Nike has instructed member federations to wash and steam their World Cup jerseys to fix a shoulder seam issue that caused an unsightly bulge. The problem was first noticed when the kits debuted in March, with players like France's Kylian Mbappé showing a pronounced bulge along the shoulder seam.
Nike's Solution to the Shoulder Seam Issue
Despite the initial backlash, Nike has not altered the design of the shirts. Instead, the company provided care instructions to federations: wash the jerseys before wearing and steam the shoulder seams. A source familiar with Nike's plan confirmed this to the Guardian, stating that the company had not changed the shirts in any way.
Nike acknowledged the issue in March, saying in a statement that "the overall aesthetic is not where it needs to be." At that time, the company was in active discussions with federations and retail vendors to find a solution. The care instructions appear to be that solution.
Effectiveness of the Steaming Method
The tips have shown some effectiveness, as the problem seemed less noticeable in May and June friendlies leading up to the World Cup, which begins Thursday in Mexico City. However, the issue remains a rare misstep for Nike, which had highlighted the advanced design process of the shirts, including the use of "computational design" and a "highly specialized, stitch-specific knitting process" to keep athletes cool.
That computational process incorporated AI and performance data to work alongside designers. Despite the shoulder issue, many of the kits have been popular with fans, especially those of the United States. The US team will wear a red-and-white flag-themed top against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday night, a design that has become ubiquitous at US matches.
Nike has crafted two distinctive looks for the US team: the striped kit and a dark blue version with sublimated stars that shimmer in the light. While players on the field may look polished, fans in the stands might still face the shoulder issue unless they invest in a steamer.
