The top 10 Scotland kits of all time over the last 125 years

10. 2000/01 
Home kit

The Fila era of Scottish kits is underrated and it was a big deal the Italian company took over in 2000 following the end of the side's long association with Umbro. Naturally their first kit for Craig Brown's side was always going to come in for some close scrutiny. Simple in its aesthetics yet complex in its construction, with multiple fabric panels coming together to create an ultra-modern design that brought a real sophistication to the Scotland dressing room. A new simplified team crest was introduced to great effect and navy socks returned, trimmed with a deep red/maroon in a look that brought back memories of the 1960s. The kit was roomy in its cut, and first worn by a team including Don Hutchison, Christian Dailly and Barry Ferguson in a 1–0 World Cup qualifier victory against Latvia on 2 September 2000. In fact, the Scots were unbeaten in this jersey until the 2–0 defeat to Belgium over a year later on 7 September 2002. 

9. 2011/13
Home kit

Adidas signed up with the SFA in 2010 and the 2011 home shirt was their first totally bespoke Scottish kit. With a crisp, white collar that was reminiscent of the side's early 70s jerseys, a miniature white saltire crafted into the placket, an embossed graphic across the chest and the reassuringly familiar white shorts and red socks, it was a peach of a design. First worn in a 2–1 friendly victory against Cyprus on 11 November 2011, it bowed out in a 2–0 World Cup qualifier win over Croatia on 15 October 2013. Darren Fletcher, Allan McGregor and Kenny Miller (who scored a cracker in this shirt against England on 14 August 2013) all wore this kit well. Speaking of wearing it well, the design was provided in two fit options for players: a standard 'Formotion' looser fitting or adidas' mega-tight compression 'Techfit' version. 

8. 1993/94
Home kit

Salmon pink is one of those unorthodox football colours that appears to go in and out of fashion but when trimmed with a rich purple it helped create one of Scotland's most eye-catching away outfits. Umbro's postmodern approach to kit creation resurrected various design elements – in this case a dandy collar and two button placket complete with a miniature SFA crest – and brought them bang up to date by integrating them with a subtle jacquard 'shadow' pattern. Surely one of the baggiest shirts the Scots ever wore, the strip was only sported three times, with its debut coming at home in a 1–0 defeat to a white-clad Germany... clearly the use of the pink/purple kit was due solely to marketing requirements. It only starred in one win, a 3–0 victory in Estonia on 19 May 1993 with goals by Kevin Gallacher, John Collins and Scott Booth. 

7. 1963-71
Home kit

There's something about the long-sleeved, crew neck look of the 60s that automatically elevates any kit to classic status. Whether it's the simplicity of the design, the clean silhouette it offers or the memories it evokes (the 1967 “world champions'” 3–2 win over England anyone?) this is a beautifully elegant Scotland strip. Produced by Umbro in their 'Aztec' template design and featuring their lightweight 'Tangeru' fabric, the kit made its debut in a 6–1 friendly win over Norway on 7 November 1963 and went on to share the kitbag with the side's previous V-neck design, which was still occasionally favoured in warmer weather, until 1966. The kit's last appearance came on 1 December 1971 in a 2–1 defeat in the Netherlands but during its eight-year lifespan the jersey graced the backs of the likes of Denis Law, Jim McCalliog, Bobby Lennox and Tommy Gemmell. 

6. 2007/08
Away kit

This sublime white away outfit by Diadora was unveiled in 2007 and first worn in a 2–0 Euros qualifier defeat in Italy on 28 March of that year. The strip entered the history books six months later in the memorable 1–0 triumph over France on 12 September 2007 thanks to James McFadden's wonder goal that channelled Diadora's advertising slogan of the time, 'Italian Styling, Scottish Passion' perfectly. The stylings mirrored those of the home shirt, but in white and sky blue with an opulent gold trim, and proudly displayed a saltire across the body of the shirt. The World Cup qualifiers in 2008 were the first time regular match details were applied to the front of the Scotland shirt outside of a major tournament – along with player names on the reverse – meaning that this change jersey was updated accordingly for its two appearances that year. Kris Boyd, Barry Ferguson and Paul Hartley all starred in this fantastic kit. 

5. 1900
Alternative kit

Most Tartan Army foot soldiers will recognise the significance of the Rosebery colours in Scotland's apparel history. The vibrant combination of primrose and pink originated from the horse racing colours of the 5th Lord Rosebery, the Honorary President of the SFA and from time to time the national side would adopt these colours in tribute to him. Prior to adidas' integration of the colour scheme within their 2014 white change strip (that unfortunately bottled out of going for the 'Full Rosebery') the colours were worn at least 10 times by Scotland who remain undefeated whilst wearing them. Arguably the greatest version of the numerous Rosebery jerseys was the one worn in 1900 against England that saw the Scots run out 4–1 winners (Robert McColl scoring a hat-trick). The match prompted a delighted Lord Rosebery to declare 'I have never seen my colours so well sported since Ladas won the Derby'. 

4. 2023
Anniversary special edition kit

A special kit was commissioned to mark the 150th anniversary of the formation of the SFA. And special it certainly was. The adidas shirt received complete approval from the Tartan Army with the only criticisms directed at the inflated price of replicas and its very limited production run. Its minimalist crew neck and subdued adidas branding combined with a unique crest that blended tonal elements with a proud gold lion. The cuffs were adorned with thin navy bands to symbolise the famous hoops worn by Queens Park who were at the centre of forming the SFA in 1873. Designed to run concurrently with the team's standard home kit, the special strip was only ever worn twice: a 3–0 win over Cyprus on 25 March 2023 and the commemorative match against the Auld Enemy that ended in a 3–1 defeat for Steve Clarke's boys on 12 September 2023.  

3. 1994/1996
Home kit

Some may feel that given its key position within Scottish heritage that a tartan fabric should play at least some part in every Scotland strip. Fortunately, perhaps, it is used sparingly but always with devastatingly successful effects. This Umbro 1994 home kit broke with the navy/white/red colour scheme so associated with the Scots and instead plumped for an all-navy approach but with a special SFA tartan taking a key role within the design. The subtlety of the tartan, combined with diagonal shadow stripes, Umbro diamond taping and a curious  purple and pale yellow trim, all came together to create what is for many, their favourite ever Scotland strip. Sadly, though, it will forever be associated with Euro 96 and THAT defeat to England with THAT missed penalty and THAT goal. Memories of Ally McCoist's jaw dropping strike in the subsequent 1–0 win over Switzerland wearing this shirt may provide some consolation. 

2. 1976-80
Home kit

Scotland fans still grow misty-eyed over the famous win over England on 4 June 1977 in the Home Championships and the kit worn that day is regarded as an archetypal Scottish jersey. The wing collars had been present on the Scotland shirt since 1972 but when Umbro added a repeated diamond pattern down each arm it elevated the kit to legendary status. The jersey has experienced the full gamut of emotional ups and downs that being a Scotland fan involves; from clinching World Cup qualification thanks to a disputed 2–0 win over the Welsh on 12 October 1977 (goals coming from a Don Masson penalty following Joe Jordan's controversial handball incident) and Kenny Dalglish, to the Argentina 78 tournament itself where the Scots yet again crashed out despite Archie Gemmill's incredible goal against the Netherlands. Just as good with long sleeves, short sleeves or Aertex fabric, the beloved strip was finally retired with a 4–1 win over Portugal in a 26 March 1980 Euros qualifier. 

1. 1988-91
Home kit

Number one in this run through of Scotland's greatest kits is the Umbro 1988–91 home strip that opts for elegance, sophistication and pure style. Everything about the strip is perfection: from the collar (with functional press-studs), an extravagantly long placket that hides within its folds a flash of traditional red tartan, to the suave, shadow-pinstriped fabric. Add to that a comfortable and confident cut and the genius move of a yellow Umbro logo and you have a design that is balanced, measured and well... just beautiful. It was first worn in a 0–0 draw with Colombia on 17 May 1988 but its most famous appearances came in the 1990 World Cup finals where it starred in a 2–1 over Sweden thanks to goals by Stuart McCall and Mo Johnston, followed later by the desperately unlucky 1–0 defeat to Brazil.