All Time Bruins: Best Dressed, An Ode to Fall Fashion
To the dismay of school children everywhere, Labor Day has arrived and the summer is, begrudgingly, officially over. Now, before you go putting all your crisp whites in storage until Memorial Day, it may just be the time to examine some of our best outfits, and pass the rest on to Goodwill. The B’s were recently ranked as having the 5th best uniform set in all of sports, even beating out the Red Sox and Celtics classic kits. So, in the vain of September’s coming fall fashions (or have they already arrived? I’m just looking to buy clearance summer items for next to nothing), Here’s a look at five Bruins sweaters worth hanging on to… and one straight for the trash.
1976-95: Timeless Home Whites & Road Blacks
A few minor tweaks not-withstanding, these are arguably the Bruins most classic uniforms. The solid colors and straight lines on these beauties are timeless, keeping the B’s atop the NHL’s fashion elite over three decades. The set served as the team’s longest running choice of sweaters. The alternating spoked B’s, black at home and gold on the road, brought a dynamic element of variety, while the cartoonish bear patch, while cheesy on it’s own, fit the uniform and served as a consistent reminder of the game’s roots in our childhood. Pair them with black helmets and gold socks on the road to complete the look.
Who wore them best? Andy Moog: The roaring bear mask elevates the outfit to a new level.
1948-49: Limited Time Only “Silver” Edition
Boston would don these rarities for just one year. Commemorating their 25th anniversary, the Bruins returned a B to prominence on their uniforms for the first time in 12 years. Additionally, this is the very first instance of the famed spoked B, used in variations every season since. The very essence of the logo exudes confidence, claiming Boston as the hub of hockey, a statement that still rings true today. The solid B with the white and gold stripes gives the road blacks a very retro feel. It’s also the first time the Bruins went bold with black as a primary. Leave the lids at home, but don’t forget to pair with gold striped pants.
Who wore them best? Frank Brimsek. Swagger on and off the ice.
1969-74: Championship Gear
The Big Bad Bruins defined themselves in these sets and they cannot be ignored. Today’s current jersey’s may feel like your daddy’s Bruins, but there are some subtle differences. This squad gets fashion points for having the Gold B on the Black sweaters. The dual logos lend their appeal to a spontaneous side and really pop against those dark backgrounds. The shoulder yokes and solid white stripe on the pants hark back to a time long past. Pair them with shaggy hair, sideburns, and two Stanley Cup rings.
Who wore them best? Bobby Orr with his chiseled good looks, Derek Sanderson with his bad boy defiance, and Gerry Cheevers with the original “painted” mask
1959-65: Poor But Passionate
These were arguably some of the Bruins worst seasons of all time as they finished last in five out of six tries. Still, with this tri-fecta of bold uniforms, they managed to look great doing it. The whites are a classic take on a pattern used throughout most of their history. Gold is always a daring choice, but the black yokes and pants really pull the look together. The B’s could stand to re-introduce a gold sweater to their current repertoire as the fans always receive them well. Finally, the blacks. Double stripes is an innovative move not often seen on modern hockey jerseys, and for good reason. Boston seems to pull it off here though. The white numbers also add a special intrigue. Losers can’t be pickers, so pair them with a pack of Lucky Strikes and a case of Miller High Life (the Champaign of Beers, for 1959-60’s lone 5th place finish).
Who wore them best? Johnny Bucyk. A young Chief cuts a much more imposing figure than the long haired, chubbier late 70’s one.
2008 – Present: Retro Redux
The home and road kits hark back to the Big Bad Bruins hey-day, when braun and skill ruled the ice. What really brings this set alive though is the alternate. The B’s channeled their inner Johnny Cash and went for a sleek and bold black look. There’s a certain energy that translates to the fans when Boston wears these uniforms. They make a statement, as any worthwhile ensemble should. While the arm stripes would look nice on the bottom, the key to the whole thing is the logo. Reaching way back and drawing inspiration from their origins, the updated crest scores a hat-trick in style, beauty, and most importantly, toughness.
Who wears it best? Patrice Bergeron. The man is class on skates.
The Bruins biggest fashion fashion faux-paus? Check out these pullovers worn from 1940-44. Nice. If you’re a senior citizen throwing your support behind “Boston’s Ice Hockey Playing Team” at your 76th High School reunion. These sweaters are just that. Sweaters. They look dated even for their time period. I suppose all the creativity was being used for the war effort.
Something we missed? Don’t agree with the choices? Let us know, fashion is open to interpretation… just look at your girlfriend!