The world of baseball is as much about the visual spectacle as it is about the game itself, and nothing embodies team identity more than their uniforms. From classic pinstripes to modern color schemes, Major League Baseball boasts some of the most recognizable and stylish uniforms in professional sports. This ranking dives into the best MLB uniforms, appreciating the design, history, and overall aesthetic that makes each team’s attire unique. Let’s explore which teams truly stand out when it comes to on-field fashion, starting with a team that maintains a strong position with their classic look.
8. Philadelphia Phillies: Classic Pinstripes and Baby Blue Magic
Bryce Harper wearing the Philadelphia Phillies home uniform during a game. Ranking MLB uniforms, Phillies are considered a top 10 team for their uniform design.
The Philadelphia Phillies consistently rank high for their uniform sets, and even the removal of their red alternates doesn’t diminish their appeal significantly. Their home whites are iconic, being the only team in the league to sport red pinstripes, a design detail that sets them apart. These pinstripes, combined with the classic Phillies script, create a timeless baseball look.
Beyond the home uniforms, the Phillies boast exceptional alternate jerseys. The baby blue and maroon set is a standout, often hailed as one of the best uniforms across all of baseball. The cream Sunday alternates, complete with red and blue hats and helmets, further enhance their overall uniform ranking. The incorporation of an off-white look is a smart move, adding a vintage touch to their modern set. While the red alternates might be missed by some, the Phillies’ diverse and strong uniform collection easily compensates for their absence, solidifying their place in the top tier of MLB uniforms.
7. Atlanta Braves: Iconic and Timeless with a Touch of Throwback Flair
Ronald Acuna Jr. in the Atlanta Braves road uniform. Ranking MLB uniforms, Braves are recognized for their classic and strong uniform designs.
The Atlanta Braves hold their position firmly in the top 10 MLB uniform rankings, and for good reason. Their road uniforms are arguably the best in the league, a perfect blend of tradition and style. The home whites are equally impressive, maintaining a clean and classic aesthetic that resonates with baseball purists.
What elevates the Braves’ uniforms is their timeless quality. Largely unchanged since the iconic 90s era Braves teams, these uniforms evoke a sense of baseball history and tradition. This consistency is a key element in their high ranking. Furthermore, the Braves excel with their alternate uniforms. They’ve successfully executed a red alternate, a feat many teams struggle with, and their navy alternate is equally well-designed. The Braves masterfully utilize their color scheme and logos across all uniform variations, creating a cohesive and visually appealing set.
Adding to their appeal are the Hank Aaron-era throwback jerseys. These throwbacks, considered part of their extended uniform set, provide a significant boost to their overall ranking. The strategic use of these throwbacks for special occasions, rather than full-time wear, enhances their specialness and makes them a cherished part of the Braves’ uniform identity, contributing to their strong position in MLB uniform rankings.
6. New York Yankees: Tradition Meets a Minor Misstep
Aaron Judge celebrating a home run in the iconic New York Yankees pinstripe home uniform. Ranking MLB uniforms, Yankees maintain a high rank despite recent road uniform changes.
The New York Yankees, a team synonymous with baseball tradition, experienced a slight dip in their uniform ranking this year due to a change in their road uniforms. The alteration, opting for a simpler vintage look, removed the navy and white striping on the sleeves. This change, while aiming for a classic feel, is considered a step back from their previously favored road uniform design.
Despite this alteration, the Yankees remain high in the rankings, anchored by what is arguably the most iconic uniform in sports – their home pinstripes. These pinstripes are a symbol of baseball excellence and a design masterpiece that is virtually flawless. The home uniform alone keeps the Yankees firmly within the top tier of MLB uniforms.
While the new road uniforms are still respectable, they lack the visual appeal of their predecessors. The impact of these new uniforms in game action remains to be fully seen, but the initial reaction suggests a slight downgrade. However, the enduring legacy and perfection of the Yankees’ pinstripe home uniforms prevent a more significant drop in their overall MLB uniform ranking.
5. Los Angeles Dodgers: Iconic Home Whites and Ohtani Era Style
Shohei Ohtani in the Los Angeles Dodgers home uniform. Ranking MLB uniforms, Dodgers enter the top 5, boosted by Ohtani's arrival and their classic home jersey.
The Los Angeles Dodgers climb into the top 5 of MLB uniform rankings, a position solidified by the arrival of Shohei Ohtani and the enduring appeal of their iconic home uniforms. The anticipation of seeing Ohtani in the Dodgers’ classic white and blue is significant, highlighting the power of a well-designed uniform to enhance a player’s image and team brand.
The Dodgers’ home uniform, featuring a blue wordmark and red numbers, is arguably the best in baseball. It’s a clean, classic, and instantly recognizable design. The road uniform, while also strong, takes a backseat to the home whites in terms of overall impact and visual appeal.
The primary reason the Dodgers aren’t ranked even higher is the limited variety in their uniform sets compared to teams above them. While their two main uniforms are excellent, the lack of diverse alternates holds them back slightly. Teams ranked higher often boast multiple outstanding uniform options, offering more visual flexibility. Despite this, the sheer excellence of the Dodgers’ home uniform secures their place among the top 5 MLB uniforms.
4. Chicago Cubs: Pinstripes, Ivy Walls, and Wrigleyville Charm
Ian Happ and Dansby Swanson wearing Chicago Cubs home pinstripe uniforms. Ranking MLB uniforms, Cubs are praised for their classic pinstripes and well-rounded uniform set.
Entering the top 4, the Chicago Cubs represent the quintessential baseball aesthetic. Their pinstripe home uniforms, set against the backdrop of Wrigley Field’s ivy walls, are a truly iconic sight. This classic combination embodies the spirit of baseball and contributes significantly to their high uniform ranking.
The Cubs’ uniform design is characterized by a perfect logo and a distinctive shade of blue in their pinstripes. The overall look is synonymous with baseball tradition and charm. Their road uniforms are also well-executed, mirroring the Dodgers’ approach with a blue wordmark and red numbers, maintaining a consistent visual identity.
What distinguishes the Cubs from teams like the Yankees and Dodgers and elevates their ranking is the strength of their third uniform. The blue alternate jersey, featuring the cub walking through the “C” logo, is a standout design. While primarily worn on the road, its occasional pairing with pinstripe pants at home is a visually striking combination that enhances their overall uniform appeal. This strong alternate, combined with their iconic home and solid road uniforms, places the Cubs firmly in the top tier of MLB uniform rankings.
3. San Francisco Giants: Unique Off-White and Bold Orange Accents
Tyler Rogers pitching in the San Francisco Giants off-white home uniform. Ranking MLB uniforms, Giants are recognized for their unique and stylish uniform designs, especially their home whites.
The San Francisco Giants secure a top 3 spot in MLB uniform rankings, edging out the Cubs due to the uniqueness and overall stylishness of their set. Their uniforms are not only visually appealing but also distinctive within the league.
Prior to recent uniform changes by other teams, the Giants were the only team with a full-time off-white home uniform. This off-white base is not just unique but also exceptionally well-executed, creating one of the best-looking home uniforms in baseball. While some might prefer a return to numbers-only on the back of jerseys, the current design remains strong.
The Giants effectively utilize orange and black, arguably better than the Orioles, especially in their alternate uniforms. The black alternate with an orange “SF” logo is a design that has grown in appreciation over time. However, the true gem among their alternates is the orange jersey with a script wordmark and subtle gold outline, a detail that adds a touch of sophistication. Even their road grey uniform is noteworthy, with orange and black striping that complements the grey base and the “San Francisco” wordmark across the chest. While a return of the “SF” logo to the road jersey could further enhance it, the Giants’ overall uniform set is undeniably top-tier and earns them a high position in MLB uniform rankings.
2. Oakland Athletics: Green and Gold Perfection, A Uniform to Save
Esteury Ruiz celebrating in the Oakland Athletics home white uniform. Ranking MLB uniforms, Athletics are consistently ranked high for their iconic green and gold uniforms.
Holding steady in the second spot, the Oakland Athletics boast an all-around incredible uniform set. Their home whites are a strong contender for the best in the league, perfectly utilizing yellow and green, a color combination unique in MLB.
The Athletics are the only team to feature yellow and green as their primary colors, and this classic combination is exceptionally well-suited for baseball uniforms. The home whites are particularly striking, enhanced by the classic white shoes that have become synonymous with the A’s visual identity.
The rest of their uniform set is equally impressive. Green and yellow work beautifully with the road grey, and their alternate uniforms are also well-designed. Both the light and dark green alternates are clean, classic baseball looks. The potential relocation of the A’s to Las Vegas is concerning for many reasons, but the thought of losing these iconic uniforms is even more distressing. Major League Baseball should prioritize preserving these uniforms, recognizing them as a vital part of baseball’s visual heritage and a key component of any MLB uniform ranking.
1. St. Louis Cardinals: Timeless Excellence, The Undisputed Best
Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt in the St. Louis Cardinals home white uniforms. Ranking MLB uniforms, Cardinals maintain the #1 spot, recognized for their timeless and perfect baseball uniforms.
Unchanged at the top, the St. Louis Cardinals’ uniforms reign supreme in 2024, holding the undisputed #1 position in MLB uniform rankings. They are simply the best uniforms in baseball, setting a standard that seems impossible for other teams to surpass.
The Cardinals’ home whites are pristine, representing an absolutely perfect baseball uniform. The red details and wordmark on the white base create a clean and timeless look. The navy and red caps and helmets further enhance the home uniform’s visual appeal. Their road grey uniforms are also excellent, and the cream Sunday alternates worn at home might even surpass the home whites in terms of sheer elegance.
Similar to other teams with baby blue alternates, the Cardinals’ baby blue uniforms are a highlight. They are arguably the second-best uniform in the league, a design masterpiece that is virtually flawless. The red striping, piping, and helmets perfectly complement the baby blue base. The decision to pair these jerseys with baby blue pants completes the look, creating an unforgettable uniform combination. It’s difficult to imagine any team surpassing the Cardinals’ uniform set, and as long as they remain unchanged, they are likely to remain at the top of MLB uniform rankings for years to come, a testament to timeless design and baseball tradition.
