Ever looked at a phone code and felt a surge of civic pride? Probably not, unless you’re from Manchester. For the 2024/25 season, Puma and Manchester City decided to lean hard into that hyper-local identity. They didn't just design a jersey; they basically stitched the city's calling code into the fabric. The Manchester City kit 24 25 is all about the "0161." It’s a bit of a gamble, honestly. Some fans think it’s genius, while others are just happy it isn't neon green.
If you walk down Deansgate or hang around the Etihad, you see the 0161 area code everywhere. It’s on graffiti, it’s in song lyrics, and now, it’s literally the trim on the sleeves and collar of the home shirt. This isn't just a random pattern. Puma used a digital, graffiti-inspired font to weave those numbers into the ribbing. It’s subtle enough that you might miss it from the nosebleed seats, but up close, it’s unmistakable. It’s a vibes-based design choice that connects the global powerhouse that is City back to the rainy streets where it all started.
Football kits have become a weird intersection of high fashion and tribalism. You’ve got people wearing these to the gym, sure, but you also have kids in Tokyo wearing them because they saw Jack Grealish on Instagram. The Manchester City kit 24 25 tries to bridge that gap. It keeps the iconic "Sky Blue" base—which, let's be real, is non-negotiable—but adds just enough "street" flavor to make it work as a lifestyle piece.
The Design Philosophy: More Than Just Blue
The home shirt is officially "Sky Blue," but the accent color is "Shadow Navy." It’s a crisp look. Usually, City kits are pretty safe. You get the blue, you get some white or navy trim, and everyone goes home happy. This year, the 0161 thread is the standout feature. It’s a jacquard-knit detail. That means the pattern is woven into the fabric itself, not just printed on top. It gives the kit a bit of texture that previous seasons lacked.
Puma’s "ULTRAWEAVE" technology is back for the authentic versions. It’s incredibly light. Like, "did I forget to put a shirt on?" light. For the fans, the "Replica" version uses the dryCELL sweat-wicking tech. It’s heavier, more durable, and honestly, probably better for a Sunday morning kickabout or sitting in a pub.
Why the 0161 Matters
You might wonder why a global brand cares about a local area code. It’s about "authenticity." In an era where clubs are accused of losing their souls to big money, showing that you still know your roots is a smart move. The 0161 is a badge of honor for Mancunians. By putting it on the Manchester City kit 24 25, Puma is saying this club belongs to the city, even if it’s winning trophies on the world stage.
The Away Kit: A Tribute to 1999
Now, if the home kit is about the present, the away kit is pure nostalgia. It’s a direct callback to the 1999 playoff final. You know the one. Paul Dickov. Gillingham. The moment that basically saved the club from obscurity.
The away shirt features vertical stripes of navy blue and neon yellow (officially "Safety Yellow"). It’s loud. It’s aggressive. It’s very late-90s.
- The stripes have a subtle glow to them.
- The sleeve cuffs are solid navy.
- The logos are centered in some versions of the training gear, but on the match kit, they stay in the traditional spots.
When City wore these colors in '99, they were in the third tier of English football. Wearing them now, as perennial Champions League contenders, is a massive flex. It’s a reminder of how far they’ve come. Fans who were at Wembley in May 1999 are buying this one in droves. It’s a piece of history you can wear.
The Third Kit: Burgundy is Back
The third kit for the 24/25 season is where things get a bit more experimental. We’re looking at a burgundy (or "Dark Maroon") base. It’s not a color City uses often, but when they do, it usually looks classy. Think back to the 2012-13 away kit or some of the classic Umbro designs from the 60s and 70s.
This one is meant to be the "fashion" kit. It’s the one you’ll see people wearing with jeans and a trench coat. It’s got metallic gold accents that make the crest pop. It’s sophisticated. It’s a nice break from the bright blues and yellows of the other two sets.
The Sustainability Angle: RE:FIBRE
One thing that actually deserves a bit of praise is the "RE:FIBRE" process Puma is using. Basically, they’re taking old textile waste and turning it into new kits. They aren't just using recycled plastic bottles anymore; they’re using actual old clothes.
This is a big step. The football industry produces a terrifying amount of waste. Every year, millions of kits are made, worn for ten months, and then shoved in a drawer or thrown away. By using textile-to-textile recycling for the Manchester City kit 24 25, they’re at least trying to close the loop. It doesn’t change the performance of the shirt—it’s still stretchy and breathable—but it feels a bit better to buy.
Real-World Feel and Fit
If you’re planning on buying one, keep in mind that Puma’s sizing can be a bit... snug.
- The "Authentic" kit is what the players wear. It’s designed for professional athletes with 5% body fat. If you have a "dad bod," maybe skip this one. It’s very tight around the midsection and shoulders.
- The "Replica" kit is a standard fan fit. It’s more forgiving. It’s what 90% of people should buy.
- The "Long Sleeve" versions are becoming popular again. There’s something very "old school cool" about a long-sleeve sky blue shirt, especially in the winter months at the Etihad.
People often complain about the price of football shirts. They aren't cheap. You’re looking at a significant investment for a piece of polyester. However, the build quality on the 24/25 kits feels slightly improved over the last few years. The stitching on the 0161 collar is reinforced, and the heat-pressed badges on the authentic version are remarkably durable.
Is the Manchester City Kit 24 25 Worth It?
Look, if you’re a City fan, you’re probably going to get one anyway. But is it a "good" design year?
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Honestly, yes. It’s better than the 2022/23 kit with the maroon neck. It’s more interesting than the 2023/24 kit which was a bit plain. The 0161 detail is a genuine talking point. It’s a conversation starter. You see someone in a pub wearing it, and you immediately know they get the Manchester connection.
The away kit is the real winner for the "heritage" fans. It’s bold and ugly-beautiful in the way only 90s football kits can be. The third kit is the dark horse—it’s going to look great under the floodlights during away nights in Europe.
What to Look Out For
Be careful with the printing. If you’re getting a name and number on the back (like Haaland 9 or Foden 47), make sure you choose the right font. There’s the "Premier League" font, which is standard across all clubs, and then there’s the "City" font used in cup competitions and the Champions League. The City font usually looks a bit more stylish and fits the 0161 aesthetic better.
Also, watch the washing instructions. These new recycled materials don't love high heat. Wash it inside out, cold water, and for the love of everything, don't put it in the dryer. You’ll ruin the heat-pressed sponsor logo in about five minutes if you do.
Final Practical Steps for Fans
If you're looking to pick up the Manchester City kit 24 25, here’s the smart way to do it:
- Check the Fit: Go to a physical store and try on the Authentic vs. Replica. The difference in feel is massive. The Authentic feels like a second skin; the Replica feels like a T-shirt.
- Decide on the Badge: The Authentic has a screen-printed badge to reduce weight and friction. The Replica has an embroidered badge. Most fans actually prefer the embroidered one because it feels more "premium" and doesn't peel off over time.
- Wait for the Sales? If you aren't desperate to have it on day one, City usually does a mid-season sale around January. You can often snag the home kit for 30-40% off.
- Verify Authenticity: If you're buying from third-party sites, check the SKU codes. Fake kits are everywhere, and while they're cheaper, they won't have the RE:FIBRE material or the correct 0161 weave density.
The 2024/25 season is a big one for the blue side of Manchester. Whether they’re lifting another trophy or fighting through a grueling schedule, they’ll be doing it in a kit that—for once—actually feels like it belongs to the city of Manchester. It’s a solid 8/10 year for City fans. Sky blue, a bit of navy, and a whole lot of 0161. What else do you really need?