Back to the College Football Uniforms
Tiger paw orange, brilliant white and a splash of purple. Clemson’s recognizable color scheme has taken center stage often during the 21st century in nationally-televised games in and around the ACC.
Rubbing Howard’s Rock is one of the best traditions in college football, but it’s Nike bright pastels that have triggered a new crop of fans since the Tigers became a perennial Top 25 program after a 1981 national championship. Tigers fan love the rare purple get up, a bright orange helmet-purple top-purple pants look. The all-orange from head-to-toe garb is the most intimidating, a uniform Clemson brings out for its biggest games.
In the 1960s, Clemson incorporated more than a hint of purple on its orange shells. From 1962-64, purple numbers stuck on the sides of helmets. In 1965, a purple “C” was applied to the orange and later switched to white two years later.
During the Tommy Bowden years, Clemson’s nicest top was its white road jerseys with orange numbers and a purple drop shadow. Orange Tiger paws adorned the tops of the shoulders and the elastic neckline included purple and orange stripes.
Nike’s recent revamping under Dabo Swinney put an emphasis on sharper lines with touches of purple. Clemson’s go-to orange jerseys and pants at home have a Pro Combat, more aerodynamic feel. Pants still have traditional thick stripes, alternating purple and white. Tiger paw logos are now on the sides of sleeves instead of sitting on the tops of shoulders. The swoosh adorns the right hip while another tiger paw is on the left.
On the road, the Tigers often wear white tops and white pants, a clean look with orange accents. On rare occasions, the purple pants are brought out for a funky combination.
Clemson’s “brilliant orange” made its debut in 1928 and it hasn’t left. Neither has “Regalia” purple. In 1991 after a 52-year hiatus, purple tops made their way back into the mix during a home game with N.C. State.
