Colchester, EnglandEst. 1937“The U’s”

Retro Colchester United Shirts

Classic U’s shirts, from the blue-and-white stripes of 1937 to the FA Cup win over Leeds and the Watney Cup of 1971. Handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton.
Shop 2 Colchester United shirtsRead the Colchester United kit story ↓
Colchester United 1970-1972 Retro Football Shirt Colchester United 1970-1972 Retro Football Shirt
Made in the UKHandcrafted the old-fashioned way
100% cottonAuthentic look and feel
Adults & kidsSizes S–5XL, plus kids’ range
Name & numberPersonalise any shirt
The collection

Colchester United

2 shirts
Kids’ shirtsSizes for ages 3–13 → personalisation image Add a name & numberPeriod-correct lettering →
About the collection

Retro Colchester United football shirts

Colchester United kit timeline
  1. 1937Founded, playing in blue-and-white stripes at Layer Road
  2. 1971Beats Leeds United 3–2 in the FA Cup fifth round
  3. 1971Wins the Watney Cup on penalties at The Hawthorns
  4. 1992Wins the Conference title and the FA Trophy
  5. 2008Plays the final match at Layer Road after 71 years

Blue-and-white stripes have been Colchester United’s colours since the club was formed in 1937. At TOFFS we recreate retro Colchester shirts from the early 1970s, one of the proudest spells in the club’s history. Our classic Colchester kits are handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton, with no modern sponsor or manufacturer logos.

Stripes at Layer Road

Colchester United were formed in March 1937 and carried on the blue-and-white stripes of the town’s earlier club. There were brief changes in the late 1960s and early 1970s, including candy stripes and plain shirts, but the original stripes returned and have stayed largely unchanged. Layer Road was home from September 1937 until April 2008.

Leeds, 1971

In 1971 Colchester beat Leeds United 3–2 in the FA Cup fifth round at Layer Road, racing into a 3–0 lead in front of a 16,000 crowd. Ray Crawford scored twice and Dave Simmons added the third. Our Colchester United 1970-1972 Retro Football Shirt comes from that famous era.

The Watney Cup

That summer the U’s went on to win the Watney Cup, a pre-season competition. The final at The Hawthorns on 7 August 1971 finished 4–4 against West Bromwich Albion, and Colchester won 4–3 on penalties. Our Colchester United Watney Cup Final Retro Football Shirt celebrates the day. Browse more classic clubs in our retro League One shirts collection, or add a name and number to make yours unique.

Colchester United shirt FAQs

How long have Colchester United worn blue and white stripes?+

Since the club was formed in 1937. There were brief changes in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but the stripes returned and have stayed largely unchanged.

When did Colchester United win the Watney Cup?+

In August 1971. They drew 4–4 with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns and won 4–3 on penalties.

Can I add a name and number to my Colchester United shirt?+

Yes. Choose a name and number for £12, or just a name or just a number for £7.50. We match the lettering style to the era of your shirt.

What sizes do the Colchester United shirts come in?+

Adult shirts come in sizes S to 5XL, and we make a kids’ range too. Check the size guide on each shirt for chest measurements.

Can I return my shirt?+

Unpersonalised shirts can be returned within 14 days. Personalised shirts are made to order, so they can’t be returned unless faulty.