Men’s Santos FC 2012 Third Away Soccer Jersey by Nike

• Season: 2012
• Kit Type: Third Away
• Version: Fan (Stadium)
• Fit: Standard Fit
• Material Technology: Nike Dri-FIT
• Material Composition: 100% Polyester (Typical for era)

Step back in time and connect with a pivotal season in Santos FC history with the Official Men’s Santos FC 2012 Third Away Soccer Jersey by Nike. This isn’t just a piece of apparel; it’s a tangible link to the year 2012, a period marked by significant moments for O Peixe. Crafted by Nike, this jersey embodies the style and technology prevalent in elite football kits of that era, offering fans an authentic way to celebrate their club’s heritage.

Design Story: Classic Black Elegance

The 2012 Santos FC Third Away kit opted for a striking and timeless aesthetic: a predominantly black base complemented by crisp white accents. This design choice provided a strong visual contrast to the traditional white home kit and the blue away kit of the season. While specific historical inspirations for the 2012 third kit are less documented than some others, black has periodically featured in Santos’s alternative kits, often symbolizing strength and a modern edge. The clean lines and minimalist approach of this Nike design allowed the club crest and sponsor logos to stand out prominently.

Visual Elements & Craftsmanship:

• Color Palette: A deep, solid black forms the foundation, providing a sleek and powerful look. White is used for the Nike Swoosh, sponsor logos, and subtle trim details, creating sharp definition.
• Club Crest: The iconic Santos FC crest is proudly displayed on the left chest. On the Fan (Stadium) version from 2012, this crest is typically embroidered. Embroidery offers a traditional, durable feel and a slightly raised texture, showcasing the club’s emblem with classic craftsmanship.
• Nike Swoosh: The Nike logo is positioned on the right chest, usually applied with a smooth, durable print or heat transfer method that was standard for the brand’s jerseys in 2012. Its white color pops against the black background.
• Collar and Cuffs: The jersey features a simple, comfortable crew neck collar and standard sleeve cuffs, consistent with the functional and clean design philosophy of Nike’s 2012 templates.
• Fabric Texture: The polyester fabric of the 2012 Nike Dri-FIT jersey has a subtle texture, designed for both comfort and performance.

Technology Breakdown: Nike Dri-FIT (2012 Era)

In 2012, Nike’s leading apparel technology for football kits was Dri-FIT. This technology was foundational to Nike’s performance wear and aimed to keep athletes and fans comfortable by managing moisture.

How Dri-FIT Worked in 2012:

• Moisture Wicking: Dri-FIT fabric is constructed with high-performance, microfiber polyester that moves sweat away from the body and to the fabric surface.
• Evaporation: Once sweat reaches the surface, it evaporates quickly, helping the wearer stay dry and comfortable.
• Material Composition: Typically made from 100% polyester, the fabric was lightweight and durable, suitable for both playing and casual wear.

While modern Nike technologies like Dri-FIT ADV have evolved with more complex structures, targeted ventilation zones, and lighter weights, the 2012 Dri-FIT was a reliable and effective system for its time, providing essential moisture management that was a significant step up from older, non-wicking materials. It ensured that whether you were on the pitch or in the stands, you could experience a degree of comfort even as temperatures rose.

Version Deep Dive: Understanding 2012 Nike Jersey Types (Fan vs. Player)

When collecting or wearing football jerseys from the early 2010s like the 2012 Santos FC Third Kit, it’s helpful to understand the differences between the versions available at the time. The jersey described here is the Fan (Stadium) version, which was the most widely available and designed for general support and casual wear. The other primary type was the Player (Authentic or Match) version, worn by the athletes on the pitch.

Key Differences Between 2012 Nike Fan (Stadium) and Player (Authentic) Jerseys:

• Fit:
  • Fan (Stadium): Features a Standard Fit. This cut is more relaxed and comfortable, designed to fit a wider range of body types and suitable for everyday wear or wearing layers underneath. It offers more freedom of movement for casual activities.
  • Player (Authentic): Had a much tighter, more athletic fit. It was designed to be streamlined and close to the body, minimizing excess fabric that could be grabbed by opponents or cause drag. This fit was optimized for peak physical performance.
• Fabric Technology & Texture:
  • Fan (Stadium): Used standard Nike Dri-FIT fabric. The material was comfortable and effective at wicking sweat for general use.
  • Player (Authentic): Often featured more advanced or different fabric constructions. This could include variations in weave for enhanced breathability in specific heat zones (like the back or underarms), potentially lighter weight material, or a different texture designed for performance benefits.
• Weight:
  • Fan (Stadium): Slightly heavier due to the standard fabric and construction methods (like embroidered badges).
  • Player (Authentic): Generally lighter, achieved through fabric choice, construction techniques (like bonded seams), and heat-pressed applications.
• Breathability/Ventilation:
  • Fan (Stadium): Offered good general breathability through the Dri-FIT fabric.
  • Player (Authentic): Often incorporated specific mesh panels or laser-cut ventilation holes in key areas to maximize airflow and cooling during intense exertion.
• Badges & Logos:
  • Fan (Stadium): Club crest was typically embroidered. Sponsor logos were usually screen-printed or heat-pressed using standard methods.
  • Player (Authentic): Club crest and Nike Swoosh were often heat-pressed using lightweight, flexible materials to reduce weight and potential irritation against the skin. Sponsor logos might also use different, lighter application methods.
• Construction Details:
  • Fan (Stadium): Standard stitched seams.
  • Player (Authentic): Could feature bonded seams (flat, smooth seams created with heat and adhesive) to minimize chafing and improve comfort during movement.
• Price:
  • Fan (Stadium): More affordable and accessible to the general public.
  • Player (Authentic): Significantly more expensive due to the advanced materials and construction.
• Recommended Scenario:
  • Fan (Stadium): Ideal for watching matches, casual wear, showing support, or collecting. Offers comfort and durability for everyday use.
  • Player (Authentic): Best suited for serious players seeking performance benefits, or dedicated collectors valuing exact match specifications.

This 2012 Santos FC Third Away Jersey is the Fan (Stadium) version, offering the classic look and feel of the era with a comfortable, standard fit perfect for any Peixe supporter.

Wear It Your Way: More Than Just a Jersey

Owning this Authentic Santos FC 2012 Third Away Jersey allows you to express your passion in multiple settings:

• Match Day Ready: Pull it on to watch Santos play, whether at the stadium (if you’re lucky enough to visit Vila Belmiro!) or at your local pub. Feel the connection with fellow fans.
• Casual Style: Pair it with jeans or shorts for a relaxed, sporty look that clearly shows your allegiance wherever you go.
• Training & Play: While it’s a retro piece, the Nike Dri-FIT technology still provides adequate comfort for a casual kickabout or training session.
• Collector’s Item: As a genuine jersey from the 2012 season, it holds significant value for collectors of Santos FC or classic football shirts.

Sizing and Fit Guidance

This jersey features a Standard Fit, which was typical for Nike’s Fan versions in 2012. This means it’s cut more generously than modern slim-fit jerseys or the player versions of its time. It’s designed for comfort and a classic jersey look. We recommend consulting the specific size chart provided to ensure the best fit for you, taking into account that this is a garment from over a decade ago and sizing standards can subtly change.

Caring for Your Classic Jersey

To keep your Authentic 2012 Santos FC Jersey in excellent condition for years to come, follow these care instructions:

• Wash inside out.
• Use cold water.
• Use a mild detergent.
• Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.
• Tumble dry low or, preferably, hang dry.
• Do not iron directly over logos, badges, or prints.

By following these steps, you help preserve the fabric, colors, and applications on your cherished piece of Santos FC history.

Own a genuine piece of the 2012 season. This Official Nike Santos FC Third Away Jersey is a must-have for any dedicated supporter or collector. Add this classic black kit to your collection today!