Derry, Northern IrelandEst. 1928“The Candystripes”

Retro Derry City Shirts

Classic Candystripes shirts, from the red and white stripes first adopted in the 1930s to the 1988–89 treble. Handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton.
Shop 1 Derry City shirtsRead the Derry City kit story ↓
Derry 1950s Retro Football Shirt Derry 1950s 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

Derry City

1 shirt
Derry 1950s Retro Football Shirt_0 1950s

Derry 1950s

£68.00
Long sleeve
Quick add · pick a size
£68.00
Kids’ shirtsSizes for ages 3–13 → personalisation image Add a name & numberPeriod-correct lettering →
About the collection

Retro Derry City football shirts

Derry City kit timeline
  1. 1928Founded in Derry
  2. 1930sRed and white stripes adopted, inspired by Sheffield United
  3. 1965Irish League champions
  4. 1972Withdraws from the Irish League during the Troubles
  5. 1985Joins the League of Ireland
  6. 1989Wins the league, League Cup and FAI Cup treble

Derry City’s red and white stripes are among the most distinctive kits in Irish football, and they gave the club its nickname, the Candystripes. Our retro Derry City shirts recreate classic Derry City kits, handcrafted in the UK from 100% cotton with no modern sponsor or manufacturer logos.

The Sheffield United connection

Derry City were founded in 1928. In 1932 Billy Gillespie, a County Donegal man who played for Sheffield United from 1913 to 1932, became player-manager, and within two years the club had changed its strip to red and white stripes in appreciation of his career.

From the Irish League to the League of Ireland

Although the club is based in Northern Ireland, Derry City play in the League of Ireland. They spent more than four decades in the Irish League, winning the Irish Cup in 1949, 1954 and 1964 and the league title in 1964–65. During the Troubles they were forced to play home matches in Coleraine, and when their request to return to the Brandywell was voted down, Derry withdrew from the Irish League in October 1972. In 1985 they joined the League of Ireland, and in 1988–89 Jim McLaughlin’s side won the league, the League Cup and the FAI Cup.

The Derry 1950s shirt

Our Derry 1950s Retro Football Shirt is a long sleeve design made from 100% cotton, recalling a decade that brought two Irish Cup wins. Explore more clubs in our retro Irish club shirts collection, or add a name and number to make yours unique.

Derry City shirt FAQs

Why do Derry City play in red and white stripes?+

The stripes honour Billy Gillespie, who played for Sheffield United before becoming Derry’s player-manager in 1932. The club adopted them within two years.

Why do Derry City play in the League of Ireland?+

Derry withdrew from the Irish League in 1972 during the Troubles, after being refused permission to return to the Brandywell. They joined the League of Ireland in 1985.

Can I add a name and number to my Derry City 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 Derry City 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.