NIKE unveils 2014 Brasil kit in Rio de Janeiro

NIKE UNVEILS 2014 BRASIL KIT
Kit features the best in performance innovation for the World’s Biggest Stage.

Nike today unveiled the new Brasilian National Team home kit at an event in Rio de Janeiro.  The kit will be worn by the host country next summer and combines performance innovation, culturally-relevant design cues and environmental sustainability.

ULTIMATE IN COOLING AND COMFORT
“By managing sweat and keeping the body cooler longer, players feel more comfortable, sweat less, and perform better,” said Martin Lotti, Creative Director for Nike Football.  
In addition to keeping players cool, Nike is utilizing a new dual-knit fabrication that incorporates cotton and recycled polyester for the best in moisture wicking properties, while adding a softer feel and more flattering shape.

PERFECT FIT
Designers utilized three dimensional body scans of the entire Brasilian National Team to collect data on the form of today’s players and identify an updated fit, improving comfort and allowing the body to move more naturally within the kit.

While looking at every element of the modern football kit, Nike designers also paid special attention to the kits’ socks.  Combining athlete insight and research with new materials and fabrications, the Nike Elite Match Fit sock for 2014 features a sleeker fit specific to football.  Strategically cushioned zones provide comfort and protection at the big toe and anklebones where the majority of impact occurs, while arch support locks down the foot to prevent slipping.  Material was also eliminated to enhance touch and decrease bulk, and flex grooves were added to the ankle and the top of the foot to prevent any bunching.

‘SOULFUL’ DESIGN
Captivated by the unique creativity of Brasil, Nike’s design team sought to replicate the unique and distinct cultures of the nation in the new National Team Kit design, staying true to the culture and tradition of the yellow jersey.

“The Brasilian home kit is like a national flag; it symbolizes the country and its people,” said Lotti. “We wanted to create a fusion of the high speed brilliance of football and the culture of Brasil while staying true to what the home kit represents.”

The jersey features a new Y-neck design that provides both a relaxed fit and comfortable look.  After body scanning each member of the Brasilian National team, Nike designers utilized player body scans and their own insights to develop a neckline that maximizes comfort and great fit.

The Brasilian crest has also been updated.  A gold coloured metallic weave was added to the crest for a shimmering effect, and the 2014 crest is slightly larger.  Behind the crest, on the inside of the jersey, is a printed slogan “Nascido para jogar futebol”- Brasilian Portuguese for “Born to Play Football”.  Nike has also worked with Brasilian Designer Bruno Big to deliver a unique and nationally relevant mark of pride at the inner back neck of each jersey. The home kit features a small yellow canary motif representing “Canarinho”, the nickname given to the team when they wear the yellow home jersey.

"To wear the 'amarelinha' is an honour for me and my teammates," Neymar said. "Brasil is a very special place to play football, and we want to play hard and win for our country.  This kit helps us to do that with both the technology and the inspiration it provides.”

The shorts are a classic Brasilian Varsity Royal with a white stripe.  Simple and iconic, the fit is slimmer and more tailored to the body based on fit research with a cut specifically designed to aid movement and comfort. The centre back of the shorts feature Nike’s signature laser vents to aid in cooling and allow for moisture management.

The name and numbers of each kit have also been carefully designed with a micro fine pin hole for moisture management and cooling, and the outline has a fluorescent outline to aid visibility. The style of the name and number is also inspired by the classic fonts widely used on Brasilian hand printed street posters.  All jerseys worn by players and sold in Brasil are made in Brasil.

The Brasilian National Team kit will be available December 6, 2013 at Nike Only Stores and Rebel RRP$110