(credit: imago)
(credit: imago)

Navy Blue and White stripes - West Brom's shirt colour explained

Kyrenia Shipillis

Kyrenia has covered West Brom on West Brom News since 2025. She joined Breaking Media in 2025 and will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham, in September. She has also written for the Sports Gazette and spent several months working for the Non-League Paper.

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West Brom's blue and white striped kit can be traced back to over 100 years.

The Baggies have made countless memories at the stadium over the years, as have their rivals, with Stan Collymore sending his surprise well-wishes to West Brom.

The Hawthorns is a notable feature of West Brom's history. But Albion has amassed a wealth of feats over their years as a football club.

An image of The Hawthorns taken from one of the entrances to a stand.
The Hawthorns have been home to Albion for 125 years (Credit: Imago)

West Brom have worn navy blue and white since the First World War

Their crisp navy blue and white shirts were on full display once again during West Brom's opening win over Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

However, this historic kit has not always been a heavy feature for the Baggies. When Albion was first established, they played in whatever coloured kit was available to them locally.

Things changed for the better when a committee meeting was held in September 1885. Following the meeting, Albion proclaimed that they would adopt the white and blue shirts on a permanent basis.

  • The 1885/86 season was when the Baggies debuted their blue and white striped shirts
  • There was a brief trial of a blue and scarlet broad striped shirt during the 1998/90 season

Initially, the blue stripes were a lighter shade, with the navy blue stripes not being introduced until after the First World War. While the exact reason for the switch remains unknown, the shirt has become one of West Brom's most recognised traits.

West Brom star Isaac Price celebrating
The navy blue and white stripes remain a famous feature of West Brom's kit (Credit: Imago)

West Brom strives towards history

West Brom won their only First Division league title in the darker navy colour and the stripes on the badge shortly followed.

The Baggies will be looking to taste greatness once again, and Ryan Mason could be the man for the job. Albion remains unbeaten in the Championship after West Brom's most recent win over Stoke City.

While it is early days and there is lots of football to be played West Brom are eyeing Premier League promotion, and Mason could do so during his first season in a permanent managerial position.

Whether the Baggies achieve greatness this season or not. There is no doubt that their beloved navy blue and white striped kit will be with them every step of the way.

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