Introduction: A Fusion of Football and Industrial Design
Athletic Club’s 2023/24 third kit
is more than just a jersey—it’s a wearable tribute to Basque industrial heritage. Designed by Castori (replacing Kappa as the club’s technical sponsor), this season’s away strip blends football tradition with avant-garde architectural influences, particularly drawing from Bilbao’s iconic Guggenheim Museum.

The newly revealed white kit with intricate geometric patterns presents a fresh take on Basque identity. In this deep dive, we’ll explore:
- The industrial texture inspiration (Guggenheim’s titanium façade reinterpreted through Castori’s design language)
- The symbolism behind the white base with red accents (purity, modernity, and Basque pride)
- Key design elements include the Castori branding, Kutxabank sponsorship, and the Yuppoo store connection
Let’s analyze one of the most visually striking kits of the season based on the actual released design.
1. The Guggenheim Effect: How Castori Translated Architecture into Football Fashion
1.1 Decoding the Geometric Patterns
The white jersey features complex web-like patterns that directly reference:
- The titanium scales of the Guggenheim Museum’s exterior
- The structural steel beams of Bilbao’s industrial past
- Abstracted maritime motifs honoring the city’s shipbuilding heritage
Unlike previous kits, Castori has executed this through:
- Subtle tonal embroidery creates texture without overwhelming the design
- Asymmetric paneling that mimics Guggenheim’s deconstructivist forms
- A matte fabric base allows the patterns to shine
1.2 The Basque Identity in Threads
The design cleverly incorporates:
✔ Red trim on collar and sleeves – Athletic Club’s traditional accent
✔ Precision stitching – reflecting Basque craftsmanship
✔ Modern minimalism – a departure from previous busy designs
2. Color Theory & Branding: Why White Dominates
2.1 The Significance of the White Base
While the Athletic Club is traditionally associated with red and white stripes, this predominantly white third kit represents:
- A clean slate – symbolic of the club’s progressive vision
- Architectural purity – mirroring Guggenheim’s gallery spaces
- Versatility – designed to stand out against both home and away colors
2.2 Branding Integration
The jersey features:
- Left chest: Bold Castori logo in red (the club’s new technical partner)
- Right chest: Athletic Club’s classic crest
- Center front: Kutxabank sponsorship in understated typography
- Yupoo store tag visible in product shots (indicating merchandising channels)
This balanced branding approach maintains commercial requirements without compromising aesthetics.

3. Comparative Analysis: Evolution from Previous Third Kits
3.1 2022/23 (Kappa) vs. 2023/24 (Castori)
Feature2022/23 Third Kit (Kappa)2023/24 Third Kit (Castori)
Primary Color Solid Black and White with geometric patterns
Inspiration Nervión River Guggenheim Architecture
Branding Kappa logo Castori’s debut
Sponsor : No visible sponsor, Kutxabank placement
Neckline Crew neck V-neck with red trim
The shift from Kappa’s monochrome approach to Castori’s architectural white demonstrates a bold new design direction.
4. Fan Reception & Commercial Viability
Early reactions highlight:
Positive:
- “The geometric details are incredible up close.”
- “Finally, a third kit that feels premium.”
- “Castori’s first attempt is a home run.”
Criticisms:
- “Wish it had more traditional Athletic Club elements.”
- “White may show stains easily.”
The YPoo store connection suggests firm merchandising plans, particularly for international fans.
Conclusion: A New Era for Athletic Club Kits
Castori’s debut delivers:
✔ An architectural masterpiece worthy of Bilbao’s skyline
✔ Perfect balance of tradition and innovation
✔ Strong commercial appeal with thoughtful branding
This kit isn’t just for matches—it’s a wearable piece of Basque culture.
What do you think?
- Does the white design work better than previous black third kits?
- How do you feel about the Castori/Kutxabank branding?