by Mike Maxwell July 08, 2025 3 min read
From sponsorless Adidas classics to cult third kits worn just twice, Heart of Midlothian have quietly built a catalogue of football shirts as rich in character as the club’s history itself. Whether it’s a cup final heartbreak or a badge change that still divides opinion, each shirt (including this seasons) tells its own story.
We spoke to Hearts shirt collector Chris Simms about his favourite vintage Hearts shirts.
Browse our collection of Hearts shirts here and pick up a classic.
Here are the best vintage Hearts shirts, as chosen by Chris Simms. A lifelong Jambos shirt collector.
This early 80s Umbro shirt is as classic as they come. Deep maroon, simple white V-neck, no sponsor, no fuss. The clean, elegant design has become a favourite for its minimalism.
Though silverware eluded Hearts during this period, the shirt is remembered by fans who grew up during the early part of the Wallace Mercer era.
“My favourite football shirt changes day by day,” says Chris, “but if I was put on the spot, the 2014/15 home Hearts kit. It is relatively modern, featured a different club badge, and had no sponsor. It is an Adidas classic, in my opinion.”
This kit marked the beginning of a new era after relegation and financial uncertainty. It was sponsorless and adidas returned to the design helm, adding a faint pinstripe pattern and replacing the traditional badge with the Foundation of Hearts logo. A nod to the fans who saved the club.
Hearts stormed the Scottish Championship this season under Robbie Neilson, finishing with 91 points and returning to the top flight in style. The shirt became a symbol of resurgence.
Made by Pony, this shirt was defined by the button up collar,and the striking “Strongbow” sponsor.
Hearts reached the League Cup Final in 1996, facing Rangers at Celtic Park. Although the Jambos lost 4–3 in a dramatic clash, the game was part of a crucial period of cup contention that laid the groundwork for future success.
This kit made by Olympic is perhaps the most iconic in Hearts’ modern history. The look remained similar to the season before. White with Hearts crest embedded.
Hearts finally lifted a major trophy again, beating Rangers 2–1 in the Scottish Cup Final. Goals from Colin Cameron and Stéphane Adam sealed the win. It was the club’s first major silverware since 1962, and the image of that shirt at Hampden lives forever.
A fresh entry in the pantheon, the 2023–24 third kit quickly caught the eye of collectors and fans alike. Manufactured by Umbro the shirt was plain white with a huge crest.
Though still recent, this shirt has already become a fan favourite for its aesthetic and its appearances in key away fixtures.
Chris also highlights a few rare and much sought-after gems in the collector’s community:
This bold yellow shirt was only ever worn in two matches and never sold commercially—making it extremely rare. Its bright colour and scarcity have given it almost mythical status among collectors.
Another shirt worn only twice and never released to the public. Its white body, dark trim, and “Pony” branding place it firmly in the 90s era—a nostalgic favourite for many.
One of Chris’s personal favourites, this shirt stands out due to the unique material pattern. It’s closely associated with Hearts legend John Robertson, immortalised in a now-famous image that once featured on a massive banner inside Tynecastle Park.
If you’re looking for authentic vintage and modern Hearts football shirts look no further than the Football Shirt Collective. Browse our collection of Hearts shirts here and pick up a classic.
Each shirt is authenticated to ensure there are no fakes and we ship first class from the UK.
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