For fans of the Edmonton Oilers, the jersey is more than just sportswear; it’s a symbol of history, identity, and passion. From the iconic looks of the dynasty era to modern interpretations, each Edmonton Oilers uniform tells a story. With the buzz around potential new Edmonton Oilers Uniforms always circulating, it’s a perfect time to delve into the complete history of Oilers jerseys and rank them from bottom to top. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a new fan eager to learn the heritage, join us as we explore every Edmonton Oilers uniform since 1979.
#10 – Reebok Edge Away Jersey (2007-2011)
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The introduction of the Reebok Edge jersey style across the NHL in the 2007-08 season was a controversial moment for uniform aesthetics, and the Edmonton Oilers’ rendition of the away jersey was no exception. For many Oilers enthusiasts, this design felt like a significant downgrade. Stripped of much of its visual interest, the Reebok Edge away jersey appeared simplistic to the point of being uninspired. The piping detail that extended from the collar often drew criticism for resembling pajama trim rather than a feature of a professional hockey uniform. Furthermore, the arm striping, which only partially wrapped around the arm, felt incomplete and visually underwhelming compared to the more comprehensive striping seen on previous Edmonton Oilers uniforms. Ultimately, this design is widely considered the most lackluster uniform the team has ever worn, and it was retired after the 2010-11 season, much to the relief of many fans.
Adding to the jersey’s unpopularity was the unfortunate timing of its use. This Edmonton Oilers uniform was worn during some of the franchise’s least successful seasons on the ice, creating few positive associations for fans. It’s a chapter in Edmonton Oilers uniform history that most would prefer to forget.
#9 — Reebok Edge Home Jersey (2007-2012)
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Continuing with the Reebok Edge series, the home version of the Edmonton Oilers uniform from this era shares many of the same criticisms as its away counterpart. While slightly favored over the white jersey by some, primarily due to the richer navy blue base, the Reebok Edge home jersey still struggles to stand out positively when compared to the broader spectrum of Edmonton Oilers uniforms. The copper piping, though arguably more harmonious against the navy than white, wasn’t enough to elevate this jersey to a respectable position in the historical rankings. It remained a rather bland design within the context of the Oilers’ typically vibrant uniform history.
This particular Edmonton Oilers uniform had a slightly longer lifespan than the away version, transitioning to the alternate jersey slot for a single additional season before being fully retired. Despite its extended run, it remains the least favored home jersey in the team’s history. The Reebok Edge designs, in general, serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of uniform standardization across a league, often sacrificing team-specific aesthetics for a generalized template.
#8 — CCM Away Jersey (1997-2007)
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The CCM away jersey, introduced in 1997, marks a turning point in this ranking as we move into more appreciated designs of Edmonton Oilers uniforms. This jersey, part of the late 90s redesign, successfully incorporated the copper and blue color scheme, which resonated well with the team’s identity and Edmonton’s working-class ethos. The color combination seemed to reflect the city’s blue-collar spirit, making it a conceptually fitting uniform for the Oilers.
This Edmonton Oilers uniform effectively conveyed a sense of grit and determination, qualities often associated with hockey sweaters. While some fans might typically find white jerseys less exciting, this design manages to be reasonably appealing. However, in the grand hierarchy of Edmonton Oilers uniforms, it doesn’t quite reach the exceptional status of some others. Moreover, this jersey carries a bittersweet memory for many fans as it was worn during the heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, somewhat diminishing its nostalgic appeal despite its solid design.
#7 — Adidas Home Jersey (2017-Present)
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The current Adidas home jersey for the Edmonton Oilers is a design that has seen a spectrum of opinions since its unveiling in 2017. Initially, it faced criticism, with some fans finding the shade of orange too bright and the three stripes on the shoulders somewhat awkwardly placed. Especially considering the popularity of the orange alternate jersey from the preceding season, this home jersey was seen by some as a step back.
However, over time, this Edmonton Oilers uniform has grown on many fans, including those initially skeptical. While it may not be considered a top-tier Oilers jersey, it has established itself as a respectable evolution for a new era of Edmonton hockey. It distinguishes itself as a uniquely modern uniform and, contrary to initial concerns, it presents quite well on the ice. With stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl having spent the majority of their careers in this jersey, it has become a familiar and enduring part of the Edmonton Oilers visual identity, likely to remain in use for the foreseeable future.
#6 — Adidas Alternate Jersey (2019-Present)
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Experimentation in sports uniform design can be hit or miss, but the Adidas alternate jersey introduced for the Edmonton Oilers in 2019 is largely considered a successful venture. Despite some initial reactions that found it lacking in creative flair and somewhat plain, this uniform has garnered significant appreciation, especially for its bold color choices. The decision to eliminate white entirely from the design was a notable departure, and the result is a striking navy blue jersey where the orange logo truly pops.
While the strength of the top-five Edmonton Oilers uniforms makes it challenging to rank this one higher, the Adidas alternate jersey is undoubtedly a strong addition to the team’s uniform lineup. Its sleek and contemporary aesthetic aligns well with the image of a team led by dynamic, modern players like Connor McDavid. This Edmonton Oilers uniform stands out for its confident use of color and minimalist design, offering a fresh and appealing alternative to the more traditional jerseys.
#5 — Todd McFarlane Alternate (2001-2007)
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From one experimental Edmonton Oilers alternate jersey to another, the Todd McFarlane Oil-Gear jersey holds a special place in the hearts of many fans, and certainly in this ranking. This uniform represents a significant creative departure for a franchise that had largely adhered to a consistent design approach for much of its history. The collaboration with comic book artist Todd McFarlane resulted in a truly unique and memorable jersey.
The logo itself is a standout element. The stylized oil drop encased within a mechanical gear is both inventive and visually compelling. The subtle nod to the Edmonton Oilers’ five Stanley Cup championships, represented by the five rivets, is a thoughtful detail. The color scheme, incorporating silver stripes with navy blue and white, works surprisingly well, giving the jersey a sharp and distinctive look. Despite some criticism from the broader hockey community, this Edmonton Oilers uniform is celebrated by many for its originality and bold design, with hopes for a potential comeback in the future. It was a daring first step into the realm of third jerseys that paid off creatively.
#4 — CCM Home Jersey (1996-2007)
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Narrowly missing a spot in the top three, the CCM home jersey from the 1996-2007 era is a design that stands out as one of the best in Edmonton Oilers uniform history. The CCM period, in general, was a high point for Oilers jerseys, and this primary home version was arguably the pinnacle. It marked a significant shift as the Oilers moved away from their classic orange and blue palette for the first time, and the transition to navy blue and copper was remarkably smooth and well-received.
The navy blue and copper color combination is exceptionally effective, embodying the blue-collar image that Edmonton had cultivated by the time of this jersey’s introduction. It’s a uniform that looks both impressive and intimidating on the ice. Had the Edmonton Oilers maintained this design indefinitely, there would likely have been few complaints. It is a near-perfect Edmonton Oilers uniform, only surpassed by the designs that occupy the top three spots in this ranking.
#3 — Orange & Blue Home Jersey (1979-1996) / Away Jersey (2011-Present)
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When considering historical significance, this Edmonton Oilers uniform ranks at the very top. It was the jersey worn during the team’s first four Stanley Cup championships and remains one of the most iconic and beloved uniforms in hockey. Its appeal lies in its simplicity and masterful use of color.
This design succeeds where many white jerseys often fall short – in effectively utilizing color. The blue and orange striping boldly contrasts against the white base, creating a visually striking and easily recognizable look. The blue shoulders, outlined with an orange stripe, further enhance the design’s distinctiveness. It’s a timeless aesthetic that will never lose its appeal.
After being the home jersey for the dynasty years, this design was resurrected in 2011 as the away jersey and has remained a core part of the team’s identity, undergoing only minor design tweaks over the years. For many fans, this Edmonton Oilers uniform is synonymous with the team’s golden era, and they would gladly see it remain a permanent fixture.
#2 — Reebok Orange Alternate Jersey (2015-2017)
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A near-perfect design, the Reebok orange alternate jersey from 2015-2017 is a true standout in Edmonton Oilers uniform history. After years of fan requests for an orange sweater, the team finally delivered with this stunning design, unveiled at the 2015 NHL Draft. It served as a brilliant throwback to the team’s WHA roots and looked even more impressive on the ice than anticipated.
The shade of orange was perfectly chosen, complementing the royal blue accents beautifully. This Edmonton Oilers uniform is arguably the most visually striking sweater in the team’s history and, in retrospect, many believe it should have been promoted to the home jersey when the uniform lineup was refreshed in 2017. The collar detail, echoing the original WHA jerseys, is another exceptional touch. This jersey is widely regarded as not just one of the best Oilers jerseys, but one of the finest NHL jerseys of all time.
The only minor suggestion for improvement would be relocating the numbers from the shoulder to the sleeve, but even without this change, it remains a design of near perfection.
#1 — Orange & Blue Away Jersey (1979-1996) / Home Jersey (2011-2017)
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Unsurprisingly, the top spot is reserved for what is perhaps the most iconic Edmonton Oilers uniform of all time: the classic blue and orange jersey. Worn during the team’s dynasty years and for a significant portion of the 2010s, this jersey is a masterclass in sports uniform design and deserves recognition as one of the best uniforms in the history of professional sports.
The color scheme is flawless. Royal blue and orange, as complementary colors, work together exceptionally well, creating a vibrant and harmonious visual. The three-stripe design is simple yet incredibly effective. This Edmonton Oilers uniform is timeless and unlikely to be surpassed anytime soon. Many fans have consistently advocated for its return, at least as an alternate uniform, demonstrating its enduring popularity. Without a doubt, this is the undisputed greatest of all time among Edmonton Oilers jerseys!
