By OTB in Off-Pitch — 14 Oct 2024

Football Kit Designer

The Story Behind Tampines Rovers' 2024/25 Jersey – A Thai Designer Making an International Impact

"This isn’t just about designing a single football jersey or an individual’s work. We couldn’t afford to make mistakes because, in this project, we felt like we were representing Thailand—designing a kit for a Thai brand with Thai pride behind it."

A Jersey That Caught Global Attention

The Tampines Rovers 2024/25 kit has drawn significant attention in the football world. Not only does it mark Warrix’s expansion into the Singaporean market, but it is also designed by a Thai designer, Prawin "Blue" Srisombat.

With an eye-catching design and cutting-edge manufacturing technology, the kit also carries the branding of Bangkok Glass (BG)—another Thai company that has joined Tampines Rovers as their new principal sponsor. This collaboration has made the cross-border deal one to watch.

We had the opportunity to speak with Prawin "Blue" Srisombat, the man behind the design, about the inspiration, challenges, and pride in creating this kit.

The Design Challenge: Capturing Club Heritage

The main objective given to Blue was to design a jersey that reflects the history and identity of the club. To achieve this, he researched deeply into Tampines Rovers’ legacy.

One of his first creative ideas was to incorporate a map into the jersey design, inspired by the first recorded mention of "Tampines" on global maps. However, this concept was immediately scrapped due to international football regulations that strictly separate sports from political or geopolitical elements.

"Using geographical symbols like maps could be deemed inappropriate and wouldn’t be approved by global football governing bodies," Blue explained.

He had to rethink and adjust his approach, ensuring that the design still honored the club’s legacy while adhering to regulations. After dedicating extensive time and effort, he successfully brought the final concept to life.

A Tribute to Tradition and Identity

The home kit for Tampines Rovers this season pays homage to the club’s early era, featuring its traditional yellow and black color scheme, which has been the club’s identity since its founding.

A stag (male deer) motif is incorporated into the design, symbolizing strength and resilience. The stag is a native animal to the Tampines area, making it a fitting emblem for the team.

Meanwhile, the away kit takes inspiration from Tampines River, with water ripple patterns integrated into the fabric. The earthy brown tones add a vintage touch, in line with the club’s request for a classic and timeless look.

Technology and Quality in Every Detail

Warrix ensured that the Tampines Rovers kit was not just visually appealing but also high in performance quality.

Key technological features include:
✅ Heat Transfer Vinyl Crests (Japan-imported) – Providing a premium, lightweight feel
✅ Breathable Fabric – Enhancing comfort and performance on the pitch
✅ Durable Printing Techniques – Ensuring longevity and flexibility in wear

Beyond graphics and patterns, meticulous attention was given to fabric selection, stitching patterns, and sponsor placement to ensure both aesthetic appeal and top-tier functionality.

The end result? A jersey that has been widely praised by both Tampines Rovers fans and neutral supporters alike.

Living Up to High Expectations

"If you saw the club’s jerseys from previous seasons—designed by Mizuno—they were exceptionally well-made. That set the bar very high for us. If our design didn’t meet or exceed that standard, we knew we’d be in trouble."

Blue admitted that the pressure was immense. However, the overwhelmingly positive reception from the fans proved that his hard work had paid off.

"Seeing the positive feedback from fans, knowing that they love the design, and realizing that the shirt is now part of the club’s history—that’s the greatest reward."

Beyond a Jersey: A Symbol of Regional Collaboration

The Tampines Rovers 2024/25 kit is more than just a football jersey—it’s a representation of heritage, culture, and regional cooperation.

With a Thai brand (Warrix) designing and producing the kit, a Thai company (Bangkok Glass) sponsoring the club, and a Thai designer behind the creative vision, this project stands as a proud moment for Thailand on the international stage.

This jersey is not just worn on the field—it carries history, tradition, and the ambition of Thai football making its mark beyond borders.