The 20 Best Throwback Uniforms in Sports History

In today's sports world the retro, throwback uniform has become even more popular than the standard uniform. Maybe it's a nostalgia thing, or maybe it's because the old uniforms are just better looking than the new ones.

Whatever the case may be, debating which throwback uniform is the best always seems to rile people up because they are passionate about their uniforms.

Here are the 20 best throwback uniforms in sports history. Some of these are still in use by teams today, but they have such a unique, retro feel to them that they had to be included.

20. Philadelphia Eagles

One of the great NFL helmets of all time, the eagle wings set on opposite sides of the brand name of the helmet make it look like it could fly on its own. The green uniforms with the soaring eagle on the sleeve and the white pants make the uniform really stand out among some of the greats of all time.

19. Pittsburgh Pirates 1970's Uniforms

The Pirates' great old-school uniform makes them seem more like a bumblebee than a pirate. It's still a great uniform, though. The hat screams 1900 with the design, and it's built like a kitchen pot. The yellow on black is a very interesting and unique touch, and the yellow socks add a great touch to help set everything else off.

18. Indianapolis Colts

The very definition of an old-school jersey. Nothing fancy to it, just solid colors and a single color on the helmet with the secondary color on a stripe down the middle. Too often nowadays, uniforms go after that flare so that they can catch the eye of the common consumer. A uniform is best when it is subtle with its design and structure.

17. San Francisco 49ers 1994-1995 Uniform

This is a bit of a biased pick because I am a 49ers fan, and this was the year that my fandom came to be. I like what the NFL did with their 75th anniversary uniforms and was sad when they didn't stick with some of them.

This 49er uniform had a bit more flare than their standard uniform. The numbers had a shadow behind them, and it was a darker red than they usually had. The helmet was still the classic 49er helmet with the red oval and the white "SF" inside of it.

16. Baltimore Orioles

I debated going back just a little bit to the Cal Ripken era Orioles uniforms, but ultimately I decided to go with the '60's/70's era uniforms. They went with an orange and black-on-white look with the uniform, and the hat was a great touch. It was an awesome smiling oriole wearing a baseball cap. That's a great uniform right there.

15. Denver Broncos

Mike Powell/Getty Images

13 Oct 1996: Quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos scans the defense for an open receiver as he drops back to pass during a play in the Broncos 28-17 victory over the San Diego Chargers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado. Mandatory Credit: M

What more could you want than the orange jersey and the blue helmet with that big "D" and the bronco snorting in the middle? I didn't like when the Broncos switched their uniforms, because it took away everything that was great about their uniforms. They still have an alternate orange uniform but it's not the same. It didn't get a lot better than John Elway dropping back in that fantastic orange jersey and blue helmet.

14. Boston Bruins

The Bruins retro uniform isn't really different from their current uniform, but it has a couple of subtle differences. The circle around the "B" in the middle was yellow, and now it's black. The lines connected to the "B" were black, and now they are yellow.

It's not a significant difference, but even if there were no difference this would still be a great throwback uniform because of the history behind it. The Boston "B" is legendary and the yellow "B" really pops off the jersey here.

13. New England Patriots 1985 Uniform

Back when the Patriots were a laughingstock in the NFL, the best part of their team was the uniform. A deep, popping red mixed with white and blue, and the Patriot on the helmet in the three-point stance, made this a wonderful uniform that even the most ardent Patriot hater has to admit is one of the best ever.

12. Chicago Cubs Solid Shirt Jersey

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

1992: Second baseman Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs stands on the field during a 1992 preseason game against the Milwaukee Brewers. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images)

Everyone loves the pinstripe uniform that the Cubs have featured for years. However, this solid jersey-shirt remains a favorite among Cub fans and retro uniform lovers everywhere. It's all blue with the Cubs logo patch over the heart with some white and red trimming on the neck and sleeves.

11. Atlanta Falcons Red Helmet, Black Jersey Uniform

This is a case of a uniform getting better with age. I think when I first saw it when I was a kid, it was awful looking. The helmet was odd and didn't seem to fit. Now, it is a great looking classic, old-school football uniform with the helmet making it stand out in a good way. A lot of times the helmet doesn't get the time and consideration that it deserves, but the color and the Falcon on the side make it one of the best helmets ever.

10. Washington Redskins

The Redskins old school uniforms are much better than their new uniforms that it's a shame they don't switch back full-time. A great shade of red on the top sets off the bright white numbers and the arrowhead that wraps around the helmet is a great touch.

9. Philadelphia Phillies

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - 1989: Mike Schmidt #20 of the Philadelphia Phillies stands on base after beating Robby Thompson #6 of the Giants during a 1989 season game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The retro cursive "P" that was the Phillies old logo was good enough. Couple that with the blue and red combination of the uniform, and it remains one of the best old school baseball uniforms of all time. The pinstripes are pretty good now, but this remains the Phillies' best.

8. Houston Oilers

When Warren Moon strolled out from the tunnel in that blue uniform with the oil derrick on the side of the helmet, I found myself rooting for the Oilers. Of course, at that time I was seven and only had an appreciation for the colors. Now, I look back and think of what a great uniform that was. Just the blue on the white with a little red trim to it made this uniform really standout from the rest.

7. Philadelphia 76ers

There's something about a jersey that doesn't try to do too much. That's why a lot of these retro jerseys are so great. This old incarnation of the Philadelphia 76ers uniform is a perfect example of not doing too much and standing out as a result. Simple colors and layout made the jersey a classic in retro uniform history.

6. Detroit Lions 1960's Uniforms

The Lions don't have a lot to celebrate these days, though they do seem to be getting on the right track. One thing that they can take comfort in is their classic throwback uniforms. A dark blue jersey mixed with the silver helmet and pants give these jerseys a shine that not a lot of other uniforms can match.

5. Buffalo Bills Late 60's/Early 70's Uniforms

A wonderful football jersey, like the throwback Colts jersey, there isn't a lot to the design of the uniform. A dark blue jersey that shines with the pure white pants and the great white helmet with the roaming buffalo on the side give this jersey some subtle panache.

4. Kansas City Royals Powder Blue Uniforms

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - AUGUST 15: Pitcher Bryan Bullington #41 of the Kansas City Royals in action during the game against the New York Yankees on August 15, 2010 at Kauffman stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

It must be something about that blue, because there has yet to be an awful uniform with that as the primary color. The Royals have been irrelevant for almost 30 years, but when they pop on those old-school baby blue uniforms it's hard to turn away.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 25: Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates scoring a touchdwon against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium on November 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

People don't appreciate this one as much as I do. There's no elaborate design to it; it's just a very dark blue background with the white numbers. The star on the helmet looks as though it was traced on and colored in minutes before game time.

2. New Jersey Nets ABA Jersey

One of the best basketball jerseys off all-time. The Nets red lettering sprinkled across the primary white jersey color. Plus, the red stripe down the left-side coupled with the stars and stripes make this a Hall-of-Fame worthy jersey.

1. San Diego Chargers Powder Blue

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO, CA - NOVEMBER 1: Linebacker Stephen Cooper #54 of the San Diego Chargers speaks to the defense during the game against the Oakland Raiders on November 1, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. (Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

Ask 100 people to name their favorite throwback uniform and a vast majority are likely to say that they love the San Diego Chargers powder blue, baby blue, whatever kind of blue you want to call it.

This is the gold standard of throwback uniforms. It's such a great uniform that it's almost a shame that the Chargers only use it twice a year, but that's likely part of its mystique. By keeping them as a novelty treat, the team has helped to add to the legacy of the powder blue uniforms.