Nike has instructed national federations to wash and steam their World Cup jerseys to address a shoulder seam issue that caused unsightly bulging, a source familiar with the plan confirmed on Wednesday. The problem, which first appeared when the kits debuted in March, was particularly noticeable on players like France's Kylian Mbappé, leading to widespread criticism.
Nike's solution to the shoulder seam problem
Despite initial expectations that the design would be altered before the World Cup, Nike chose not to change the shirts. Instead, the company provided care instructions: wash the jerseys before wearing and steam the shoulder seams. A Nike source told the Guardian that these steps help reduce the bulge, which was less apparent in recent friendly matches in May and June.
Background and public acknowledgment
Nike publicly acknowledged the issue in March, stating that "the overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be." The company was in active discussions with federations and retailers to find a solution, which ultimately came down to proper garment care. The problem is considered a rare misstep for Nike, which had emphasized the advanced design process of the shirts, including the use of computational design and a specialized knitting process to keep athletes cool.
Popularity of the kits despite the issue
Despite the shoulder seam flaw, many kits have been popular with fans, especially the United States' red-and-white flag-themed jersey. The US team, a long-time Nike partner, also features a dark blue kit with sublimated stars that shimmer in light. However, fans may need to purchase a steamer to replicate the fix at home.
