA kit for the first time the team’s 2002 World Cup uniforms. Below it is a placket with two rubberized buttons.

Gray horizontal pinstripes run across the jersey’s body and sleeves in a node to the USA’s tradition of incorporating stripes onto their shirts. The USA 2014 World Cup jersey’s packaging and inner rear of the neck area include the original thirteen stars of the American Flag on the shirt, the pennant is traditional American blue. The collar and sleeves of the jersey are trimmed in the red and blue (on the inside only) of the USA national flag.

While some USA soccer fans have balked at the non-embellished design of the new kit, the look makes the new shirt one that can be worn off the pitch and outside of the stadium terraces. Throw it one with some jeans, chinos or cargo shorts to show off your support for the USA at Brasil 2014 with pure class. It can even slip by in most business casual offices.

Technical Highlights

The USA 2014 World Cup authentic home jersey has a couple of technical features not present in the replica version. This is Nike “burnout” ventilated mesh back and laser-cut ventilation holes within chevron shapes on the sides of the shirt. Both are intended to keep provide localized cooling for players during matches. Soccer fans will spot them and know that you are rocking a player issue jersey.

Our favorite technical aspect of the new USA jersey is that it is made of 96% recycled plastic. Each uses an average of 18 recycled plastic bottles for its fabric. As such, you can look good and stay cool while making the world a better place during World Cup 2014!

Fit

The United States 2014-15 authentic Nike home soccer jersey uses a modern slim fit that is true to size. However, if you are on the muscular side, you may find the sleeves a bit tight for your well-honed arms and may want to order a size up.

The fit also doesn’t allow much for hiding any unwanted bodyfat. If you’re working on getting back into match condition then we suggest also ordering one size bigger than your would for polo shirts or t-shirts.

Thanks to Jacie!

See our Kits and Jerseys section for more of the latest football shirt releases.