Arsenal FC – History, Legends & Iconic Football Jerseys

Arsenal Football Club, widely known as Arsenal FC or affectionately “The Gunners”, stands as one of England’s most historic and influential football clubs. Founded in 1886 in North London, Arsenal was created by a group of munitions workers at the Woolwich Arsenal armament factory. From its inception, the club has embodied ambition, resilience, and innovation, evolving from modest beginnings to a powerhouse of English and European football. Arsenal’s iconic red and white kits, legendary players, and trophies reflect a century-long narrative of excellence, discipline, and cultural influence. GoVintageJersey Store celebrates this illustrious journey by curating a collection of retro, vintage, and modern Arsenal jerseys that capture the heritage, pride, and style of every era in the club’s history.

Quick facts:

Founded 1886 • Stadium: Emirates Stadium • Colors: Red & White • Nickname: The Gunners • Competitions: Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA competitions.

From Foundation to Glory: A Historical Portrait of Arsenal FC

Arsenal Football Club’s story began in 1886, when a group of workers from the Woolwich Arsenal armament factory decided to form a football team. The club’s first matches were played at Plumstead, and the team wore dark red kits reflecting their factory origins. Moving to North London in 1913 and settling at Highbury Stadium, Arsenal gradually transformed into a symbol of ambition and professionalism. Over the decades, Arsenal became known for innovative tactics, a disciplined style of play, and a philosophy emphasizing teamwork and technical skill.

North London, home to Arsenal, grew alongside the club. The city district became synonymous with working-class pride, industrial ingenuity, and strong community identity, traits mirrored in Arsenal’s ethos. The nickname “The Gunners” emerged naturally, referring to the club’s origins in the armaments factory and symbolizing strength, precision, and resilience. Arsenal’s stadiums, from Highbury to the Emirates, have hosted millions of supporters witnessing unforgettable moments, from Herbert Chapman’s revolutionary tactical innovations to Thierry Henry’s legendary goal-scoring feats.

The club’s visual identity, anchored in the red shirt with white sleeves and the cannon crest, has remained a defining symbol across generations. The crest, incorporating the iconic cannon, reflects Arsenal’s industrial heritage and historical values. Over the decades, kit designs have evolved from simple wool shirts to modern high-performance fabrics, preserving the essence of the Gunners while embracing innovation and technological advancements.

Arsenal’s palmarès ranks among England’s finest. The club has won numerous Premier League and FA Cup titles, including an unbeaten league season in 2003–04. Arsenal’s European campaigns, while more modest, reflect consistent ambition at the continental level. Legendary players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, Patrick Vieira, and Ian Wright have not only shaped the club’s sporting success but also its identity and global reputation.

Iconic Arsenal Kits: From Retro Classics to New & Latest Jerseys

From early cotton shirts in Plumstead to the advanced, moisture-wicking fabrics of today, Arsenal’s kits chronicle football evolution. The red body with white sleeves became a symbol of elegance, discipline, and tradition, while shorts and socks evolved with fashion and performance standards. In the 1930s, Herbert Chapman introduced numbers on shirts, reflecting professionalism and tactical organization. Polyester fabrics in the 1970s brought durability and ease of care, while designs in the 1980s and 1990s, such as Umbro’s geometric patterns, showcased both style and identity. Nike’s partnership from 1994 onward emphasized innovation while maintaining Arsenal’s heritage, blending cutting-edge technology with visual continuity.

The timeline of kit evolution reflects Arsenal’s journey. Early 1900s kits were handmade, simple, and symbolic of community pride. The 1930s–1950s saw refinement and standardization, including collar variations and embroidered crests. The 1960s–1980s brought sponsor-free designs emphasizing purity, while the 1990s introduced commercial partnerships with JVC, O2, and later Fly Emirates. Modern kits balance heritage aesthetics with performance innovation, including moisture-wicking fabrics, lightweight materials, and eco-conscious manufacturing in recent years, honoring the club’s past while embracing the future.

Sponsorships and partnerships have shaped Arsenal’s kits. Historic sponsors include JVC (1981–1999), O2 (2002–2006), and Fly Emirates (2006–present). These partnerships reflect economic shifts, global branding, and club values. Arsenal’s collaborations were carefully chosen to align with professionalism, innovation, and global reach. Each sponsor era contributed to the visual story, combining aesthetics, technology, and commercial strategy while celebrating the Gunners’ heritage.

Players like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Patrick Vieira, Tony Adams, and Cesc Fàbregas have made Arsenal kits iconic. Each shirt they wore represents a chapter in football history, combining elegance, skill, and leadership. Today, Arsenal’s modern stars continue this legacy, wearing kits that honor past legends while embodying current innovation and performance.

GoVintageJersey Store & Arsenal Jerseys

At GoVintageJersey Store, we celebrate Arsenal FC’s legacy through an exclusive collection of authentic and premium replica jerseys. Each kit is more than a garment: it is a fragment of history, a symbol of identity, and a bridge between generations. We curate timeless pieces, from handcrafted retro jerseys to modern high-performance designs, ensuring Arsenal’s history is preserved for fans and collectors.

Our Arsenal Collection offers a wide selection of jerseys across eras, colors, and sponsorships. Fans can explore retro classics, iconic home and away kits, and limited remaster editions. Each jersey reflects key moments in Arsenal’s history and design evolution, providing collectors and enthusiasts with a comprehensive Arsenal kit experience.

Craftsmanship & Features of Arsenal Kits at GoVintageJersey Store

Every Arsenal jersey at GoVintageJersey Store is designed for quality, authenticity, and comfort. Fans can expect a premium wearing experience, whether for collection or casual use:

• 100% premium polyester fabric engineered for long-lasting wear and color retention
• Custom name, number, and patch options for personalization
• Multiple adult sizes available, from S to XXL and more
• Breathable, moisture-wicking fabric for all-day comfort
• Unisex fit suitable for collectors and everyday wear
• Premium replica finishing with durable seams and authentic look
• Wash-resistant colors and printed details preserving design integrity
• Period-accurate sponsor and competition patches faithfully reproduced
• Eco-conscious fabrics reflecting modern sustainable manufacturing

Designed for everyday wear and regular washing, each jersey maintains its colors and details over time, remaining a cherished collector’s item while offering stylish comfort for fans worldwide.

About GoVintageJersey Store

GoVintageJersey Store is a trusted and specialized retailer of retro and vintage football jerseys. We have developed expertise in producing high-quality premium replica jerseys faithful to the originals. Multiple adult sizes are available, and customization options allow adding a name, number, or patches. We provide free worldwide shipping on eligible orders, aiming to democratize access to football heritage with cheap prices while maintaining high quality. Every purchase benefits from dedicated customer service, secure payment processing, tracking numbers for parcel monitoring, and a 30-day return guarantee, ensuring confidence and satisfaction for every customer. We ship to the United Kingdom, United States, France, Germany, Italy, and many more countries.

Explore Arsenal’s History & Iconic Kits

Discover the extraordinary journey of Arsenal FC by exploring our Arsenal Football Kits Collection. Each jersey tells a story of triumphs, heroes, and evolution. Collect, wear, and experience the heritage of one of England’s most iconic football clubs at GoVintageJersey Store.

Frequently Asked Questions about Arsenal FC & Its Historic Kits