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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

5 things to know about Washington's new uniforms 

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After much anticipation, the Washington Commanders have officially unveiled their new uniforms for the 2026 season and beyond. The three uniforms, which include a primary burgundy, primary white and black alternate called the "Hail Raiser," capture the modern Commanders identity while incorporating elements from the franchise's rich history.

Here are five things to know about Washington's new wardrobe:

Solid block lettering and numbering

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  • The solid block style -- a characteristic of uniforms throughout most of team history -- made an initial comeback on the "Super Bowl Era" alternate uniforms worn by the team in Weeks 9, 13 and 17 last season. Now, the burgundy and black versions will follow suit.
  • The iconic, solid block style is seen on the front and back numbers, the shoulder pad number as well as the nameplate on the back of each jersey. New on the burgundy and black tops is the addition of a block number on the shoulder pad – a detail from the past that had been re-incorporated just on last year's Super Bowl Era alternates. The same style of numbering and lettering is clear across all three uniforms. Consistency has been prioritized. A theme will start to arise here.

Glossy helmet

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  • The update to the glossy helmet marks a return packed with nostalgia for lovers of Washington football. Fan feedback emphasized a desire to bring back the glossy helmet, and the team listened. The new burgundy glossy helmet (which, of course, includes the familiar gold facemask) with the white threads completes the look of the legendary years under head coach Joe Gibbs.

Stripes on gold pants

  • The striped gold pants are back in the fold. According to the Gridiron Uniform Database, the origin of this beloved look can be traced back to the 1960s. It became synonymous with teams in the '70s when, under the leadership of Hall of Fame coach George Allen, Washington appeared in its first Super Bowl and returned to prominence.
  • The shade of gold, as well as the number of stripes, has varied over the years. These new gold pants feature two, and once again, consistency in the uniform closet was a primary goal. The burgundy, white and "Hail Raiser" pants are also highlighted by two stripes. This pattern mirrors the two stripes seen on the sleeves of each jersey.

The "Hail Raiser"

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  • The only look with its own name in this launch, the "Hail Raiser" alternate uniform embodies the identity of the Commander: a leader of warriors. These all-black "alter egos" convey a stealth quality exhibited by elite units in battle. In training and on the biggest stage, leaders of warriors – not tethered to any one time or place – are disciplined, fierce, resilient and honorable figures.
  • A brand-new spear W alternate logo highlights each side of the "Hail Raiser" helmet. One of the most striking angles of the "Hail Raiser" is straight-on, which puts the eyes of an opponent face-to-face with the helmet's double spearheads.
  • A spear element was first incorporated into Washington's uniform in the 1960s. It also had a fun starring role on a helmet in the early 2000s in celebration of the team's 70th anniversary season.
  • Talks around bringing back the spear in some fashion have been taking place over the last couple of years. Not only is at a potent weapon for a fighter, but its sharpest point – the spearhead or "tip of the spear" – symbolizes the top fighters, those who are unafraid to lead a mission. That energy defines a Commander.
  • The spear W speaks to what Managing Partner Josh Harris said at League Meetings last month when asked about the new uniforms: "We're going to continue to embrace our past but then update it." This alternate logo is a joining of past and present, with the two elements interweaved at their center. They are separate components with a shared core; pieces of then and now tied to one legacy.

Anchored in burgundy and gold

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  • Sure, the Hail Raiser brings a lot of new to the wardrobe, however, it's clear the franchise isn't straying from its color backbone: burgundy and gold. The burgundy and whites will serve as the team's primary uniforms, with the alternate Hail Raise being worn no more than four times in the regular season. All three have strong lines and color blocks of burgundy and gold.
  • The "Behold the Burgundy & Gold" messaging seen on metro stops and the team's channels speak to staying rooted in that legendary color palette. The same can be said for the uniform launch video (link to video or put it below) where the presentation of the primary uniforms is paired with clips from cherished moments in team history. These brand colors have been one of the main consistencies for the club for decades and that will continue to be true moving forward.

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