Iowa Basketball Uniforms: The Hawkeyes Reveal Their New Style for 2025–2026 The black and gold recently received a contemporary makeover. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2025–26 basketball uniforms have been formally unveiled, and the team’s bold, sleek design, which combines tradition with a contemporary twist, has fans all over the state talking.
The new uniforms give Iowa hoops a new identity that is still distinctly Hawkeye after years of sticking with a traditional, unadorned style. A new era that feels as much about style as it does about substance will begin in Iowa City this fall when the men’s and women’s teams debut the updated threads.
Cleaner lines, lighter materials, and a more athletic fit intended for performance are all features of the updated jerseys. Nike collaborated closely with Iowa’s athletic department to design a style that pays homage to the school’s history while incorporating modern elements. The layout conveys a new narrative while the basic colors—the classic black, gold, and white—stay the same. Subtle feather-like designs reminiscent of the Hawkeye logo are woven into the fabric along the sides, while a bold “IOWA” in a sleeker, sharper font runs across the chest.
Early social media attention has been drawn to the women’s set in particular. Without deviating too much from Iowa’s proud identity, the design adds a little flair with gold accents surrounding the lettering and numbering. One fan commented on X (formerly Twitter) that “it’s simple but powerful.” “It feels like a new chapter without losing sight of our origins.”
The players appear equally enthusiastic. Hannah Stuelke, a senior forward, praised the new design and said it “makes us feel faster and sharper out there.” She called the uniforms “crazy comfortable.” Taylor McCabe, a guard, agreed, describing it as “a confidence boost every time you pull it on.”
Beyond appearances, the uniforms feature lightweight, recycled fabrics and sophisticated ventilation zones, which are components of Nike’s continuous sustainability initiative. The action is in line with Iowa’s increasing focus on ecologically friendly sports, which is a trend that is spreading throughout the Big Ten.
The unveiling of the uniform also has symbolic significance for ardent Hawkeye supporters. The program’s recent identity was largely shaped by the Caitlin Clark era, so this redesign feels like a fresh start for a new generation. Moving forward while maintaining the same grit and fire for which Iowa basketball is renowned is the goal.
In addition to being aesthetically pleasing, the uniforms feature lightweight, recycled fabrics and sophisticated ventilation zones, which are components of Nike’s continuous sustainability initiative. The action is in line with Iowa’s increasing focus on ecologically friendly sports, which is a trend that is spreading throughout the Big Ten.
The unveiling of the uniform also has symbolic significance for ardent Hawkeye supporters. The program’s recent identity was largely shaped by the Caitlin Clark era, so this redesign feels like a fresh start for a new generation. Moving forward while maintaining the same grit and fire for which Iowa basketball is renowned is the goal.
The men’s team also debuted a different black uniform with the “Tigerhawk” logo on the waistband and striking gold stripes, which the players reportedly demanded during the design phase. The partnership between Nike and the program was commended by head coach Fran McCaffery, who also mentioned that the players “had a real say in what they wanted.”
The team hosted a live photo shoot and Q&A session at Carver-Hawkeye Arena to give fans their first up-close look at the new equipment. Hundreds of fans attended the event, many of whom took pictures and bought the brand-new replica jerseys from the team store before they were all gone.
It’s a message as much as a fashion update. The Hawkeyes are entering the 2025–26 campaign with new vitality, a cohesive vision, and a striking appearance. There’s no denying that the black and gold have never looked better, whether you’re watching the games on TV or in the stands in Iowa City. And for Iowa supporters, that’s a statement rather than just a fashion upgrade.
