Cincinnati Bengals Uniform History
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- Paul Brown gave the new team three black and orange stripes, not the Browns' five.
- The 2016 Color Rush white jersey was first shown September 13, 2016.
- The "New Stripes" uniforms debuted on April 19, 2021.
- Orange pants were worn for the first time in 2024.
This guide covers the Cincinnati Bengals' uniform history to 2026, mostly from Wikipedia's reference list and Bengals.com summaries. It does not cover every minor change.
Cincinnati Bengals uniform timeline
| Year | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1968 | Franchise founded by Paul Brown (first season 1968, NFL in 1970) | Start |
| 1970 | Three-stripe black and orange uniforms and tiger-stripe helmets | Different from the Browns' five stripes |
| 2004 | "The Modern Stripes" era begins | Lasts until 2020 |
| 2016 | Color Rush jerseys unveiled (Sept 13) | The white jersey fans still ask about |
| 2021 | "New Stripes" collection (Apr 19): white, black, orange; three pants styles | Current set |
| 2022 | White alternate helmet (Jul 22); Color Rush returns | The White Bengal look |
| 2024 | Orange pants worn for the first time | Orange-out opener vs. the Patriots |
| 2026 | Four themed games; White Bengal Stripe on Dec 31 | Current rotation |
Paul Brown's stripes (1968–2003)
The Bengals started under Paul Brown, who gave the expansion team simple uniforms with three black and orange stripes, not the five-stripe pattern of his old Browns, according to NFL.com. The team's tiger-stripe helmet became its signature. We could not confirm year-by-year changes between 1970 and 2003 from a source we opened, so we do not list them.
The Modern Stripes and Color Rush (2004–2020)
The Bengals describe 2004 to 2020 as the "Modern Stripes" era. In 2016 the team unveiled Color Rush jerseys on September 13, a white set that for years was the only uniform the team could pair with a white helmet.
New Stripes, the white helmet and orange pants (2021 to now)
On April 19, 2021, Cincinnati revealed the "New Stripes" collection: white, black and orange jerseys with three pants styles, with the helmet as the focal point. A white alternate helmet followed on July 22, 2022. In 2024 the Bengals wore orange pants for the first time in franchise history, at an orange-out opener against the Patriots. In 2026 the team has four themed games and wears white helmets on December 31. For what to buy today, see Cincinnati Bengals jerseys 2026.
Throwbacks you can wear today
Browse Bengals throwback jerseys for retro styles, the classic black home and white away jerseys for the modern look. For the numbers behind each era, read the Cincinnati Bengals jersey numbers guide. Nike has made the NFL's uniforms since 2012, which is why the modern looks above share a template.
Bengals uniform history FAQ
Who designed the first Bengals uniforms?
Owner and coach Paul Brown gave the team simple black and orange three-stripe uniforms.
When did the Bengals get a white helmet?
A white alternate helmet was revealed July 22, 2022.
When did the Bengals change uniforms last?
April 19, 2021, the "New Stripes" collection.
When did the Bengals wear orange pants?
First in 2024, in the season opener against the Patriots.
Do the Bengals have 2026 throwbacks?
We found no throwback announced.