As I mentioned in my review of the outgoing uniforms, I’m a jersey enthusiast. So, the release day of the Cincinnati Bengals’ New Stripes was a highly anticipated event for me!
Leading up to the unveiling of the New Bengals Uniforms, I felt a sense of nervousness. Despite the excitement surrounding the team and organizational changes, past experiences have conditioned many fans, including myself, to anticipate disappointment. However, despite some initial reservations based on leaked images, I remained cautiously optimistic.
My analysis of these new Bengals uniforms is intentionally coming later than many others. I believe in gathering information, processing it thoroughly, and then forming a well-considered opinion. An immediate reaction wouldn’t be prudent. I wanted to fully absorb the new designs, observe them in various lighting conditions, and allow my feelings to develop organically before offering a judgment.
Therefore, I waited a day before writing this piece to provide a thoughtful opinion rather than just an emotional response. After careful consideration, here are my thoughts on the New Stripes and how they represent the new Bengals uniforms era.
As a reminder, here are the criteria I use to evaluate a great uniform:
Simplicity: Less is often more when it comes to jersey design. The best jerseys adhere to the KISS principle (Keep It Simple Stupid).
Uniqueness: Great uniforms are also distinctive. Simplicity and uniqueness are not mutually exclusive, and top jersey designers balance these elements effectively.
Number Font: Often overlooked, the number font is crucial, especially in football where numbers are large and prominent. A poor font can detract from an otherwise good jersey.
Nameplate Font: Less critical than the number font, a nameplate rarely enhances a jersey, but a bad one can certainly diminish it.
Use of Logos: Secondary logos can add value if used subtly and complementarily, without overwhelming the jersey’s primary design.
Overall Design/Look/Feel: This assesses how all elements harmonize. In a great jersey, all components work together seamlessly.
Unlike the previous uniform set, the new Bengals uniforms share a unified design across all variations. Therefore, I will score each element and then the overall jersey on a scale of 0-10, where 0 is the worst in the NFL and 10 is the best. Fellow jersey aficionados, I hope you find this analysis enjoyable!
Jersey Element Score
New Stripes = 51.5/60; (Old Stripes avg. = 18.2/60) +33.3
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Overall design/look/feel: New Stripes = 9.0; (Old Stripes avg. = 2.2) +6.8
Overall, I believe the new Bengals uniforms achieve a strong B+ or A-, hence the 9.0 score. The highest score I previously gave to any of the old jerseys, excluding the color rush, was 4.5 (for the orange jersey). This represents a significant upgrade! In my view, the Bengals have moved from having the 30th best uniform in the NFL to being within the top ten. They successfully retained the classic tiger stripes while achieving a simple, clean, and unique look across all three color options. These new Bengals uniforms are a testament to modern design sensibilities while respecting team heritage.
Nameplate fonts/color: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 5.0) +2.5
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A score of 7.5 for nameplates indicates near perfection. Ideally, nameplates should be unobtrusive, which is the case here. The font is simple and effective. Removing the outline from the lettering was a positive change. Crucially, the nameplate doesn’t distract from the overall jersey design, which is ideal. Good nameplates, like good referees, should go unnoticed, and these new Bengals uniforms achieve that.
Number fonts/colors: New Stripes = 7.0; (Old Stripes = 1.0) +6.0
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To the untrained eye, the improvement in the number font might be subtle, but it is significantly better than the previous jerseys. This highlights just how poor the old number font was! The previous font was weak, and the attempt at 3-D lettering was unsuccessful.
While the new font is an upgrade, there’s still room for improvement. Elizabeth Blackburn’s explanation of the font, referencing tiger stripes curves and stadium sharp points, sounds like branding jargon. It’s not particularly “intimidating.” The font is simply… okay. Not great, not terrible, but it could have been better. The outline retention is a positive, as mentioned by Elizabeth. For the number font on these new Bengals uniforms, any change was upward, and they achieved that. It’s not outstanding, but it doesn’t detract from the jersey’s design.
Use of logos (see above): New Stripes = 9.5; (Old Stripes = 5.0) +4.5
The spelling out of ‘Bengals’ across the chest in the team font is excellent! It’s clean, understated, and effective. As I suggested in my previous review of the outgoing jerseys:
“I would have preferred they spell out ‘Bengals’ or ‘Cincinnati’ across the chest…”
While I’d be interested to see ‘Cincinnati’ spelled out, it’s a minor point. The orange element on the white and black jerseys, and the subtle black on the orange jersey, are well-executed. This is a strong use of a secondary “logo” in these new Bengals uniforms.
Uniqueness points: New Stripes = 9.5; (Old Stripes = 4.5) +5.0
Uniqueness can be both positive and negative. The old jerseys were highly unique, but negatively so. These new Bengals uniforms are unique in a positive way. They maintain the iconic stripes but have refined them to be more subtle. Paul Brown would still recognize the team instantly on the field.
Simple/Classic points: New Stripes = 9.0; (Old Stripes = 0.0) +9.0
These new Bengals uniforms are everything the previous ones were not. They are simple and clean. The classic stripes are present but not overwhelming. The removal of shoulder numbers is also a positive. Combining tiger stripes and shoulder numbers might have been too busy. By omitting the shoulder numbers, the design is more balanced and effective.
Where they got it right
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- The clean and simple aesthetic of the new Bengals uniforms.
- The Paul Brown signature—a phenomenal and respectful detail.
- Elimination of side panels.
- Departure from the cartoonish look of the previous designs.
This uniform update is nearly perfect. The online reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, which is rare nowadays! While there’s little to criticize, there are minor areas for potential improvement.
Where they went wrong
- The number font, while improved, could still be refined for greater impact.
- The Paul Brown signature should be more visible on the exterior of the jersey. Possible locations include:
- Just above the nameplates, centered on the back.
- On the sleeves, below the Nike logo.
This significant detail is too good to be hidden inside the collar.
Orange on Black Pants: 32/40 (Old Stripes = 25.3/40) +6.7
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Overall design/look/feel: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 3.3) +4.2
Previously, I stated: “I am not a fan of black football pants. The Bengals black pants are acceptable on their own and look decent with the black jerseys. However, I dislike them with the white or orange jerseys.” However, this iteration of the black pants works well with all jersey colors in the new Bengals uniforms collection. They aren’t the best pants in the league, but they are far from the worst.
Pant stripes: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 5.0) +2.5
I preferred the old stripe shape that extended over the knee. It was a more distinctive look. However, removing the white stripes at the top of the pants is an improvement.
Use of logos: n/a
Uniqueness points: New Stripes = 9.5; (Old Stripes = 9.5) push
As with the old pants, the tiger stripes’ uniqueness is a positive and likely the most distinctive in the NFL, earning a high score.
Simple/Classic points: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 7.5) push
The designers essentially incorporated the horizontal Bengals stripes from the previous pants into the full pant stripe of the classic Bengals pants. While I slightly preferred the old pants, I appreciate the homage to the original pant stripe in these new Bengals uniforms.
Where they got it right
- Removal of the white stripes at the top of the pants.
Where they went wrong
- I believe the previous stripe pattern and design that wrapped over the thigh was a superior shape. A similar approach would have been preferable with these new Bengals uniforms pants. This is a minor critique, but there was potential for further refinement.
Black on White Pants: 32/40 (Old Stripes = 29/40) +3
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Overall design/look/feel: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 7.0) +0.5
Clearly inspired by the color rush uniforms, the orange stripe element is retained in this version. It looks excellent with the white road jerseys. It appears slightly less cohesive with the black and orange home jerseys and may require some time to grow on me when paired with those new Bengals uniforms tops.
Pant stripes: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 5.0) +2.5
While I don’t dislike the simple white and black stripe, it feels somewhat mismatched with the orange and black jerseys. My earlier critique about the stripe pattern and shape remains.
Use of logos: n/a
Uniqueness points: New Stripes = 9.5; (Old Stripes = 9.5) push
See above.
Simple/Classic points: New Stripes = 7.5; (Old Stripes = 7.5) push
See above.
Where they got it right:
- Capturing the popular aesthetic of the color rush pants.
Where they went wrong:
- See above.
Orange with Black Stroke Pants: 25.5/40 (Old Stripes = 29/40) -3.5
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Overall design/look/feel: New Stripes = 6.0; (Old Stripes = 7.0) -1
I’m still evaluating these. My initial reaction was negative, but I am warming up to them slightly. However, I prefer the other pant options, which lowers my score for these new Bengals uniforms pants.
Pant stripes: New Stripes = 5.0; (Old Stripes = 5.0) push
These might grow on me, but currently, they feel somewhat loud—almost Zubaz-like. I wouldn’t be surprised if these are revised in future years. My critique about the stripe pattern and shape persists.
Use of logos: n/a
Uniqueness points: New Stripes = 9.5; (Old Stripes = 9.5) push
They are undeniably unique! Since I don’t dislike them entirely, I consider it a positive uniqueness and score accordingly for these new Bengals uniforms pants.
Simple/Classic points: New Stripes = 5.0; (Old Stripes = 7.5) -2.5
These are far from simple or classic. They are a bold design choice in the new Bengals uniforms pant collection.
Where they got it right
- They made a bold statement with these pants. This was the most adventurous element of the New Stripes, and not necessarily negatively.
Where they went wrong
- There’s nothing inherently wrong with them, but I would have also liked to see a version with classic orange and black stripes on white pants as part of these new Bengals uniforms. My critique about the stripe pattern and shape remains.
Finally, as with the ‘Old Stripes,’ I’m ranking each uniform combination. With three pant options, there are nine potential combinations, but based on website voting, it seems they are sticking to seven. Here are my initial rankings of the combinations, without seeing them on the field as part of the new Bengals uniforms rollout:
1. All white
The color rush uniforms were instantly popular, and they clearly inspired the redesign of all jerseys in these new Bengals uniforms. The white on white road uniform is reminiscent of the color rush and is simple, clean, and sharp!
2. Creamsicles
Despite my mixed feelings about the orange with black stroke pants, I still appreciate the “Creamsicle” look in the new Bengals uniforms set!
3. Black on black
The black on black combination rises to third in my rankings with the new uniforms, primarily because the stripes on the black pants harmonize better with the black jerseys than the stripes on either of the white pant options in these new Bengals uniforms.
4. Halloween look
With the Old Stripes, I disliked this combination. My main issue was the white side panel and white pants, which stood out jarringly in this combo. With the side panel removed and simpler pants, this combination now works effectively in the new Bengals uniforms lineup.
5. Black with black on white pants
I generally like the classic black top and white pants look for the Bengals. However, neither of the redesigned white pants pairs perfectly with the black jersey. The black and white striped pants seem slightly mismatched in this combination within the new Bengals uniforms.
6. White tops, black pants
This combination only moved up one spot in my ranking, but my opinion shifted from dislike to just liking it—though less than the other combinations in the new Bengals uniforms.
7. Black tops, white pants with orange stripes
Again, this is my lowest-ranked combination, but I don’t dislike it. I’m just unsure about the orange striped pants with the black stroke alongside the black jersey. The pants seem slightly off with this jersey combination in the new Bengals uniforms. My opinion might change once I see them in action, but for now, it’s my least favorite combo.
Final thoughts
- I still believe the Paul Brown signature should be visible when the jersey is worn, perhaps just below the collar on the back, above the nameplate. It’s a unique and respectful detail that deserves to be seen on these new Bengals uniforms.
- As a fan of the striped helmet, I was thrilled it wasn’t changed. However, I would have loved to see a matte orange helmet with matte black stripes and a matte black facemask as part of these new Bengals uniforms.
- Once the NFL’s one-helmet color rule is lifted, the Bengals should consider a white helmet with matte black stripes as a future option for their new Bengals uniforms!
- Overall, the new Bengals uniforms are a resounding success. They transitioned from loud, busy, and cartoonish to sleek, simple, and clean. They jumped from having the third worst jerseys in the NFL to being within the top ten. This is a major win for the new Bengals uniforms era.
- The reveal event was excellent, the release video was fantastic (my kids loved it, especially Chad Johnson’s “where’s Burrow?” line), the lead-up was well-managed, and the fan engagement was superb. The entire release was executed flawlessly.
- Regardless of opinions on the organization’s team-building abilities, it’s clear the Bengals are making a genuine effort to show fans they are changing their stripes. This is definitively not the ‘Same ‘Ol Bengals,’ and these new Bengals uniforms symbolize that change.
