Team shirts and jackets from Germany

Why does Germany play in white?

Black and white were the imperial colours of Prussia, and the German team adopted them as early as its first official match in 1908. More than a century later, the home shirt remains white, often enhanced with black and, depending on the editions, a nod to the black, red, and gold of the federal flag. Above the federation badge shine four stars, for the World Cups in 1954, 1974, 1990, and 2014.

In addition to these titles, there are three European Championships in 1972, 1980, and 1996. During its four World Cup victories, from Bern in 1954 to Rio in 2014, the team was equipped by adidas.

The other major nations

To compare the Mannschaft with its rivals, the page Nations gathers all the teams. England, the opponent in the 1966 final and the 1990 semi-final, has its own page, just like Argentina, which was defeated by Germany in the finals in 1990 and 2014. Brazil, Spain, and France feature the shirts of other star-studded teams.

The green, the red, and the Mannschaft's away shirts

The green away shirt is linked to the team's great moments, from the European title in 1972 to the 1990 World Cup, where Germany wore it notably during its semi-final win on penalties against England. In 2006, red replaced it, and since then, the editions have alternated between black, red, pink, or a return to green depending on the tournaments.

The away shirt from 2014, with horizontal red and black stripes, accompanied the victorious campaign in Brazil. It remains one of the fans' favourites, to the point of being reissued as a retro shirt, to wear casually rather than on the pitch.

Tiro jackets, Anthem jackets, and retro German pieces

For pre-match or everyday wear, the Mannschaft showcases its colours across a wide range of textiles. The Tiro tracksuit jacket and the presentation jacket are worn with matching trousers, while the Anthem jacket, worn for the national anthems, goes over the shirt. The more subtle DNA sweatshirt also works well in the city.

Nostalgics can find a 1994 retro jacket, featuring typical graphics from the nineties, and a zip-up jacket from East Germany inspired by the 1970s, a reminder of the GDR selection. The women's shirt, more fitted, is available in both home and away versions.

Dressing a Mannschaft supporter at the right time

The Germany shirt is kept for two years, from one tournament to the next, so it's worth timing it right. Black Friday and the end-of-year festivities are great for gifts, and then the winter sales bring German outfits into the Promotions. In spring, the French Days take over, before the summer sales and the return of training, when the shirts from past competitions go on Clearance. Everything is prepared and shipped within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Germany called the Mannschaft?

Mannschaft simply means team in German. The word, used abroad to refer to the national team, has become its nickname, and the federation even used it as a brand for several years before finally stepping away from it.

Does the women's shirt of Germany fit like the men's model?

No, the women's shirt has a more fitted cut at the waist, narrower shoulders, and an adapted length. Take your usual size for tops; if you prefer a looser fit, the men's model in one size down is also an option.

Why did East Germany have its own national team?

From 1949 to 1990, Germany was divided into two states, each with its own federation and national team. The GDR team played in only one World Cup, in 1974, where it beat West Germany 1-0 in Hamburg.

How to wash a Germany shirt without damaging the badge?

Wash it inside out, at a maximum of 30 degrees and without fabric softener, which clogs the technical fibres. Avoid the tumble dryer and iron: heat can peel off the heat-sealed badges and prints.

Is the long-sleeved Germany shirt warmer?

It's made from the same lightweight fabric as the short version: it just covers the arms. It's a good choice for autumn matches in the stands, worn alone or over thermal underwear.