When it comes to college football uniforms, the Clemson Tigers have one of the most unique looks in the sport.
While others schools have shifted toward flashier threads that feature everything from chrome helmets to a jersey/pant combination that looks closer to a NASCAR racing suit than an actual college football uniform, Clemson has stayed with what works.
The Tigers keep things simple with their combination of Clemson Orange and Goal Line White. Throw in the school’s purple color scheme (Regalia) and it’s collectively one of the finest looks in the country on fall Saturdays. The same goes for the classic Tiger Paw logo attached to the team’s orange helmets.
Fortunately, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney is a traditionalist in the same manner as his alma mater Alabama, so no one expects the Tigers’ threads to change much — if at all — going forward.
With eight more weeks to go before Clemson takes on Georgia in the season opener August 31 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium (noon ET, ABC), here’s a list of what I consider to be the Tigers’ best uniform combinations.
5
White Jerseys over White Pants
Clemson running back Will Shipley runs by teammate running back Darien Rencher during the fourth quarter at Cardinal Stadium in Louisville, Kentucky, Saturday, November 6, 2021.
While Clemson doesn’t have a bad uniform in its rotation, the team’s iconic orange britches rank higher to me than their more commonly worn all-white look for road games.
The Tigers have worn white jerseys over orange pants only a handful of times recently. It wasn’t until their annual matchup with South Carolina before fans saw them last season. Clemson wore them in the Gator Bowl win over Kentucky, as well. Again, there’s nothing wrong with the all-white look. Going forward, I’d just like to see the orange pants become more common for road matchups.
4
Orange Jerseys over Orange Pants
Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
An all-around solid uniform combination. As diehard fans know, coach Danny Ford first introduced the famed orange britches ahead of the 1980 Clemson-South Carolina game — and in doing so might have saved his job. A year later, the Tigers won their first national championship in school history. It’s been a classic look ever since, although the team hasn’t worn it since the 2022 South Carolina game.
3
Purple Jerseys over Purple Pants
Nov 11, 2023; Clemson receiver Beaux Collins (80) celebrates after scoring against Georgia Tech during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
Here’s where I’m a bit hypocritical when it comes to Clemson football uniforms. As much as I prefer contrasting colors between jerseys and pants for the team’s look, the Tigers’ all-purple threads are the exception. It helps that these are worn only once a year and for a special occasion (Military Appreciation Week). To do so more than that would cheapen their significance.
2
White Jerseys over Orange Pants
Clemson defensive back A.J. Terrell returns an interception for a touchdown near teammate safety Isaiah Simmons during the first quarter of the College Football Championship at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, Monday, January 7, 2019.
For me, Clemson wears this white-over-orange look better than any other team (including Tennessee and especially Syracuse, Illinois, Oklahoma State, Boise State, etc.). It’s an iconic look that is probably helped in no small part by the fact that the Tigers’ two national championship victories over Alabama came in these uniforms.
1
Orange Jerseys over White Pants
Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports
The bread and butter of Clemson football uniforms. This look is my favorite for its simplicity and tradition. The Tigers have worn this combination more times than any other for a reason: it works, it’s unique, and it’s instantly recognizable to college football fans.
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