Guides

Home vs Away vs Third Kit: What’s the Difference?

Atletico Madrid 2004/05 Home Long Sleeve Retro Jersey
Quick Answer
A home kit uses a club’s traditional primary colours and is worn for home matches. An away kit is a contrasting design used when colours clash on the road. A third kit is an optional alternate strip, often the most experimental design, used for select fixtures or as a fashion piece.

Home, away and third kits differ in purpose, colours and how often they are worn. Most clubs release all three each season, and many fans collect the full set.

Kit Colours When worn
Home Traditional primary colours Home matches
Away Contrasting colours When home colours clash
Third Experimental / alternate Select fixtures, fashion

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between home, away and third football kits?

The home kit uses a club's traditional primary colours and is worn at home. The away kit is a contrasting design for matches where colours would clash. The third kit is an optional alternate strip, usually the most experimental, used for select games or as a fashion piece.

Why do clubs have a third kit?

Clubs release a third kit to provide a colour option when both home and away kits would clash with an opponent, and because alternate strips are popular commercial and fashion items for fans.

Which football kit should I buy?

The home kit is the classic choice and most recognisable. Away and third kits appeal to collectors and fans who want a distinctive look. Many supporters buy the home shirt first, then add away or third versions.

Where can I buy home, away and third football kits?

433FC stocks home, away and third kits for major clubs and national teams each season, in fan and player versions, with worldwide shipping.