When Cardiff City Football Club rolled out its striking new third kit on August 2, 2023, fans across the UK felt a familiar flutter of excitement. The sky‑blue jersey, paired with crisp white shorts and socks, is set to hit the shelves at 10:00 AM UTC on September 2, 2023 – just in time for the club’s opening fixtures in the 2023‑24 EFL Championship season. Manufactured by long‑time technical supplier New Balance, the kit blends heritage cues with a fresh colour palette, giving the Bluebirds a new way to stand out on match days.
Design Details and Features
The shirt’s base is a light, almost‑celestial blue that immediately catches the eye, while the club badge and sponsor logos have been re‑coloured in a deep navy for contrast. A bold, double‑chevron graphic runs across the chest, upside‑down compared with the usual direction – a subtle nod to the club’s 2021‑22 away kit which also played with geometric shapes. Darker navy side panels frame the torso, adding depth without overwhelming the clean look. According to Football Shirt Culture, the design "feels like a breath of fresh air" while still honouring tradition.
Release Timeline and Store Availability
After the official reveal on the club’s website, the kit entered the online catalogue on the club’s e‑shop. The store split the offering into Adult, Youth, and Mini variants, ensuring that supporters of every age can grab a piece of the action. Shipping begins the moment the September 2 clock strikes ten, and the club confirmed that the inventory will include both the full ensemble – shirt, shorts, and socks – and mix‑and‑match options for those who prefer to pair the new top with legacy shorts.
New Balance Partnership and Historical Context
This launch marks the second major kit release under the New Balance partnership, which began in 2022 and also saw the unveiling of the home kit on June 19, 2023. Historically, the Bluebirds have experimented with bold third‑kit colours – from lime green in 2016 to orange in 2020 – but the 2023‑24 sky blue is the first time the club has embraced a true cyan shade. The Football Kit Archive notes that this colour choice mirrors the early‑season training jackets worn by the squad in the 1970s, adding a nostalgic twist.
Fan and Expert Reactions
The reaction on social media has been "surprisingly positive," with many fans praising the fresh aesthetic while some traditionalists miss the classic navy‑blue third kits of previous years. Former Wales international and club legend Ryan Giggs, now a pundit for Sky Sports, said the kit "captures the spirit of the city’s sky on a clear day – it’s optimistic and bold." Meanwhile, a panel of kit designers highlighted the double‑chevron as a clever way to break visual monotony without resorting to overt branding.
What the Kit Means for the Season
Beyond looks, the third kit could become a tactical asset. Manager Steve Morison hinted that the lighter shades might be used for away fixtures where colour clashes are an issue, offering flexibility in squad selection. In the tightly‑contested Championship, every visual advantage counts – a kit that stands out on the pitch can help players spot teammates quicker, especially in fast‑paced counter‑attacks.
Key Facts
- Reveal date: August 2 2023
- Public release: September 2 2023, 10:00 AM UTC
- Primary colour: Light sky‑blue (RGB 135, 206, 235)
- Manufacturer: New Balance
- Available in Adult, Youth, Mini sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the third kit be available for purchase?
The kit goes on sale at 10:00 AM UTC on September 2 2023 through the official Cardiff City FC online store and at the club’s physical shop on Park Place.
What are the main design differences compared to last season’s third kit?
Last season featured a bright orange base with thin navy stripes. This year flips the script with a light sky‑blue base, a navy double‑chevron across the chest, and darker side panels, offering a cleaner and more modern silhouette.
Why did the club choose sky blue for this kit?
Designers wanted a colour that reflects Cardiff’s coastal heritage and provides a visual contrast to the traditional home blue. The shade also nods to historic training gear worn by the squad in the 1970s.
Will the third kit be used in league matches?
Yes. Manager Steve Morison confirmed the kit will be deployed when colour clashes arise, giving the team an alternative to the home and away strips for the 2023‑24 Championship campaign.
How does this kit fit into the broader New Balance partnership?
It’s the second major kit release under the three‑year deal signed in 2022, reinforcing New Balance’s role as the club’s technical supplier and showcasing the brand’s focus on innovative, performance‑driven apparel for the Championship level.