Sunderland’s Cats' 2026‑27 home kit revives 1937 FA Cup triumph

Sunderland have unveiled their 2026‑27 home kit, a design that honours the Black Cats’ historic 1937 FA Cup final victory over Preston North End, blending the club’s classic red‑and‑white stripes with subtle jacquard detailing and a monogram created from the Cup’s handles.

The shirt keeps the Black Cats’ iconic red‑and‑white vertical stripes, but overlays them with a subtle jacquard pattern that adds texture. A monogram of the letter S sits on the chest, its shape formed from the historic handles of the FA Cup. This detail links the modern kit directly to the 1937 triumph.

Sunderland’s current club crest appears inside a shield on the front of the shirt, preserving the contemporary identity. On the exterior of the back of the neck, the original 1937 city crest is reproduced, echoing the badge worn on the day of the final. The juxtaposition bridges past and present for the Cats.

Inside the back of the neck, the full starting XI from the famous day out at Wembley is embroidered, celebrating the players who lifted the Cup. The inclusion of the historic lineup gives fans a tangible reminder of the squad that secured the victory. It also reinforces the club’s reverence for that iconic match.

The kit is completed with all‑black shorts and black socks featuring red ribbing, maintaining a sleek silhouette while honouring the club’s traditional colours. The monochrome lower half provides a visual balance to the vibrant shirt. Together, the pieces form a cohesive tribute.

Beyond the apparel, Sunderland have commissioned a new mural in Roker dedicated to Eddie Burbanks, one of the 1937 final’s goalscorers. This artwork joins two existing murals, completing a trio that commemorates each scorer from that historic FA Cup final. The initiative extends the celebration of the 1937 triumph into the city’s streets.