West Ham United, with its iconic claret and blue color scheme, has had some truly memorable football shirts over the years. Whether it’s the vintage kits worn during historic cup triumphs or modern designs that celebrate the club’s legacy, West Ham's shirts evoke deep pride among fans. From classic home kits to special editions, here’s a look at some of the best West Ham United football shirts ever.

1. 1964-65 Home Shirt: European Glory

The 1964-65 home shirt holds a special place in West Ham’s history. It was during this season that the Hammers won the European Cup Winners' Cup, defeating 1860 Munich 2-0 in the final.

• Design: A simple and clean claret body with light blue sleeves, featuring a round collar. The shirt’s elegance lies in its minimalist approach, which perfectly captures the essence of the era.
• Why It’s Special: This shirt represents West Ham’s European triumph, one of the greatest achievements in the club’s history. It was worn by club legends like Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, and Martin Peters, three players who also went on to win the World Cup with England in 1966.

2. 1975 FA Cup Final Shirt

West Ham United Football Shirts1975 FA Cup Final shirt is another classic that is fondly remembered by fans. The Hammers lifted the FA Cup for the second time in their history, beating Fulham 2-0 in the final.

• Design: This shirt is characterized by its claret torso and blue shoulder panels, giving it a retro vibe that is still adored by fans. It had a classic round collar and was without any sponsor logos.
• Why It’s Special: The kit is associated with West Ham’s successful FA Cup run, with Alan Taylor scoring twice in the final. This victory remains one of the standout moments in West Ham's storied history.

3. 1980 FA Cup Final Shirt

The 1980 FA Cup Final shirt is one of the most iconic West Ham kits, primarily due to the underdog victory against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

• Design: Featuring the traditional claret and blue colors, this kit had a more modern feel compared to previous decades. It was also the first to feature a sponsor, Avco Trust, marking the start of the commercial era in football.
• Why It’s Special: West Ham’s 1-0 win, thanks to a goal from Trevor Brooking, is legendary because the team was in the Second Division at the time, making them the last non-top-flight club to win the FA Cup.

4. 1999-2000 Home Shirt: Di Canio’s Magic

The 1999-2000 home shirt is often associated with one of West Ham’s most beloved and talented players, Paolo Di Canio.

• Design: This shirt featured claret with light blue sleeves and a distinctive collar, combined with Dr. Martens as the sponsor, which added a unique and memorable touch.
• Why It’s Special: Di Canio’s famous volley against Wimbledon in March 2000, considered one of the best goals in Premier League history, was scored in this kit. The shirt evokes memories of Di Canio’s brilliance and is a favorite among fans for its association with a golden era of West Ham flair.

5. 2015-16 Home Shirt: Farewell Boleyn Ground

The 2015-16 home shirt holds a special place in West Ham's modern history, as it was the last shirt worn at the famous Boleyn Ground before the club moved to the London Stadium.

• Design: Featuring a return to the classic claret body and blue sleeves, with gold detailing to mark the special occasion, this shirt beautifully blends tradition with modern style. The shirt also paid tribute to the club's rich history with a commemorative badge.
• Why It’s Special: The 2015-16 season was an emotional rollercoaster for fans, as the Hammers bid farewell to their beloved ground after 112 years. Memorable victories over teams like Manchester United and Arsenal made this kit even more iconic.

6. 2020-21 Home Shirt: 125th Anniversary

To celebrate 125 years of West Ham United, the club released a special edition home shirt for the 2020-21 season.

• Design: This shirt features a retro-inspired design, with a clean claret and blue look, a simple collar, and a special 125th-anniversary badge to commemorate the club’s history.
• Why It’s Special: The shirt celebrates a significant milestone in the club’s journey. It represents the rich heritage of West Ham, while also coinciding with a fantastic season in which the Hammers finished 6th in the Premier League, securing a spot in European competition.

7. 1983-85 Home Shirt: Adidas Era Begins

The 1983-85 home shirt marked the beginning of West Ham's partnership with Adidas, a significant shift in the club's kit design history.

• Design: This shirt featured the famous Adidas three-stripe branding on the shoulders, with a mix of claret and blue and a white pinstripe pattern. It also featured Avco Trust as the sponsor.
• Why It’s Special: The shirt is memorable for its sleek design and is still beloved by fans today. It was worn during a highly successful time for the club, as the 1985-86 season saw West Ham achieve their best-ever league finish, coming third in the old First Division.

8. 1992-93 Centenary Shirt

In celebration of 100 years of West Ham United, the club released a special centenary home shirt for the 1992-93 season.

• Design: The shirt was a classic claret with blue sleeves, but what made it stand out was the inclusion of a commemorative badge to mark the club's centenary. It also featured BAC Windows as the sponsor.
• Why It’s Special: As a tribute to the club's first century, this shirt is a collector's item for West Ham fans. It celebrates the club’s longevity and rich history, making it a special piece of memorabilia.

9. 2023-24 Home Shirt: Europa Conference League Triumph

The 2023-24 home shirt will forever be linked with West Ham's triumphant UEFA Europa Conference League victory, their first major European trophy in over 50 years.

• Design: The shirt features the club’s traditional claret with subtle blue details, along with a West Ham United Irons crest. It blends modern performance fabrics with a nod to the club’s heritage.
• Why It’s Special: This kit symbolizes West Ham’s return to European glory, with Jarrod Bowen’s last-minute goal sealing the 2-1 win over Fiorentina in the final. The triumph ended a long wait for silverware and instantly made the 2023-24 shirt one of the most cherished in the club’s history.

Conclusion: A Legacy in Claret and Blue

West Ham United’s football shirts are more than just sportswear—they represent the club’s history, triumphs, and unique identity. From the European successes of the 1960s to modern-day victories, each shirt carries memories and emotions that resonate with fans. These iconic kits are a reminder of the club's enduring legacy, its legendary players, and the unwavering support of the West Ham faithful. Whether vintage classics or modern masterpieces, the best West Ham United football shirts will always hold a special place in the hearts of Hammers fans around the world.