The moment you ask why Juventus wear black and white, you step into one of the most iconic stories in football history. Juventus’ famous black-and-white striped kit didn’t start off as their birthright—it evolved, almost by accident, and today those colours symbolize tradition, pride, and an unmistakable identity. BraeckBall will take you through how it all began, how the colours stuck, and what they mean to Juve and fans around the world.
Early origins: the pink shirts era
Before the stripes, there was pink. When Juventus was founded in 1897 by a group of Lyceum pupils in Turin, their colours were very different. They initially wore pink shirts with a black tie and black shorts. This was partly because the available cloth was inexpensive and partly because they simply used what they had. Over time, the pink began to fade badly through washing, and issues with durability and appearance started to creep in.
It was not until 1901-1903 that Juventus began to look for a new kit that would be more lasting and presentable. The pink was fading to such a pale shade that players described it as almost colourless. These early years laid the groundwork for what was to come: a symbolic change, not just aesthetic.
The switch: Notts County, John Savage, and the birth of the stripes
The turning point came with Englishman John Savage, one of Juventus’s early foreign players. Not satisfied with the fading pink, Savage used his connections in England. He reached out to a friend who supported Notts County, a club already known for its black and white stripes. That friend sent over a batch of striped shirts.
From about 1903 onwards, Juventus began wearing the new black and white striped shirts as their home kit. While the design has changed over years (stripe width, number of stripes, sometimes even shorts colours), the black and white stripes have become their signature.
What black and white came to mean
Wearing black and white was more than just practicality. Over time, these colours carried symbolism and identity:
- Tradition & prestige: Black and white became closely linked with Juventus’s growing status in Italy. As they won early championships (their first in 1905), the kit was seen as part of their rise.
- Power & seriousness: Players and officials came to regard the colours as bold, authoritative, and representing a more “professional” identity. The contrast of black and white stands out; it’s crisp, imposing.
- Continuity: Despite changes in kits over decades—new designs, sponsors, manufacturing technologies, fashion trends—Juventus have almost always kept the black and white look for home matches. That continuity reinforces the values of consistency, loyalty, and club heritage.
Evolution over time: variations and iconic moments
Even though the black and white stripes have been the default since the early 1900s, there have been variations:
- The width and number of stripes have shifted many times. Early shirts had fewer wide stripes; later designs often had many thinner ones, depending on fashion and manufacturer.
- Shorts and socks colours have alternated: sometimes black, sometimes white. Occasionally there are accent trims, unique collars, or details added (e.g. different textures, embroidered details) depending on season.
- Occasionally Juventus have launched special kits/third or away kits that depart significantly (colour changes, alternative designs), but those are for special occasions. The home kit has remained anchored in black and white.
Notable moments tied to the colours:
- Juventus’ first championship in 1905 came after they adopted the black and white stripes, which solidified the connection between kit and success.
- In 2011, as a nod to history, Juventus invited Notts County to be their opponents in the opening match of the new Juventus Stadium. This was a symbolic recognition of the English club’s role in their kit history.
Debunking myth & clarifications
Since this “kit origin story” has become nearly legendary, some myths have crept in. Here are a few clarifications:
- It’s not certain that the change happened in exactly 1903—it may have been a gradual shift starting around 1901-1902. But most sources settle on that early-1900s period as the transition.
- The change wasn’t originally driven purely by style; it was a practical need (fading cloth, durability, look) but also shaped by personality (Savage’s influence) and external help (Notts County).
- Some early resistance: players wondered about the new stripes (one said they looked like funeral wear!), but wins and the bold look helped acceptance.
Why the colours still matter today
Even in modern times, with sponsorships, commercial kits, fashion trends, and globalization, the black and white stripes remain central for Juventus. Here’s why:
- They are instantly recognizable. Fans see Juventus on TV, in pictures, in merch, and the black-white contrast makes them stand out.
- They connect fans to history. Wearing the same colours for more than a century gives a sense of being part of something bigger—the past, the triumphs, the legends.
- They shape club identity: the nicknames come. Juventus doesn’t just wear stripes—they embody them.
Conclusion
In this article, BraeckBall has drawn back the curtain to show that why Juventus wear black and white is a story of practicality, chance, identity, and legacy. What began as fading pink shirts and a creative English contact in Notts County became one of the most powerful symbols in world football.
If you love football culture, history, or want to understand what makes a club “feel” like itself, the tale of Juventus’ stripes is worth knowing. Want to dig deeper? Check out more about Juve’s crest changes, iconic kits across eras, or how their kit influenced other clubs worldwide. And next time you see Juventus take the field, those black and white stripes will mean much more than just a kit—they’ll be a living thread through 120+ years of tradition.
