NIKE SOCCER UNVEILS 2012-2013 BRAZIL NATIONAL TEAM KITS

via Press Release

Nike Football’s new Brazil uniform for 2012-2013 celebrates Jeitinho Brasileiro(“The Brazilian Way”) — the spirit that encompasses the resilience, creativity and relentlessly positive and innovative approach that has helped make the Brazil National Team the most successful in the history of football.

Known as Amarelinha (“Little Yellow One”), the Brazilian home soccer jerseys has become a revered national symbol that represents both the hopes of the Brazilian people and their vibrant and diverse culture.

Blending Nike’s commitment to both performance and environmental awareness, fabric used on the shorts is made with 100% recycled polyester, while the jerseys are made with at least 96%. An average of 13 recycled plastic bottles are used to make each kit.

Marking a return to tradition, the new kit features a classic, authentic design that dives into the renown football history of the country. The shirt is treated to a clean yellow body and V-neck collar with green trim. Deep green cuffs on the shirt can be turned over to reveal the rallying cry of Nascido Para Jogar Futebol (“Born to Play Football”) written in the style of Pichacao, a distinctive form of urban graffiti.

Along the inside of the back of the neck, graphic work by Brazilian artist Don Torelly depicts an outline of the Brazilian federation’s crest containing the Southern Cross, a constellation of stars that was seen over Rio de Janeiro when the Brazilian republic was founded in 1889. Bold green numbers on the shirts is inspired by the numbers on Brazil’s national bank notes.

Home shorts are a traditional blue color with thick white striping along the sides. The home socks, which now feature improved cushioning for greater comfort, movement and protection, are done in white with a green band wrapping the top. A banded diamond design wraps around the center, symbolic of the tattoos of indigenous warriors.

Described as Nike Football’s lightest kits ever, the new Brazilian digs are up to 23% lighter than previous versions. Nike Dri-FIT technology is incorporated throughout the  kits, which helps regulate players’ temperatures on pitch by removing sweat from the body to keep them dry and cool. Laser-cut ventilation on the shirts delivers localized cooling where athletes need it most.

Also, with the implementation of a new double-knit structure and yarns, the kits are 20% stronger, without compromising fit and feel. A small amount of natural cotton has been added for comfort.

Brazil 2012 Away Kit

The new away kit contains the same distinctive features as the home kit, but is entirely in varsity royal blue with yellow trim. The shorts are blue, and for the first time feature a thick yellow stripe along each side. The socks are blue with a tonal band of diamonds around the center.

Brazil Training and Lifestyle Collection

Nike has also launched an integrated training and lifestyle collection to complement the new uniform and enable players and fans to show their pride on and off the pitch.

For training, players will benefit from an innovative range of apparel designed to keep them comfortable in a variety of conditions. In hot weather they’ll keep cool in a short-sleeve training top with ventilation panels. When the temperature drops they’ll warm up in a mid-layer training top that protects against wind chill. In rainy conditions, players can add a windproof and waterproof long-sleeve performance shell top.

Brazilian fans will also be able to express their pride and honor their team’s culture with the launch of a new range of hoodies, tracksuit tops, T-shirts, sweatshirts, caps, jackets and rugby tops. The range comes in Brazil’s iconic colors, features the Brazilian crest and other symbols, and boasts premium fabrics and elevated design.