It could be time for DC United to channel some inspiration to look good on the field next season. According to a recent report by Footy Headlines, all MLS teams are expected to have 3rd jerseys in 2026. This is a departure from recent years, where MLS only allowed teams that met a certain threshold (thought to be around 100,000 jerseys sold in a calendar year) to have 3rd jerseys.

Of course, there are several reasons why that was unfair and skewed towards teams who were allowed to have early release dates or, in the case of Miami, have jerseys released prior to Thanksgiving so they can be holiday gifts. There are also teams whose jerseys are sold everywhere, opening up access to new fans and giving them more opportunities to sell more jerseys to meet the threshold.

DC United has only had two 3rd jerseys in their 30 seasons of existence, not counting the one off jerseys that were league initiatives for every team to wear, like the Parley jerseys. In 1997, they introduced a 3rd jersey that will forever be a part of MLS lore: the Cat In The Hat jersey. It was an instant hit and is still one of the most coveted jerseys in the league on the secondary market.

In 2010, DC United introduced their very first all red jersey as a 3rd option, which they wore from 2010 through the 2012 season. The jersey was very popular among fans and they demanded even more, with the 3rd jersey a natural opportunity for a team to go bold. However, when the red jerseys went away, 3rd jerseys were no longer a priority for the league and DC has not met the arbitrary jersey sales threshold to be able to get back in the 3rd jersey game.

Now that it appears that every team will get one, it’s a chance for the team to really tap into something that fans will love. Whether it’s leaning back into the tradition of the team with the early years of success, or recent jerseys that have united the fan base. Let’s discuss some of the ways DC United could go in designing a 3rd jersey.

Cherry Blossoms are the way

The 2023-2024 Cherry Blossom jersey was easily one of, if not the most popular jersey in DC United history. It’s a symbol that fans asked for over and over and over and over again until the team finally gave them one. And, it was an instant hit. The cherry blossoms are a symbol that unites the entire District. The Washington Nationals recently released their second version of Major League Baseball’s City Connect jerseys, and they kept the cherry blossoms as a central part of the theme. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…and in this town, if it has cherry blossoms, put it on the rack and watch us buy it. A new cherry blossom 3rd kit would be a no brainer, probably with more pink and black to really hammer it home. Like the Nats, Wizards, and Capitals have done, you could even incorporate some pastel blue to create the beautiful spring sky that hits upon the cherry blossom trees in bloom.

The Jersey that started it all

The 1996-1997 home jersey is a certified classic in Major League Soccer’s history. It’s simple, but it defined success in this league for a long time. DC United won the first two MLS Cups, the 1996 US Open Cup, and the 1997 Supporters Shield with those jerseys as their home jersey. Even though they weren’t wearing them in all the finals, it’s still synonymous with success. DC United could re-release it in modified form, or they could make it a red jersey to bring that color back into play. Of course, they could even mash it up and use the design to incorporate a District symbol like the cherry blossoms. But, the true message would be to stand on business and recognize the team’s tradition. This jersey is easily the start of that tradition.

Look to the old aways

The team could look at some other classics that the team would wear to represent the club and the District on the road. The 1998-1999 away jersey, prior to the Cherry Blossom jerseys, were considered one of the greatest jerseys in MLS history. The popularity was in its simplicity, but in 1998-1999, DC United won 4 more trophies: 1998 Concacaf Champions Cup, 1998 Copa Interamericana, and the 1999 MLS Cup/Supporters Shield double. You could easily recreate this, or throw some color into it to make it unique.

You could also have the 2000-2002 away jersey, which focused on red trim over the black trim that had accompanied DC United jerseys up to that point.

Look to the fans for inspiration

If DC United doesn’t want to tap into the history, the tradition, the cherry blossoms, or some of the many unifying symbols of the District of Columbia, there’s one source of inspiration left: the fans. Fans have asked for specific jerseys from the team, and when the team doesn’t do it, the fans decide to create it themselves. One only needs to look right here for some easy inspiration they could use:

Should MLS actually allow teams to create 3rd jerseys starting next season, DC United hopefully is all over it and is creating a jersey that can stand out over the rest. It can be one that unites the District in a time where, quite frankly, unity is vital for the fans who reside within the boundary stones of this town. And with a World Cup approaching, you’ll want to stand out for the millions of fans who will be visiting and wanting to bring home American soccer souvenirs. Above all, it should be bold, it should represent this club and this city, and it’s an opportunity that the team shouldn’t throw away.