Back to the College Football Uniforms
TechFit and Shamrocks.
Notre Dame’s classic threads have received major upgrades in recent years, notably in 2012 when the classic golden helmets were ditched for a two-toned Leprechaun against Miami in Chicago. Notre Dame’s classic blue jersey with Celtic script kept its gold numerals-gold pants combination but the shells were transcendent – appalling to traditionalists. One side of the helmet was painted speckled gold while the other was navy with a white Leprechaun graphic.
Adidas TechFit apparel is the three stripes’ answer to Nike’s innovative Pro Combat series. TechFit jerseys are 30 percent lighter than most and has a streamlined fit with reduced seams.
The Fighting Irish currently have several different shades of gold pants, including an almost mustard-colored set they wore against Michigan in a “retro” game in 2011 that acted as an Adidas spotlight. Notre Dame’s white tops included kelly green numerals (instead of the navy and gold norm) and green shoulder stripes. The uniforms were created to mimic Notre Dame’s gameday look from 1959-62.
During that same 2011 season, the Fighting Irish brought back green alternates tops against Maryland with shamrock helmets – gold shells “covered in 24K gold leaf” complete with an oversized Shamrock decal. Green jerseys were first worn by the freshman team in South Bend during the early 1920s.
The Fighting Irish have donned golden domes with gray facemasks every game – except a few times recently – since 1964. In the mid 60s, Notre Dame’s navy tops and gold pants became the norm on gamedays. In 2008, head coach Charlie Weis brought names back to the nameplates on jerseys after a 22-year absence.
Notre Dame’s partnership with Adidas began during the 1997-98 season. The Fighting Irish signed a 10-year, $60 million extension with the three stripes brand in 2005.
