Bradford City Shirt History

Bradford City AFC were founded in 1903 and are affectionately known as “The Bantams” — a nickname inspired by a newspaper cartoon depicting the club as a small but fierce fighting cockerel. Over more than a century, City have worn an array of memorable kits across all levels of English football, from the Premier League to League Two. Below is a detailed look at Bradford City’s kit manufacturing history and front-of-shirt sponsorship journey.

Bradford City Shirt Collectors Checklist

Bradford City Kit Manufacturing History

2023 – present – Macron

Bradford City entered a new technical partnership with Macron in 2023, marking a shift towards bespoke, detail-led kit design.

The Italian brand has leaned heavily into tradition, producing clean claret-and-amber home shirts with subtle modern touches. Early releases have been well received for their tailored fit, textured fabrics and respectful nods to City’s heritage, particularly in collar styling and trim detailing.

2018 – 2023 – Joma

Joma’s five-year spell coincided with a period of transition on and off the pitch.

The manufacturer delivered a mixture of conservative and experimental designs, including pinstriped home shirts and bold amber-heavy alternates. While some seasons divided opinion, Joma’s kits were generally durable and consistent, becoming familiar sights during City’s sustained League Two campaigns.

2016 – 2018 – Nike

Nike supplied Bradford City for two seasons, introducing streamlined templates and modern performance fabrics.

The designs themselves were fairly restrained, but Nike’s global branding brought a sense of top-level professionalism that appealed strongly to supporters. The away and third kits during this period were particularly popular for their simplicity and sharp contrast colours.

2014 – 2016 – Carbrini

Carbrini’s return to Valley Parade saw a more traditional, British approach to kit design.

Both home and away shirts leaned into bold claret bases with amber detailing, often using heavier fabrics and classic collar styles that resonated with fans who favour heritage over experimentation.

2007 – 2014 – Puma

Puma’s long-term partnership remains one of the most recognisable eras in modern Bradford City kit history.

This spell included City’s iconic 2012/13 League Cup run, which saw Bradford reach the final at Wembley while wearing Puma kits. Several shirts from this era are now cult favourites, particularly the deep claret home strips and sharp amber away designs used during the historic cup campaign.

2004 – 2007 – Diadora

Diadora supplied Bradford City during their early years back in the EFL after Premier League football.

The Italian brand produced clean, understated kits, often featuring elegant collar designs and subtle striping. While not overly adventurous, Diadora’s shirts are remembered fondly for their quality and timeless appearance.

2001 – 2004 – Super League Formula

This period saw Bradford wearing kits from Super League Formula, coinciding with their most recent top-flight seasons.

The designs were bold and unmistakably early-2000s, incorporating strong panel patterns, oversized crests and vivid amber contrasts. These kits are now highly collectable due to their association with Premier League football at Valley Parade.

1999 – 2001 – Adidas

Adidas supplied Bradford City during one of the most significant chapters in club history.

The famous claret-and-amber Adidas home shirt was worn when City secured promotion to the Premier League in 1999 and during their first season in the top flight. Featuring classic Adidas striping and robust materials, these kits remain iconic among supporters.

1995 – 1999 – Asics

Asics delivered a run of distinctive designs throughout the late 1990s.

The shirts often featured bold geometric patterns and strong contrast panels, typical of the era. The club’s rise through the divisions during this period has ensured these kits remain well remembered.

1991 – 1995 – Matchwinner

Matchwinner’s time at Bradford City produced some of the club’s most striking designs.

Notably, the manufacturer embraced loud patterns, shadow prints and vibrant amber detailing, making these shirts stand out sharply in the early Premier League-era aesthetic.

1988 – 1991 – Ribero

Ribero supplied kits during the late 1980s and early 1990s, delivering designs that blended bold colour blocking with subtle tonal detailing.

This period saw Bradford regularly experimenting with amber-heavy away strips, adding variety to the club’s visual identity.

1983 – 1988 – Umbro

Umbro’s first extended spell with Bradford City helped cement the modern claret-and-amber identity.

The kits from this era were clean, well-constructed and often featured traditional collars and cuffs, making them enduring classics among collectors.

1976 – 1983 – Admiral

Admiral supplied Bradford City during the formative years of branded football kits.

Their designs introduced bolder trims, larger crests and distinctive colour separation, reflecting the shift towards more expressive football shirts across the UK.

Pre-1976 – In-House

Before commercial kit deals became standard, Bradford City relied on in-house manufacturing.

These early shirts were simple in construction, prioritising durability and clear identification over design flair.

Bradford City Sponsorship History

Bradford City have worked with a wide range of sponsors over the decades, from local businesses to national brands.

2022 – present – Utilita

Utilita became Bradford City’s principal shirt sponsor in the early 2020s.

The clean branding integrates well with the club’s traditional colours and reflects a modern commercial partnership.

2016 – 2022 – JCT600

Local automotive group JCT600 enjoyed a lengthy and popular association with the club.

Their branding became synonymous with Bradford City during this era and was widely accepted by supporters due to the company’s regional roots.

2013 – 2016 – Provident Financial

Provident Financial sponsored the club during the memorable League Cup run and subsequent seasons.

The sponsor is closely associated with one of the most successful modern periods in Bradford City history.

2007 – 2013 – Bradford & Bingley

Bradford & Bingley’s sponsorship tied the club strongly to the local community.

Their logo featured prominently during City’s Puma era and remains a recognisable part of the club’s visual history.

2000 – 2007 – Nationwide

Nationwide appeared across a long stretch that included Premier League football.

The sponsor’s branding is inseparable from City’s top-flight kits of the early 2000s.

1996 – 2000 – Telewest

Telewest sponsored Bradford during their climb towards the Premier League.

The logo became a familiar sight as the club rose through the divisions.

1988 – 1996 – Wyke Farms

Wyke Farms held one of the longest sponsorship runs in the club’s history.

Their simple text-based branding complemented the kits well throughout the late 80s and early 90s.

Pre-1988 – Various local sponsors

Earlier sponsorships were typically short-term and locally focused, reflecting the era before large-scale commercial partnerships became standard.

Conclusion

Bradford City’s kit history mirrors the club’s dramatic footballing journey — from humble beginnings to Premier League nights under the Valley Parade lights. The Adidas and Puma eras stand out as defining chapters, while long-standing sponsors such as Wyke Farms, Nationwide and JCT600 have helped anchor the club’s identity within its community. Through modern refinements and classic throwbacks alike, Bradford City’s shirts continue to tell the story of one of English football’s most resilient clubs.