NFL Uniform Rankings: Commanders and Saints Shake Up the Style Game With Bold New Alternates

With the NFL season just around the corner, the league’s annual uniform updates have taken center stage—and this year’s alternate jerseys are among the boldest ever seen. From throwback tributes to sleek futuristic redesigns, nearly a dozen franchises have revealed alternate or revamped uniforms that have already ignited debates across fanbases and fashion circles alike. Among the most talked-about unveilings are those of the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints, two teams that are not only attempting to make a visual statement but also reposition their identities on and off the field.

Their new looks have triggered everything from applause to controversy, and now experts are weighing in on where these two franchises rank in the larger NFL uniform landscape. 1. The Rise of the Alternate Era

Alternate uniforms have evolved from rare gimmicks to key branding assets in the NFL.

While traditionalists still favor the classic looks worn on Sundays for decades, modern fans—especially younger viewers and digital audiences—crave novelty, color variation, and visual storytelling. It’s no coincidence that alternate jerseys now drive merchandise sales, generate social media trends, and even influence game attendance. This year, the league approved new alternate designs for over 10 teams, giving franchises more room to experiment with color schemes, fonts, helmet logos, and uniform textures.

Teams are permitted to wear alternates for up to three games per season, which puts extra pressure on designers to ensure those looks leave a lasting impression. 2. Commanders Go Matte Black and Minimalist

The Washington Commanders revealed their alternate uniform to mixed reactions earlier this summer.

The centerpiece of the design is a matte black jersey with deep burgundy accents, paired with a black helmet featuring a gold “W” and American flag detailing on the back. The colorway is clearly aimed at bringing a modern, militaristic edge to a franchise still reshaping its identity after a rebrand from its former name. “It’s bold, clean, and intimidating—but maybe a little too safe,” said NFL fashion analyst Jordan McIntyre.

“They’re walking a fine line between fresh and forgettable. ”

Some fans praised the look for being sleek and tough, while others criticized it for lacking personality or visual complexity. The minimalist approach does echo current design trends in pro sports, but critics argue it misses an opportunity to highlight D.

C. ’s rich cultural or historic motifs. Still, in merchandise sales, the black alternates have been strong performers.

Commanders players themselves—especially younger stars like Jahan Dotson and Emmanuel Forbes—have publicly endorsed the design, even pushing to wear it more than the allotted three games. 3. Saints Bring Back the Gold: Modernized Heritage

Over in New Orleans, the Saints took a different path—one that blends nostalgia with bold design.

Their newly released alternate uniforms feature a metallic gold jersey with black numbers and subtle fleur-de-lis shoulder trim, paired with matte black pants and their iconic gold helmet. The color gold has long been associated with the Saints, but rarely has it taken over the jersey itself. This update channels the team’s 1967 roots while embracing the city’s cultural flair and pageantry.

The fleur-de-lis design is more prominent than in recent years, reinforcing New Orleans’ identity and regional pride. “It’s elegant and daring at the same time,” said McIntyre. “You can tell this was designed not just for football fans, but for fashion-conscious audiences too.

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The reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Fans flooded Saints social media pages with praise, and pre-orders for the gold jerseys surpassed early projections within 72 hours. Players like Alvin Kamara and Tyrann Mathieu also showed off the new look in promotional shoots that went viral.

4. Where Do They Rank? NFL Uniform Power Rankings

Based on fan engagement, design innovation, heritage integration, and expert feedback, here’s where the Commanders and Saints rank in the latest NFL alternate uniform hierarchy:

1. New Orleans Saints (Gold Alternate) – A near-perfect blend of tradition, creativity, and boldness.

2. Atlanta Falcons (Red Gradient Throwback) – Daring design with retro appeal. 3.

Seattle Seahawks (’90s Neon Throwback) – Loud, nostalgic, and beloved by fans. 4. Washington Commanders (Matte Black) – Clean and modern, but perhaps too minimalist to stand out.

5. Detroit Lions (Chrome Blue Alternate) – Flashy and futuristic, but divisive among fans. The Saints’ gold uniform has surged to the top thanks to its fresh take on team history, while the Commanders’ look lands in the middle of the pack—praised for polish, but dinged for lack of originality.

5. Design Trends Across the League

This year’s alternate wave reflects several emerging trends: - Matte Finishes: More teams are using matte textures on helmets and jerseys for a sleek, modern look. - City Pride Themes: Many uniforms incorporate local symbols, architecture, or colors that reflect regional identity.

- Retro Influence: Throwbacks to the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s are back in style, particularly among Gen Z fans. - Minimalist Typography: Cleaner fonts, sharper lines, and subtle logo placements dominate newer designs. The NFL appears to be moving toward a hybrid aesthetic—honoring the past while embracing future-forward innovation.

6. Fan Response and Market Impact

For teams, uniform design is more than visual expression—it’s revenue strategy. Alternate uniforms often spark spikes in merchandise sales, especially among younger and international fans who might not have grown up with a local team loyalty.

According to Fanatics, the Saints’ gold alternate ranked #3 in overall NFL jersey sales within the first week of release, only behind Patrick Mahomes' and Travis Kelce’s standard jerseys. The Commanders’ black alternates cracked the top 10 among defensive player jersey sales, particularly among rookie fanbases. **7.

Beyond the Field: Fashion and Culture Crossover**

NFL alternate uniforms are increasingly influencing streetwear and sports fashion. Designers now partner with brands like Nike and Jordan to create team gear that looks at home on city streets and Instagram feeds, not just in the stadium. New Orleans' gold uniform has already inspired limited-edition sneaker colorways and sideline apparel designed by local Black-owned brands.

Washington is reportedly in talks with several D. C. streetwear labels to produce capsule collections around the black alternate theme.

Conclusion: Uniforms as Identity

In a league where every detail is scrutinized, uniforms play a critical role in shaping team identity, building fan loyalty, and capturing cultural relevance. This season, the New Orleans Saints have clearly leaned into their heritage while elevating their style game, securing a top-tier spot in the uniform race. The Washington Commanders, meanwhile, have made bold strides toward a clean and modern image, though perhaps at the expense of deeper connection.

As more teams embrace alternate looks as a key part of their visual branding strategy, fans can expect even more innovation in the seasons to come—on the field and far beyond it.