Most teams in major international tournaments have a pretty straightforward color scheme.
Recently ousted Copa America candidates Mexico, for example, wear jerseys that feature green and red because their flag is green, red, and white. Some countries, however, are exceptions.
Italy famously play in blue despite having a flag with green, white and red stripes. England's 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024 'home' shirts have been white without any red trim at all, in apparent defiance of the St. George's cross.
The Netherlands' jerseys, a bright shade of orange, might stand out more than any others. The bold color is a massive contrast from a pretty simple red, white, and blue striped flag. It also makes for some seriously impressive spectacles featuring their fans.
𝗟𝗘𝗜𝗣𝗭𝗜𝗚 = 𝗢𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗝𝗘! 🧡#NothingLikeOranje #CreateHistory pic.twitter.com/bg2exR18QE
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) June 21, 2024
What's behind the different color palette? Here's all you need to know about why Netherlands wear orange jerseys.
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Why do the Netherlands wear orange?
Orange is the color used by the Dutch royal family, so it has taken on a deeper meaning over the centuries and is used to symbolize the entire region.
In fact, orange is not exclusive to the national soccer team, as it's used across several different sports to represent the country. The House of Orange-Nassau is the ruling house of the Netherlands.
The color has been representative of Dutch culture for centuries and is prominent during everything from major sports celebrations to national events relating to the royal family.
🧡 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐒#NothingLikeOranje #HuisVanOranje pic.twitter.com/ywDDsBhi43
— OnsOranje (@OnsOranje) November 30, 2022
MORE: Have USA ever played the Netherlands at the World Cup?
Netherlands Euro 2024 jerseys
Netherlands' home jersey for Euro 2024 is a typically bold orange color with a dark blue trim on the collar and sleeves. Kit manufacturer Nike says the jersey draws "on previous kits to root the team to their own history of prowess".
Much like at the World Cup two years ago, their 'away' shirt is blue. This year, it features orange trim and a bold pattern of lighter blue and orange segments inspired by the Dutch art movement known as De Stijl, which was established in the 20th Century.
MORE: Netherlands' all-time record at the UEFA European Championship
Why isn't the Dutch flag orange?
The Dutch flag was originally blue, white, and orange during Netherlands' War of Independence in the 16th Century, thanks to William of Orange. The color orange didn't remain, however, and the reason hasn't been confirmed.
Some historians believe the change was part of a defense treaty signed with the English in 1654, while others believe red, white, and blue was adopted from a Bavarian Coat of Arms from the 15th Century.
The final theory is very simple. Some historians believe the orange dye used to color Dutch flags in the 16th Century had a tendency to turn red over time, so leaders chose avoid the problem by fully adopting red. Still, orange remains front-and-center in the world stage for the Netherlands.
What is Oranjegekte?
Oranjegekte refers to the all-out embrace of orange during events in the Netherlands. Oranjegekte occurs during major sporting events, particularly events such as the World Cup and Euros, as well as the annual Dutch holiday of Koningsdag.
While Oranjegekte most commonly refers to Dutch fans dressing completely in orange to show pride in the team and the country, it can also involve cars, rooms, and even streets being decorated completely in orange.
The practice can result in some wild scenes of massive crowds in all orange.
