Washington Commanders Uniform History
Posted by JerseyZenith on Oct 25th 2026
- The team's colors are burgundy and gold, from its 1937 start in Washington.
- Gold facemasks began in 1978; white jerseys over burgundy pants became the classic home look under Joe Gibbs in 1981.
- The Redskins name and logo were retired in 2020, and the Commanders rebrand came in 2022.
- In 2026 the Super Bowl-era white and burgundy uniforms became the primary set.
This guide covers Washington's uniform history from 1937 to 2026, mostly from Wikipedia's logos and uniforms section. It does not cover every minor change.
Washington uniform timeline
| Year | What changed | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1937 | First season in Washington; burgundy and gold | Later reproduced in 1994 and 2012 throwbacks |
| 1961–1978 | Gold pants with both burgundy and white jerseys | A long-running look |
| 1978 | Gold facemasks introduced | Used ever since |
| 1981 | Joe Gibbs: white jerseys over burgundy pants at home | The "classic" look |
| 1994 | NFL 75th anniversary uniforms with 1937-style sleeve patches | Throwback year |
| 2002 | 70th anniversary: burgundy over gold at home; white helmets in two games | Anniversary look |
| 2003 | First all-white combination, in the opener | A new combo |
| 2012 | Throwback to the 1937 championship team | Throwback |
| 2017 | All-burgundy Color Rush | One-game look |
| 2018 | White pants replace gold at home | Gold pants return in 2024 |
| 2020–2021 | Name and logo retired; simple "W" and numbers on helmets | Transition years |
| 2022 | Commanders rebrand: burgundy home, white road, black alternate, military motifs | New identity |
| 2025 | Throwback alternates based on the 1980s set | Super Bowl-era revival |
| 2026 | Super Bowl-era white and burgundy become primary; black Hail Raiser | Current set |
Burgundy and gold (1937–1980)
The team arrived in Washington for 1937 in burgundy and gold, and that remains the base. From 1961 to 1978 it wore gold pants with both burgundy and white jerseys. In 1978 it introduced gold facemasks, which have been used ever since. The 1937 uniforms were reproduced for throwbacks in 1994 and 2012.
The Super Bowl years and the white-over-burgundy look (1981–2019)
In 1981 coach Joe Gibbs began the tradition of white jerseys over burgundy pants at home, now considered the classic look. The team was then known as the Redskins. For the NFL's 75th anniversary in 1994 it wore special 1937-style uniforms. In 2001 it wore burgundy at all home games, and in 2002, the 70th anniversary, it wore burgundy over gold pants at home. An all-white combination debuted in 2003. A monochrome burgundy look came in 2008, gold pants returned in 2010, and an all-burgundy Color Rush set in 2017. In 2018 white pants replaced gold for most home games.
A new name and new uniforms (2020 to now)
The old name and logo were retired in 2020. In 2020 and 2021 the team played as the Washington Football Team, with a simple "W" logo and numbers on helmets. The 2022 rebrand introduced the Commanders, with burgundy home, white road and black alternate uniforms and military-inspired details. Gold pants returned in 2024. In 2025 the team unveiled throwback alternates based on the 1980s set, and in April 2026 it made the Super Bowl-era white and burgundy primary, adding the black "Hail Raiser" alternate with a Spear W helmet. For what to buy today, see Washington Commanders jerseys 2026.
Throwbacks you can wear today
Browse Commanders throwback jerseys for the 1980s look. The burgundy home, white away and alternate styles cover the current set. For the numbers behind each era, read the Washington Commanders jersey numbers guide. Nike has made the NFL's uniforms since 2012, which is why the modern looks above share a template.
Commanders uniform history FAQ
What are Washington's colors?
Burgundy and gold, since 1937.
When did Washington start wearing white over burgundy?
In 1981, under Joe Gibbs.
When did the Commanders rebrand?
In 2022, after the old name and logo were retired in 2020.
Do the Commanders have throwback jerseys?
Yes, 1980s-style alternates introduced in 2025.
What changed in 2026?
New primary Super Bowl-era uniforms, a glossy burgundy helmet and the black Hail Raiser alternate.