NCAA - Clemson University

Clemson U. Unveils New Football Uniforms

New lightweight fabric will improve ventilation while maintaining durability

Clemson U. - Wordmark

The Clemson football team will wear new uniforms made of lightweight Cordura Stretch material in 2005. The new material replaces the heavier knits of the past. These stretch fabrics in all areas of the uniform will create a tight fit that does not restrict movement, and at the same time will eliminate opposition grabbing points.

The new fabric will improve ventilation, will be lighter in weight, but still maintain its durability. The stretch woven material will also allow moisture, both sweat and rain, to pass through the jersey and pants. Depending on playing conditions, the 2005 uniforms will be 28-34% lighter than the 2004 version.

The combined weight of the 2005 uniform (jersey and pant) under dry conditions is 1.75 pounds compared to 2.43 pounds in 2004. Under weight conditions, the new apparel weighs 3.0 pounds, compared to 4.55 pounds last season.

According to Nike's Bill Bowerman Formula, by reducing 1 oz. of weight per step, an athlete carries 55 less pounds over the distance of one mile. If the average wide receiver or defensive back plays 40 snaps and runs an average of 20 yards per snap, the new 2005 uniforms will save that player 520 pounds that would have been carried over the course of a game in 2004.

While the material will be different, the Clemson uniform will visually maintain the school's traditional look. The traditional home jersey will continue to be solid orange (or purple on occasion) with white Tiger paws at the shoulder. There will continue to be a small Tiger paw at the V-neck.

A thin stripe, white for the home jersey, will run from the neck to below the arm. The pants will continue to be solid in color with a thin one-color stripe down the pant leg that will match the stripe on the jersey. As in the past, there will be a Tiger paw on the left hip and a Nike logo on the right hip. Nike is the manufacturer of the uniform.

This article was taken from clemsontigers.collegesports.com.  All rights reserved.