Newcastle United’s home kits have long been synonymous with their iconic black and white stripes, a design that has been etched into the club’s history for as long as fans can remember.
The stripes and the colour scheme are both synonymous with the club’s identity.
However, recent leaks of Newcastle’s 2025/26 home kit suggest a dramatic shift from Adidas, and fans aren’t holding back on their reactions.
According to Footy Headlines, the leaked design shows that while the new kit maintains the club’s signature black and white stripes, the look has taken an unexpected turn.
The stripes now incorporate a checkered black and white pattern on a white base, deviating significantly from the solid stripes fans are used to.
The checkered pattern is inspired by shepherd’s plaid a nod to Newcastle’s black and white origin story. Shepherd’s plaid is a pattern of small, even checks in contrasting colors, that is usually woven into a fabric.
Despite this unique take, the fan response has been overwhelmingly negative.
Reactions range from disbelief to outright criticism, with one fan calling it an “abomination” and another comparing it to “a 6-year-old’s drawing.” Several others mocked the design for resembling a “dish towel.”
One user likened the patterning on this concept kit to Burberry’s iconic design, the Burberry check, which is also a plaid pattern in different colours. This Burberry design language is often seen on their coats and scarfs.
In an effort to soften the blow, Footy Headlines released another concept in response to the backlash, aiming to win over fans with a revised version.
This alternative design still incorporates the plaid element but appears less chaotic and avoids the dish towel comparisons, offering a more polished take on the checkered pattern.
While the plaid-infused kit brings a fresh perspective, it’s unlikely that this leak is the final version fans will see on the pitch. And if this leaked version does become reality, the Magpies’ faithful may not be quick to embrace it.
