Top Five MLS Kits of 2026: Tie-Dye, Tina Turner, and Bold Designs
As Major League Soccer gears up for its 31st season, fans are buzzing with opinions on everything from roster moves to playoff prospects. But one topic that always sparks passionate debate is kit culture. Soccer enthusiasts worldwide love dissecting the latest jersey releases, often using fashion jargon reserved for high-end runways. In that spirit, here’s a rundown of the five most noteworthy MLS kits for 2026, covering both the standout successes and the disappointing flops.
A New Old Look in San Jose
The San Jose Earthquakes have unveiled their so-called Dead Kit, a vibrant tribute to the Grateful Dead, the iconic Bay Area band. This colorful, tie-dye design features the band’s logo and wordmark on the collar, evoking a sense of flower-power nostalgia. Interestingly, this isn’t the Grateful Dead’s first foray into sports design. They famously partnered with the Lithuanian men’s basketball team at the 1992 Summer Olympics, funding their cash-strapped campaign and providing tie-dyed warmups that helped them win a bronze medal.
San Jose’s kit also unintentionally recalls another memorable American soccer moment: the denim jersey worn by the US Men’s National Team at the 1994 World Cup. Designed by Peter Moore, who also created the first Air Jordan shoe, that jersey was nearly tie-dye instead of denim, a decision that might have sparked player protests, as former USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa once noted. Fast forward to today, and tie-dye has made a comeback, with the USMNT’s 2024 away kit and now the Quakes embracing this bold aesthetic.
A Print Gone Wrong
Several MLS clubs experimented with graphic prints this year, but not all succeeded. The Philadelphia Union’s 1776 Kit, released ahead of the American semiquincentennial, aims to honor the city’s historical significance. It’s packed with elements like the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin’s portrait, Independence Hall, and the American flag, plus the "join or die" snake and the number 1776. However, this overload of imagery results in a cluttered design that feels more like streetwear than a functional soccer jersey. While Philly’s role in US history demanded a patriotic theme, this execution falls short, likely looking awkward in motion on the pitch.
A Print Gone Right
In contrast, Los Angeles FC has nailed the all-over print motif with their 2026 Primary Kit. Leveraging their timeless black-and-gold color scheme, this jersey incorporates Los Angeles’s art deco heritage, surpassing their 2022 attempt at Hollywood glamour. Like most MLS kits this season, it includes a unique lenticular holograph feature for the Adidas logo and club crest, creating an animated effect based on viewing angle. This cool, if somewhat unnecessary, gimmick adds a touch of innovation to an already impressive design.
Another Musical Collaboration
MLS continues to blend music and kit design, with St Louis City SC paying homage to Tina Turner in their 2026 kit. Turner, who spent formative years in St Louis, is honored with a gold, shimmery print reminiscent of her flashy early-career outfits, such as her 1970 Ed Sullivan Show appearance. The jersey features her signature and silhouette, marking Adidas’s first partnership with a female artist on a professional kit. While it remains to be seen how this design suits players like defensive midfielder Chris Durkin, it captures Turner’s energetic spirit effectively.
DC Yawn-ited
Despite MLS’s shift away from bland "clean" designs, some clubs still play it safe. DC United’s 2026 Black-and-Red Kit is a prime example, offering little beyond basic colors and a minimalistic approach. The club’s design description is notably brief, lacking the verbose explanations common in kit releases. This unambitious effort feels fitting for a team that hasn’t made the playoffs in nearly a decade, especially compared to their past hits like the Cherry Blossom kit.
Overall, the 2026 MLS kit lineup showcases a mix of creative triumphs and missed opportunities, reflecting the league’s evolving fashion sense and cultural connections.
