NWSL kits for 2023: Ranking the styles from worst to best

Emma Hruby
March 16, 2023

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(Photos courtesy of Angel City FC, Chicago Red Stars and Portland Thorns)

The NWSL season is set to kick off on March 25, and many teams have released new kits (or new spins on their existing kits) in preparation.

While this year’s new batch of kits display a disappointing lack of color, teams did show off intriguing (and polarizing) creative choices. But which team did it best? Just Women’s Sports lays out our 2023 kit rankings.

12. Washington Spirit

The Washington Spirit are in the process of rebranding, and that includes the team’s new kits for the 2023 season.

While the iridescent logo is cool, all-black and all-white kits leave much to be desired. And while black and white wardrobes are all the rage in fashion, we’ll miss the color that the Spirit always brought to the field.

The only thing that could possibly improve the Spirit’s ranking is a Cherry Blossom kit, which has long been a wish of editor Kate Yanchulis.

11. San Diego Wave FC

San Diego did not move up a spot in this year’s rankings simply because their new kit isn’t exactly new. They’ve gotten rid of the detailing last year’s kit had on the sleeve and got for a straight navy home kit. The away kit is all white, which is certainly a choice.

While both kits feature cool detailing in the texture, a lack of color differentiation makes it difficult to see. Once again, the Wave failed to live up to the potential of their jerseys, which is disappointing as they have one of the best colorways in the league.

10. North Carolina Courage

Nothing is different from last year’s kits, save for the fact that they have now gone with an all-white away colorway with a “ghosted” crest that features a light blue outline. While they’re now on the very short list of colorful NWSL teams, the refresh still leaves something to be desired.

9. Houston Dash

The Dash get a point for their new Estrella Kit, which is a vibrant orange color, especially in a year when teams are turning to black and white colorways. But unfortunately, the orange kit doesn’t stand out as much as one would like it to.

The design is a bit bland, although the orange accents on black shorts are a nice touch. And while it’s the Dash’s color, it wouldn’t hurt to be a little bit more adventurous, would it?

8. Kansas City Current

Kansas City has yet to give a refresh on any one of their kits, but last year’s will suffice. The teal is still eye-catching, and their certainly aren’t the only reason that you should be tuning into the team this season.

7. Orlando Pride

The Orlando Pride get bumped up in this year’s rankings due to their revamp of their Luna Kit. While not a fully new kit, the numbers on the backs of the jerseys have been updated to black so that fans can more easily identify players on the field.

Also, the Pride get major prop points for changing to dark shorts, something that the team says is “due to period concerns.” While it’s a small change, it’s a huge moment for inclusivity and accessibility. Plus, the black, gray and white look really sleek.

6. OL Reign

OL Reign has no new kit yet. If past years are any indication, they’ll likely be the same, but a bit different. Last year’s refresh included the names of every single Reign player who has ever played for the team, which was a nice detail. But it would be fun to see a bit more color from the Seattle team – or maybe even a Seattle Kraken alternate kit.

5. Gotham FC

Gotham gets style points simply for the fact that they didn’t reveal their new kit for this year, EA Sports did, a la NWSL game play announcement. And while this kit maintains black elements, Gotham’s trademark teal is sprinkled throughout in a fun way.

Overall, this kit is fun and includes color – something that a lot of other kits seem to be lacking this season. Plus, we get to see Kelly O’Hara and Lynn Williams play in it. Sounds like a win.

4. Portland Thorns FC

What can I say? I’m a 2000s kid who was raised on Ed Hardy. This kit is unique in the sense that you either hate it, or you love it. I love it. Not only does it pay homage to the Thorns and their city, but it brings something different to this year’s kit lineup.

First stop, NWSL championship. Next stop, MTV.

3. Angel City FC

When considering last year’s away kit, this year’s seem decidedly less exciting. But the pops of pink help. The team once again opting to hone in on the city of LA by showcasing it on the front of the kit is a cool touch. The Volemos on the back of the kit, accompanied by a gray to white ombré is different from other teams’ kits.

The gray shorts to go along with the jersey isn’t the most exciting choice. Pink or black shorts might have elevated this look even further and helped to counteract the blandness of the gray color choice.

2. Racing Louisville FC

Since their inception, Racing Louisville has not missed on a kit release. The mint kit was a joyous edition to the NWSL lineup, following their home kits that were one of the best expansion kits the league has ever seen.

While they haven’t released a new kit for this season, they deserve a top spot even if they stand pat. And if they do release a new kit, Racing Louisville will likely remain at the top of the league this season in this category simply based on the fact that they bring color to the pitch.

1. Chicago Red Stars

The Chicago Red Stars stay winning with the kit game, releasing their new “Foundation” kit, which once again pays homage to the city of Chicago and its architecture. These might not just be the best uniforms in the NWSL, but also top the list when it comes to Chicago teams as well.

Not to mention, the kit is meant to signify the club’s new beginning as they work toward new ownership.

“The stars represent the bedrock of the foundational framework being laid as we prepare to enter a new chapter for the club,” the Red Stars wrote in a statement.

The ways in which the Red Stars lean into their city elements is something that other teams should take note of. (Although, to be fair, no city does it quite like Chicago, which is probably why the Cubs’ City Connect jerseys were such a disappointment.) Home to some of the best architectural elements in the world, that the Red Stars continuously look to the skies and the city for their kit inspiration keeps them at the top of the league in this year’s rankings.

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