26. Houston
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Team Scores: Rockets (4.5), Astros (4.1*), Texans (3.0)
Starting the city uniform rankings, we have the depressingly boring city of Houston. The Texans have the worst uniforms in the city and have needed an overhaul since they debuted in 2002. As for the Astros, the team fails to excite anyone with their bland home and away sets.
Despite having an awesome tone of orange in their arsenal, the Astros barely utilize the color — and when they do, the uniform is underwhelming. Not to mention their current set will always be linked to cheating. And the Rockets? They should try a lot harder. Their uniforms have been dull since Charles Barkley left town.
25. Cleveland
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Team Scores: Browns (8.1), Cavaliers (3.9), Indians (1.0)
If it weren’t for the Browns, Cleveland would likely find itself with the worst collective uniforms in sports. Speaking of the Browns, it was only a few years ago that they had arguably the worst uniforms in the NFL. But after tapping into their past and updating a classic look, now they have a great look once again.
Unfortunately, the Cavs and Guardians are still stuck with bad looks. The Cavs look more like a high school AAU team than an NBA team. When it comes to the Guardians, the problem with their uniform is the lack of flair. The franchise had an opportunity to introduce a new look when it rebranded, but it failed to do so.
24. Cincinnati
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Team Scores: Reds (6.2), Bengals (5.0), FC Cincinnati (5.5)
The Reds aren’t far off from having a great jersey. Unfortunately, the team appears to be set on including black in their look — and use far too much of it. Additionally, the blocky font used for their numbers and the NOB is too clunky. The Bengals have improved their uniforms with the addition of the white helmet, but they remain rather bland. As for FC Cincinnati, the MLS newcomer has a decent look. Hopefully, they will add an extra splash of orange to stand out a bit more.
23. Washington D.C.
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Team Scores: Nationals (5.2), Capitals (4.4), Commanders (5.4), Wizards (7.1)
Like the baseball team in Cleveland, Washington’s football team recently adopted a new name. The colors work, but the overall look is a bit lacking. The Wizards sport one of the most unique looks in the NBA, and the home-striped uniform is particularly sharp. What brings the city down, however, is the pedestrian look of both the Capitals and Nationals. Both teams have clean yet boring looks, and the Nats in particular can’t seem to decide on what to wear. At this point, it feels like the club has 10 different uniform options.
22. Atlanta
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Team Scores: Falcons (0.8), Braves (7.4), Hawks (6.3)
The Braves have a pretty solid uniform set between their normal home whites, road greys, and both the blue and red alternates — although there is a continued discussion surrounding the team name and whether they should change it like Cleveland (MLB) and Washington (NFL).
The Hawks took a massive step forward recently after having an abysmal set for a handful of years. However, Atlanta remains towards the bottom due to the Falcons’ disgusting appearance. The only good looking uniform the team has is its throwback. Every part of the revamped set is god-awful.
21. Denver
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Team Scores: Broncos (4.2), Rockies (6.3), Nuggets (7.0), Avalanche (6.8)
Overall, the teams in Denver sport a pretty decent look. The Rockies have embraced their purple and black look since entering MLB, and pull it off quite well — and rumor has it they will have an updated look in 2024. The Avalanche have a great color scheme and improved their look by changing the color of their pants to match the blue on the sweater.
The Nuggets have the best look of the bunch, featuring a couple of great alternate sets that showcase the Denver skyline and mountain views. Unfortunately, the Broncos have needed an upgrade for at least a decade. The uniforms worked when John Elway was winning his Super Bowls, but now they just look outdated and clunky.
20. Tampa Bay
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Team Scores: Buccaneers (7.3), Lightning (6.9), Rays (4.7)
Tampa Bay is home to two 2020 world champions — the Buccaneers and Lightning — and the World Series runner-up, the Rays. While opinions are mixed on the three team’s uniforms, it certainly has been worse for the city. The Bucs largely returned to their look from the beginning of the 2000s — the last time the franchise had won the Super Bowl — and look much better than they did the past few years.
The Lightning have opted to minimize the clutter on their uniforms, but the results are decently strong — with nice blue, white, and gray/black sets. As for the Rays, their unis are still the weakest of the trio. The franchise has a dull look other than its throwback look (above).
19. Phoenix
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Team Scores: Diamondbacks (5.7), Cardinals (2.4), Suns (8.4), Coyotes (8.6)
Let’s just get this out of the way — the Coyotes’ decision to bring back the Kachina was brilliant. It is an incredible uniform and arguably can be considered one of the best in all of sports. The Suns revamped their set before the 2023 season, but we still yearn for the 90s look. The Diamondbacks seemingly are in a permanent identity crisis and can’t decide if they like their look or not. Here’s some advice, go back to the purple and teal. And the Cardinals? Sheeeeeeeesh. You unveiled a new set of uniforms before the 2023 season, and you remain one of the worst looking teams in football.
18. Miami
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Team Scores: Panthers (6.7), Marlins (6.3), Dolphins (8.2), Heat (6.5)
The potential for uniforms in Miami is endless. Unfortunately, a few of the teams haven’t quite captured the magic of the city — and another has gone a step too far. The Panthers have a nice looking uniform, but the center crest featuring the head of a panther is uninspired — especially compared to their previous logo. The Marlins have gone through multiple uniform evolutions over the years, and while their current getup is better than the previous one, it doesn’t come close to the original teal/silver/black combo.
The Dolphins have the cleanest and most classic look in the city, although they would be rated a lot higher if they adopted their throwback look full-time. Lastly, the Heat are doing too much. Their Miami Vice-inspired unis from the past few years were incredible, but there have been a few horrible misses, as well.
17. Minneapolis/St. Paul
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Team Scores: Wolves (6.6), Vikings (6.3), Twins (7.4), Wild (7.7)
Not everyone may agree, but I really like the Twins’ uniforms — especially the powder blues. The Wild also have a strong look, and I’m particularly fond of their logo which displays both the wilderness of the region as well as a wild animal and the North Star (the eye of the animal). The Vikings have had better uniforms in the past, but the purple still holds strong as does the helmet logo. After going away from the Kevin Garnett Era, tree-lined unis, the Wolves have produced bad uni after bad uni. Thankfully, they have started to introduce some decent looks like the throwback pictured above.
16. Dallas
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Team Scores: Mavericks (7.0), Cowboys (9.4), Rangers (5.5), Stars (6.5)
The Cowboys have one of the most classic and recognizable looks in American sports. If there is one gripe, it is that sometimes the color of the pants doesn’t seem to match the rest of the uniform. The Mavericks have had the same look for the better part of two decades, utilizing various shades of blue to promote their brand. Thankfully, it looks like green is starting to be reintroduced.
The Stars are the most interesting team in the city — featuring normal green and white sweaters, but also a neon green/black look and a Storm Trooper-esque white/green outfit. The Rangers introduced new uniforms for 2020…and they weren’t the best. However, they do have a nice powder blue look and a few cool alternates.
15. Detroit
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Team Scores: Tigers (8.7), Lions (2.0), Pistons (4.5), Red Wings (9.5)
The Tigers’ classic look may not be for everyone, but it is a winner in my book. The simplicity of the home white uniform featuring the Old English ‘D’ is welcomed, and the script ‘Detroit’ on the road uni pops thanks to the orange. The Red Wings have a fantastic look — one of the best in American sports.
The Pistons have sported the same basic home/away uniform since 2001, and are beyond ready for a change. They are boring to look at and look even worse due to the team stinking. Detroit’s football team looks terrible in many ways, but most glaringly when dressed in their all-grey uniform. If the Lions can step it up, Detroit will rise.
14. Portland
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Team Scores: Blazers (7.7), Timbers (7.7), Thorns (8.9)
Portland may be short on professional teams — Blazers, Timbers, Thorns (NWSL) — but its uniform quality is high. The Blazers have one of the best looks in the NBA, capitalizing on their pinwheel logo to create cool black, red, and white options. The Timbers are also amongst the best-dressed teams in MLS. The yellow and green complement each other perfectly, and the axe logo stands out in a great way. As for the Thorns, they are routinely one of the best-dressed teams in the NWSL. Bravo, Portland.
13. St. Louis
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Team Scores: Cardinals (9.0), Blues (7.8), St. Louis City SC (7.3)
When the Rams left town to return to Los Angeles, St. Louis was left with two professional sports teams — and both of them have excellent uniforms. The Cardinals’ look is an absolute gem, with their trademark two cardinals sitting on a bat standing out as MLB’s most unique look. Between their normal home whites, alternate baby blues, and old-school alternate whites, the Cards have a near-perfect set of unis. The Blues also have a strong brand with their trademark home blues and sleek road whites. Their logo remains one of the NHL’s most recognized brands. St. Louis City SC made its MLS debut in 2023, and had some solid kits in Year 1.
12. Las Vegas
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Team Scores: Raiders (9.9), Golden Knights (7.9), Aces (6.8)
The Raiders are the Raiders. There is nothing wrong with their uniform, and everyone knows it. The Aces, one of the WNBA’s top teams, have one great look and another that can best be described as ‘meh’. The black uniform with ‘Aces’ running vertically down the front is a winner. The gold and black is a perfect look, and the wordmark being vertical is unique. On the other side of the spectrum, the red uniform lacks the usual flair associated with Vegas.
The Golden Knights are a young franchise but they have already made noise. In addition to being a top team, they have some of the loudest uniforms in the NHL. The all-gold home uniform is polarizing — I like it, but it is easy to dislike for those who prefer muted looks.
11. Seattle
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Team Scores: Seahawks (7.8), Mariners (8.5), Sounders (9.3), Kraken (7.6)
If you are someone who dislikes the Seahawks’ look, you will likely disagree with the city of Seattle being ranked this high. In what is becoming increasingly rare, all of Seattle’s professional teams — including the Storm of the WNBA — share a similar color scheme. The Seahawks’ navy uniform with neon green trim has become one of the NFL’s most memorable looks, and I tend to like it a fair amount.
Similarly, the Mariners utilize navy, silver, and a quieter shade of green to great success. But overall, the Sounders own the city’s best look. Their Rave Green and Sounders Blue have become the look of MLS — a look synonymous with winning and excitement.
10. Milwaukee/Green Bay
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Team Scores: Packers (9.7), Bucks (7.4), Brewers (7.5)
The Packers are in the same boat as the Raiders. The team has a beautiful combo of uniforms that doesn’t need any tinkering — let alone major changes. Both the green and white tops are awesome and easily recognizable. As for the Bucks, their normal uni set is strong, particularly their black uniform sporting the buck head. The Brewers would have received a score between 2-3 just a few seasons ago. Now, the team has a much stronger look — led by their home pinstripes and the return of their famous ‘ball in glove’ logo.
9. Kansas City
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Team Scores: Chiefs (8.5), Royals (8.5), Sporting Kansas City (8.0)
The only thing holding Kansas City back in this ranking is the city’s lack of teams. But while KC is only home to two big teams — plus Sporting Kansas City of the MLS — both the Royals and Chiefs have beautiful uniforms. The Chiefs’ home reds with yellow accents are masterful. For the Royals — despite looking like a knockoff version of the Dodgers — their powder blues are absolutely gorgeous. Additionally, their white and gold alternate uniform is a step up from their normal home whites.
8. Toronto
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Team Scores: Blue Jays (9.0), Maple Leafs (8.4), Raptors (7.6)
When the Raptors are the worst-dressed team in town, you know the other teams have rather strong looks. The Raptors have embraced their chevron look (featured above), and have dabbled with reintroducing purple to their color scheme — in addition to their normal red and black, and Drake-inspired gold and black combos.
Both the Maple Leafs and Blue Jays are amongst the best-dressed teams in their respective leagues. The Maple Leafs’ blue sweater is a gem, largely unchanged for more than 70 years. The Blue Jays have dabbled with different looks over the years, but now sport a near-perfect combo of powder blues, navy, and white.
7. Boston
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Team Scores: Patriots (6.8), Celtics (8.5), Red Sox (9.2), Bruins (9.5)
The only thing holding Boston back is the look of the Patriots. Didn’t like their look when Tom Brady was the QB, and don’t like them now that they’re revamped. The Celtics’ classic road greens and home whites remain strong, although they need to stop wearing their black alternates, neon green alts, and banner-inspired whites (above).
The Red Sox have an awesome look — despite some people believing their uniforms to be boring. The simplicity of their home and away looks is pure class, and their alternate red and navy tops both work, as well. The Bruins’ black sweater is a thing of beauty. Even if you dislike Boston sports, you cannot deny it is a top-notch look.
6. Los Angeles
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Team Scores: Dodgers (9.9), Lakers (8.9), Chargers (9.5), Rams (7.0), Kings (6.8), Angels (7.3), Clippers (2.0)
Let’s begin with the obvious — the Dodgers have a phenomenal uniform, arguably the best in baseball. The Lakers’ purple and gold look is the NBA. However, their current shade of gold (more of a Sharpie yellow) is not the best and slightly knocks their rating down. The Chargers own a top-5 look in the NFL and easily sport the best modern look in the league.
If you want to consider the Angels part of Los Angeles — anyone who lives in Southern California would not include them — you must acknowledge their uniforms are decent. Not great by any means, but they are fine. The Rams’ new look is very divisive, but I’m a fan. The Kings look better in purple and gold, but their black/silver/white combo works just fine. As for the Clippers? Their uniforms are a disgrace to the rest of the city.
5. New York Metropolitan Area
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Team Scores: Yankees (9.8), Giants (8.0), Mets (8.3), Knicks (8.0), Nets (7.2), Rangers (9.4), Devils (7.5), Islanders (7.0), Jets (5.5)
The Yankees are in the same boat as the Dodgers. Their home pinstripes are iconic and — along with the Dodgers’ home whites — are at the top of the league. Joining them at the top of the New York uniform hierarchy are the Rangers. The Rangers’ blue uniform with ‘Rangers’ descending diagonally is perfect. The Mets also have a successful pinstripe look at home, and the use of blue and orange helps their other looks pop.
The Giants have a simple yet effective look, utilizing their strong blue hue and red highlights to great success. The New Jersey Devils have a memorable logo and strong red sweater, although I am not a fan of their green and red look. The Brooklyn Nets have some strong looks and some weaker ones (normal home/away set). The Islanders’ look is average, and the Jets…J-E-T-S Jets, Jets, Jets…are mediocre at best.
4. Pittsburgh
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Team Scores: Penguins (9.2), Steelers (9.5), Pirates (8.4)
Pittsburgh has decided that black and gold are the colors of the city — and we should all be appreciative. The Steelers sport the most iconic look of the three teams, and remain the only team in the NFL that sports a logo on just one side of their helmet. The Penguins have had some great uniforms throughout their history, and the current set is amongst the best. The Pirates introduced a new uniform set in recent years, and despite the black/yellow script uniform being a bit tough to read for some, the team still has a very strong and unique look for the sport.
3. Philadelphia
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Team Scores: Phillies (9.3), Eagles (8.2), Flyers (9.2), Sixers (8.4)
While we yearn for an Allen Iverson-inspired throwback for the 76ers, there is no denying the effectiveness of their current look. The team features a strong base set of home and away unis, but also some solid alternates. The Eagles’ dark green uniform and helmet are strong, although a return to their kelly green look full-time would be a plus.
Lastly, both the Flyers and Phillies feature some beautiful designs. The Phillies have a handful of awesome looks — from their home pinstripes to their alternate off-whites to their normal road greys to their powder blue throwback. The Flyers’ orange sweater is a standout in the NHL. Sporting a unique and vibrant orange, the Flyers pull off nearly every uniform option with ease.
2. Bay Area
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Team Scores: Sharks (8.2), Giants (9.4), Warriors (8.8), 49ers (9.5), A’s (8.7)
There is not a bad-looking team in the Bay Area. The Niners’ aesthetic is awesome, and the only thing keeping them from a higher rating is that their throwbacks are even better than their current standard uniforms. The Giants also have a simple yet strong look. It’s hard to make black and orange look bad, and the Giants certainly haven’t dropped the ball.
The Warriors have one of the best looks in the NBA — from their traditional home and away looks to their many alternate options. The A’s sport beautiful home whites and an even better kelly green uniform (above) that is one of the best in baseball. The Sharks having the weakest uniform in town speaks to just how great the others are. San Jose’s teal and black combo is both unique and awesome.
1. Chicago
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Team Scores: Bulls (9.2), Cubs (9.4), Bears (9.8), White Sox (8.5), Blackhawks (9.0), Red Stars (10), Fire (1.0)
There is not a bad uniform in Chicago (other than the Chicago Fire, but they don’t count). The Cubs’ home uniform is an all-time classic. The Bears, much like their archrival Packers, have a look that has stood the test of time and is instantly recognizable. The White Sox have four strong looks — home pinstripes, road greys with ‘Chicago’ script, black alternates, and throwback ‘Sox’ whites.
The Blackhawks’ red sweater is gorgeous, although there is a growing push for the team to rebrand ala the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Guardians, and the team has a great white sweater and bevy of black alternates. But the best uniforms in town? The Bulls have an iconic look, and the Red Stars of the NWSL consistently boast incredible kits.