Up-Close: West Ham United 2018/19 Umbro Away Kit

Reloaded in the off-season with new talent including pacey Brazilian striker Felipe Anderson, former Arsenal men Lucas Perez and Jack Wilshere, and Ukranian attacker Andriy Yarmolenko, West Ham United FC have notched recent positive Premier League results against Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United.

The East London side have been donning an eye-catching modern away kit from Umbro during their 2018/19 league and cup campaign. This is our World Exclusive, up-close and in-person look at the latest Hammers’ alternate shirt.

Where to Buy It

Umbro’s online store, World Soccer Shop, UK Soccer Shop, Subside Sports, Lovell Soccer and Kitbag all currently have the West Ham United 2018/19 Umbro away kit on sale.

The Hammer Heritage

While West Ham have worn white, sky blue and black away kits during their 123 year history they have never donned a deep teal jersey before. This makes their 2018/19 Umbro alternate shirt a first and instantly elevates it to collectible status for West Ham fans and football kit aficionados.

The club’s famous primary claret is included on the kit via well-placed and clever accenting. West Ham’s crest is embroidered in gold and relatively oversized compared to many of the badges on current soccer jerseys. Lastly, while West Ham United is often called by their “Hammers” nickname the team’s other sobriquet of “Irons” is printed in gold on the 18/19 away kit’s signoff area.

The Details

The West Ham United 2018/19 away kit uses a bespoke design from Umbro that is based on a modern crewneck template. The collar of the shirt is brilliant with a ribbed claret section for its rear three-quarters of length. The front section of the collar continues its rounded neck via an extension of the teal fabric that makes up the front and back of the jersey. The stitching that puts the sleeve and shoulder areas of the kit is also quite elaborate and well beyond the sleeve / shoulder stitching that is typical of most crewneck shirts.

All of Umbro’s 2018/19 major club kits have a series of rubberized diamonds on their sleeve cuffs. The pattern is inspired by the then stitched on famous Umbro diamond taping of the Manchester, UK firm’s 1990s football shirts and shorts. The diamonds are in West Ham’s claret on their new alternate jersey to complement kit’s collar.

An additional splash of West ham claret that really stands out is a wide, shiny band that makes up the rear waistline of the shirt. This addition looks great with shorts and jeans when the kit is used for casual use. Unfortunately it isn’t seen during West Ham Premier League and cup matches because players are made to tuck their jerseys in their shorts.

The golden, larger than average West Ham badge on their new away kit really stands out on the shirt because of its color. The size of the crest makes it the focus of the jersey upon a first look and creates an excellent visual effect on sponsored and unsponsored versions of the shirt.

Fit and Feel

The West Ham United 18/19 Umbro away kit fits true to size. Its silhouette emphasizes well-built shoulders and chests for those with athletic physiques. The sleeves are quite form-fitting and will show off muscular arms. The fit is a bit looser towards the waistline however. We suspect that this is to highlight the rear waistband on the shirt.

Umbro has used the latest in football kit fabric technology for The Hammers’ new alternate shirt. As a result it is very much a light weight affair that is very comfortable once put on. It dissipates sweat very quickly and remains dry when worn during soccer play or other exercise.

Final Thoughts

West Ham’s 2018/19 away kit is another great, club-specific offering from Umbro. Among the better looking shirts on display in the Premier League this season, it blends a modern look with Hammer’s culture and a touch of 90s retro with splendid effect. We hope to see more of this kit in EPL action for the rest of the current season.

West Ham United FC’s 2018/19 Umbro Home and Away Kits