Iowa Hawkeyes football boasts a rich and storied tradition, and a significant part of that identity is their iconic uniforms. From humble beginnings to modern-day statements, the Hawkeyes’ attire has evolved alongside the program’s legacy. In this exploration, we delve into the history of Iowa Football Uniforms, decade by decade, showcasing the evolution of their look.
Early Days: The Roaring Twenties and Simple Beginnings
The 1920s marked an era of simple yet distinctive uniforms for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Reflecting the style of the time, the team sported old-gold helmets paired with gold accents on their jerseys and pants. The original uniforms of this era were characterized by unnumbered black sweaters, sturdy leather helmets for protection, high-waisted pants, and classic ringed knee socks. In a nod to this historical period, Iowa paid homage to these legendary 1920s teams in 2012. They donned throwback uniforms that echoed the old-gold helmets and gold detailing, offering a visual bridge to the program’s early days.
The Ironmen Era: Spartan Uniforms of 1939
The 1939 Ironmen, a team etched in Iowa football lore, took the field in uniforms that were as straightforward and tough as their play. These “no-frills” uniforms consisted of long-sleeved black jerseys adorned with gold numbers, complemented by white pants and golden leather helmets. To commemorate the 75th anniversary of Kinnick Stadium, Iowa revived these classic uniforms for their 2004 home opener. This throwback was a visual tribute to the legendary Ironmen and the historic stadium they called home. The image shows a depiction of the 1939 Iowa Ironmen football uniform, featuring a black long-sleeved jersey with gold numbers, white pants, and a gold leather helmet, capturing the spartan aesthetic of the era.
The Golden Age: Classic Design of the Evashevski Era
Many Hawkeye faithful consider the 1958 Rose Bowl squad to be the pinnacle of Iowa football excellence. This golden era was also defined by one of the program’s most aesthetically pleasing uniforms. Under the guidance of coach Forest Evashevski, the team sported helmets in “Green Bay gold,” a distinct shade, embellished with gothic jersey numbers on each side and a bold black stripe running down the center. These classic helmets were paired with clean and sharp jerseys. In 2010, fans were treated to a visual blast from the past when Iowa wore throwback uniforms inspired by this 1958 design during a game against Ball State.
Modern Classics: The Steelers Influence and the Tigerhawk is Born
The late 1970s ushered in a new era for Iowa football uniforms, thanks to the vision of legendary coach Hayden Fry. Recognizing the psychological advantage of “dressing for success,” Fry sought inspiration from a team synonymous with winning: the Pittsburgh Steelers, the dominant NFL force of the 1970s, also known for their black and gold color scheme. Fry contacted the Steelers and received Terry Bradshaw’s jersey and pants, enabling precise replication of the numbers, lettering, and trim for the Hawkeyes’ new uniforms. This image showcases the Iowa Hawkeyes football uniform inspired by the 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers, featuring a black jersey with gold lettering and numbering, gold pants, and a helmet with a central stripe, embodying a classic and powerful aesthetic. Beyond adopting the Steelers’ color scheme and design elements, Fry also commissioned a new helmet logo. Cedar Rapids marketing artist Bill Colbert rose to the challenge, creating the now-iconic Tigerhawk logo. This emblem, combined with the Steelers-inspired uniform design, has become a timeless classic in college football, instantly recognizable and deeply associated with Iowa Hawkeyes football.
Nineties Wings: The Unique “Banana Peel” Design
The 1990s brought a distinctive and memorable uniform variation to the Iowa Hawkeyes. For the 1994 and 1995 seasons, players like Sedrick Shaw and Tim Dwight sported uniforms that featured a unique design element: four gold “wings” positioned over the shoulder pads. This jersey, affectionately and sometimes humorously remembered by fans as the “banana peels,” was a bold departure from previous designs. The “wings” made a surprising return in 2019 during a home game against Penn State. In this game, Iowa unveiled all-gold alternate uniforms that paid direct homage to this distinctive 90s look, sparking nostalgia and conversation among fans.
Big-Game Blackouts: Modern Alternate Uniforms
In recent years, Iowa has embraced the trend of “blackout” alternate uniforms, strategically deploying them for high-stakes home games at Kinnick Stadium. The first instance was in 2015 against rival Minnesota. For this matchup, the Hawkeyes emerged in all-black uniforms featuring oversized gold numbers on the jerseys and an enlarged Tigerhawk logo emblazoned on the helmets. This bold look coincided with a thrilling 40-35 victory, propelling Iowa to a 10-0 start, a program first. This image presents the Iowa Hawkeyes blackout football uniform, characterized by a black jersey with grey numbers outlined with a block-I pattern, black pants, and a black helmet featuring a black-on-black Tigerhawk on one side and the uniform number on the other, designed for impactful game day appearances. Building on the success of the 2015 blackout, Iowa debuted another iteration in 2017, this time against Ohio State. The result was even more emphatic: a dominant 55-24 victory. This blackout uniform featured a black-on-black Tigerhawk logo on one side of the helmet, with uniform numbers on the opposite side. The black jerseys incorporated grey numbers detailed with a subtle block-I pattern, adding a layer of texture and visual interest to the overall design. These blackout uniforms have become synonymous with big games and memorable moments in recent Iowa football history, demonstrating the program’s willingness to embrace modern uniform trends while maintaining their core visual identity.
