The Evolution of the Chicago Bears Jersey

The Chicago Bears' franchise can be traced all the way back to the 1920 season when they played in the APFA and were known as the Decatur Staleys. They became the Chicago Staleys the next season, before finally settling in on the moniker Chicago Bears in 1922.

That first jersey was blue with tan stripes, with those tan stripes being strips of leather sewn onto the jersey. You may ask, 'Why leather strips?' That was so the players could better secure the football back in those days.

In 1932 they wore a white sweater with navy blue chest number patches and blue and orange pinstripes at the elbows.

In 1935 the Bears went with an orange jersey with black arm stripes and a black helmet. They started to wear their familiar navy and burnt orange by 1958. The rounded number style started to pop up in the 1950's as well.

The iconic "C" first appeared in 1962, but it was white back then. In 1969 Chicago's jersey went with short sleeves and a high-collar cut, which raised the neckline to more of a V shape.

The helmet logo we all know today was first introduced in 1973.

Fanatics.com has put together a few GIFs on the evolution of, not only the Bears jersey, but also the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Pittsburgh Steelers and the once again L.A. Rams. You can check out the others at this link, but here's the Bears' GIF for your viewing pleasure.