The 1990s were a transformative decade for football, marked by the rise of the Premier League and a shift in kit design that reflected the changing times. For Aston Villa, the 1990s brought about some of the club’s most iconic kits, which hold a special place in the hearts of fans. With bold designs, memorable sponsorships, and historic performances, Aston Villa’s shirts from this decade are cherished by supporters and collectors alike. Here, we take a look at the top Aston Villa kits from the 1990s.
1. 1992/93 Home Kit – The Premier League Debut
The 1992/93 season was a landmark moment in English Aston Villa football shirts, with the introduction of the Premier League. Aston Villa’s home kit for that season is remembered for its sleek and simple design, featuring the club’s traditional claret and blue colors. The kit was manufactured by Danish brand Hummel, and it featured a bold V-neck collar with claret body and blue sleeves. The sponsor, Mita Copiers, was prominently displayed, a company that became synonymous with Aston Villa in the early ‘90s.
This kit holds a special place in Villa’s history, as the club finished second in the inaugural Premier League season, just behind Manchester United.
Why it’s iconic: The 1992/93 home kit represents a new era for English football and a strong season for Aston Villa in the newly formed Premier League.
2. 1994/95 Home Kit – The League Cup Triumph
One of the most memorable kits of the decade is the 1994/95 home shirt, which saw Aston Villa lift the League Cup after defeating Leeds United 3-0 in the final. Designed by Umbro, this kit featured a striking claret and blue design with intricate details. The club’s crest was reworked to fit within a central shield, and the collar had a unique blue and white diamond pattern, giving the kit a distinct look.
Why it’s iconic: The 1994/95 kit is forever linked to Villa’s League Cup triumph, cementing its place in the club’s folklore.
3. 1993/94 Away Kit – The European Adventure
Aston Villa’s away kit from the 1993/94 season was one of the boldest designs of the era. Manufactured by Umbro, the shirt featured a black base with vertical teal stripes and claret accents on the collar and sleeves. The kit was worn during Villa’s UEFA Cup campaign, which included some memorable European nights.
This away kit stood out for its unconventional colors, departing from Villa’s traditional home colors and showing a more daring approach to design.
Why it’s iconic: The 1993/94 away kit is remembered for its unique style and the team’s strong performances in Europe during that season.
4. 1995/96 Home Kit – Savo Milošević and the League Cup
Aston Villa’s 1995/96 home kit is another fan favorite from the ‘90s, featuring a minimalist design with a deep claret body and blue sleeves. The shirt was manufactured by Reebok, a change from the previous manufacturer Umbro, and continued to display the AST Research sponsor. This kit is remembered for its association with Villa’s League Cup win in 1996, with striker Savo Milošević famously scoring a stunning goal in the final against Leeds United.
The collar design featured a button-up closure with blue and claret trim, adding a classic touch to the shirt’s modern look.
Why it’s iconic: The 1995/96 home kit is celebrated for its League Cup success and its classic Reebok design.
5. 1997/98 Home Kit – The Reebok Era Continues
The 1997/98 home kit was another classic from Reebok, featuring a more streamlined look. The shirt had a solid claret body with blue sleeves, but the standout detail was the white Reebok logo and AST Computer sponsorship. The collar was simple and blue, with minimal detailing, giving the shirt a clean and professional appearance.
Aston Villa enjoyed another strong season in this kit, finishing in the top four of the Premier League and securing qualification for the UEFA Cup.
Why it’s iconic: The 1997/98 kit is remembered for its simplicity and Villa’s strong performances in the Premier League during the late 1990s.
6. 1998/99 Away Kit – The Striking Yellow and Black
For the 1998/99 season, Aston Villa introduced a bold new away kit, featuring a bright yellow base with black details. Designed by Reebok, this kit was a departure from the more conservative away kits of previous seasons, and it quickly became a favorite among fans. The shirt featured black shoulders and sleeves, with the Reebok logo and AST Computer sponsor in white, creating a striking contrast.
This kit was worn during an impressive Premier League campaign where Villa spent much of the season near the top of the table, ultimately finishing sixth.
Why it’s iconic: The bright yellow and black away kit from 1998/99 stands out for its bold design and association with a strong Premier League campaign.
7. 1995/96 Away Kit – The Striped Classic
The 1995/96 away kit featured a bold striped design with alternating vertical claret and light blue stripes. This kit, designed by Reebok, was a favorite among fans due to its eye-catching design and departure from traditional away kits. The shirt also featured a classic collar, and the Reebok logo was placed centrally, which was a unique touch for the time.
This kit became a cult classic, representing Villa’s strong season in which they competed in the Premier League and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Why it’s iconic: The 1995/96 away kit is remembered for its stylish striped design and association with a successful season.
8. 1999/2000 Home Kit – The End of the Decade
As the 1990s came to a close, Aston Villa’s home kit for the 1999/2000 season brought back a more traditional design. The Reebok shirt featured a solid claret body with light blue sleeves, while the AST Research sponsor was replaced with NTL, a telecommunications company. The kit was simple and clean, with a modern twist on the classic Villa colors.
Villa enjoyed another strong season in this kit, reaching the FA Cup final in 2000, where they were narrowly beaten by Chelsea.
Why it’s iconic: The 1999/2000 kit is remembered for its association with Villa’s run to the FA Cup final and the start of a new millennium.
Conclusion
The 1990s was a decade filled with memorable kits for Aston Villa, from bold away designs to classic home shirts. These kits not only represent a significant period in the club’s history but also evoke nostalgia for an era of exciting football and memorable victories. For fans and collectors alike, Aston Villa’s shirts from the 1990s are iconic pieces of football history that continue to be cherished today.
