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Manufacturers argue that a great deal of research and production goes into creating an elite football strip, and that changing market trends can leave them vulnerable.<\/p>\n
Rob Warner – formerly a kit designer for Puma and Umbro – said: “It varies by brand, and by individual designer, in terms of how much technology goes into them. <\/p>\n
“A lot of the profit margin is made by the retailer because they’re so dependent on the success of the team. During my time at Umbro… retailers would buy a million England shirts, and if England got knocked out of the group phase, suddenly they’ve got a load of shirts that are worth nothing. It’s a risk.”<\/p>\n
Asked why prices had risen sharply recently, Warner said: “The machinists are more skilled… the techniques that are used to create badges and logos – it’s all better quality. <\/p>\n
“Then you factor in the cost of the kit deals going up, and the brands having to try to recover some of the money they’re paying to the elite clubs.”<\/p>\n
The BBC contacted all nine kit manufacturers for Premier League clubs – Adidas, Castore, Joma, Hummel, Macron, Nike, Puma, SUDU and Umbro – for comment. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n