Southampton unveil Bargate-inspired third kit with civic shield crest | OneFootball

Southampton have unveiled a 2026/27 third kit inspired by the Bargate, the medieval gateway to the city centre. The ivory shirt carries red detailing and swaps the club crest for the city’s civic shield.

According to Sainstmarching.com, a pattern lifted from the Bargate runs across the body, and the civic shield also features on the shorts in ivory or red. The drop is part of the Southampton Made campaign, which also launched this month’s home shirt.

Finn Azaz and Jack Stephens fronted the reveal. Eckert’s squad will debut the strip in pre-season matches in Germany against Eintracht Braunschweig and SC Preussen Munster. Adult shirt £65, shorts £25, socks £12, junior shirt £50, shorts £20, socks £12, infant kit £40.

Third kits have not always landed. The bright pink 2024/25 strip drew ridicule on forums, with some branding it horrendous and mocking the shade. Twelve months on, sentiment swung, with others calling the range among the best in England.

This release fits the latter mood. Supporters have praised the look, while noting the current tree crest replaced the older three roses mark that sparked debate. Some even argued the main crest merits a rethink, given the tree’s link to last season’s spying scandal.

Not every comment was glowing. One gripe centred on sponsor logos peeling after repeated washes, seen as a materials issue rather than design. Leaks had already hinted at a more considered approach this season, and two shirts are confirmed, with the away strip due in the coming weeks.

Source: Sainstmarching.com