Best football shirts based on flags

What better way for a football team to celebrate its heritage than with a flag?

From unmistakable national emblems emblazoned across entire shirts, to subtler designs that connect in a more organic way, many football shirts over the years have been inspired by vexillology (that’s the history and symbolism of flags, to us laypeople). And with some bold and brilliant flags out there, it’s no surprise that football shirts have been similarly enriched (in much the same way as our animal shirts discussion).

Reply with your favourite shirt that's linked to a flag in some way. 🚩 pic.twitter.com/qXUTc3esBn

— Football Shirt Collective (@thefootballsc) June 22, 2020

Although, of course, not every design gets it quite right – or even a little bit right, as the good people of Twitter pointed out when we asked for their favourite shirt that’s linked to a flag. 

Here’s some honourable (and dishonourable) mentions.

Home nations 

We don’t have to look far beyond our shores for some iconic designs.

pic.twitter.com/l4twxrhy0C

— kevin corcoran (@kevincorcoran10) June 22, 2020

Underrated England kit imo (2005-2007) pic.twitter.com/ycOt4DHLeI

— Hubie (@hubiesounds) June 22, 2020

As a Welshman I feel lucky that we have a bloody massive red Dragon on our flag. This @umbro one from the 90s I feel does it best.

As someone who's travelled a bit and has a range of shirts then it has to be Slovenia - I love how the mountains are integrated into their shirts pic.twitter.com/VGfxYdNWPK

— @ShirtLane (@shirtlane) June 22, 2020

European specials

Forget Gallic flair, Azzurri style and Belgium panache, Croatia came out top of the pile, with props to Slovenia.

Virtually any Croatia top 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/ngHp3VIeyG

— Matt Tams (@MattTams) June 22, 2020

Shirt based on a flag? Have to go Croatian surely! 🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/Oe4AjlqSEl

— Richard Price (@derailedexpress) June 22, 2020

pic.twitter.com/UHg3OQa3fg

— Ian Deakin (@IanD1977) June 22, 2020

Slovenia 2018 top drawer pic.twitter.com/cbf061QWwT

— WAP Inspector 🧐 (@smamflinders) June 22, 2020

Going big

Who needs subtle? Go big… or go home.

pic.twitter.com/JByPJOTCtF

— Football Shirt World (@FSWorldUK) June 22, 2020

The Vanuatu 🇻🇺 flag shirt that's midlly famous amongst international collectors. Never seen one outside of team photos. pic.twitter.com/DlXCayM0MR

— Adam's Shirt Quest (@ShirtQuest) June 22, 2020

No idea why we had this but it’s great in a hideous sort of way pic.twitter.com/YdzUsfqqeP

— Martin Cleaver (@mjc1875) June 22, 2020

America the beautiful?

The Stars and Stripes have had some hits in the past… but Columbus Crew’s 2016 ‘homage’, less so.

94 World Cup USMNT pic.twitter.com/RTeM5fdBQL

— Zachary Harden (@SplunkATO) June 22, 2020

This USA kit pic.twitter.com/LRvkMIFBwM

— N (@KitManRamsey) June 22, 2020

pic.twitter.com/CX3GWzW3eS

— TK (@DrunkenCrewzer) June 22, 2020

Domestic treats

It’s not all about international teams either.

My local club,Gençlerbirliği.
19-20 Shirt with Turkish flag only worn in one game,occasion is,remembrance our soldiers who lose their lives,and 57-58 kits looks like an AnCom flag in a way pic.twitter.com/RzOGv8GjD9

— Alperen Sarı (@cigdembebesi) June 22, 2020

This ajax one. Resembles the Amsterdam's flag. pic.twitter.com/k1EudLSgMl

— leo Vargas (@LeocVar) June 22, 2020

Another good one. Ironic that England never went there, when it's the national flag as opposed to just being part of Milan's flag. pic.twitter.com/vmBRVODPG8

— matt byrne (@byrninho) June 22, 2020

Final word

Goes to Subside Sports for this incredible shout...

The correct answer is always @scHeerenveen pic.twitter.com/pksMPqKHZw

— Subside Sports (@subsidesports) June 22, 2020

Check out our own collection of hand-picked vintage shirts on our store. You can browse them here.