This season, Manchester City announced a shift in its kit approach aimed at better supporting players who menstruate. The club, in collaboration with sportswear partner Puma, confirmed it would stop using white shorts on the home kit and replace them with burgundy shorts in away games, to reduce discomfort for players during their periods. The change is set to take effect from the next season, with a deliberate emphasis on practicality and wellbeing during training and competition.
Previously, the white shorts were part of the uniform for home matches, but the new policy prioritizes what players need to stay focused and perform at their best. The burgundy shorts will now be worn in away fixtures, while the home kit will rely on the revised color and fabric choices that better accommodate athletes who experience menstrual symptoms during travel, warmups, or late in a game. This is part of a broader conversation in sport about making equipment more inclusive and comfortable for all players.
City stated that the move reflects listening to players and acting on their feedback. The club explained that the decision follows extensive discussions with the squad and a commitment to create an environment where players can compete at the highest level without unnecessary physical distractions. The statement emphasized that the goal is to provide gear that supports performance, fits well, and reduces any discomfort related to menstruation.
As a result of the players’ feedback and the decision to retire the white shorts, the club will not supply white shorts to players starting next season. This adjustment is designed to simplify the kit options during periods when athletes may feel affected by their menstrual cycle, while still delivering the quality and design standards fans expect from the team.
Other clubs have taken note. West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and Livingston in Scotland have also announced similar steps or considered changes in their kit options to support players who menstruate. The announcements reflect a growing trend in football toward more inclusive equipment policies, broader conversations about athlete wellbeing, and greater attention to how uniform design can impact comfort and performance on the field. Observers say the moves could encourage more teams across the league to evaluate their own apparel policies and explore practical changes for players across genders and health needs. This evolving approach is part of a wider push for inclusivity in professional sports, where gear and attire increasingly respond to the real conditions athletes face during competition.
Attribution: City’s official statements and corroborating coverage from sports media noted the collaboration with Puma and the focus on player wellbeing.