Origins of the hoop
The exact origins of VfB’s famous red hoop are unclear. According to the few available sources, the hoop appears to be the outcome of a development that can be traced back to October 1924, when the following plea from an anonymous VfB member was printed in the club newsletter:
“The issue of our club colours is a very delicate matter. After all, as the following paragraph in our club’s statutes reads: ‘The colours of our club are red and white.’ The editorial team received the following letter on the subject from the anonymous club member:
“‘It’s very strange that V.f.B.’s teams seem to be stubbornly refusing to wear the club’s colours. Not only did our team in the top division – who above all should strive to uphold everything which directly or indirectly concerns the club – play in orange last season, and not only does the rugby department play in violet, it also appears that youngsters are not being familiarised with the club’s colours. In my opinion, the club newspaper should get involved. Primarily, the club’s colours should instil in the players a loyalty to the club. In this instance, players’ loyalty to the club will also improve if they not only see their role models sporting the two colours at all times, but also do so themselves. If those colours are in the statutes, then they should be worn and the statutes should be followed. Otherwise, the statutes aren’t as important as they ought to be. I’d be very grateful to the editorial team if they could take a firm stand against this habit and, through their representative on the central committee, campaign for the club’s colours to be worn exclusively. I will leave you with these few reasons for today and remain, with loyal VfB greetings, yours sincerely, X.Y.’”
At the time, there was clearly a lack of uniformity when it came to VfB’s dress code. The need for action was recognised and the issue soon began to gather momentum. It was raised once more in the club newsletter as early as November 1924, with the following announcement made in the December edition of the publication: “At the first central committee meeting this month, the issue raised by the editorial team regarding the club’s colours was discussed in detail. We’re able to announce that all teams will soon be playing in the club’s colours.”
Judging by photographs of the time, the uniform playing kit that was promised by the committee in December 1924 did not make an appearance until the start of the 1925/26 season. According to current sources, photos taken on 30 August 1925 during a game marking the 20th anniversary of opponents VfR Alemannia 05 Worms show VfB’s players wearing the famous jersey with the red hoop, as well as the VfB crest in the centre of the shirt for the first time. The hoop has been inexorably intertwined with VfB ever since.
Meaning and evolution of the hoop
Present-day sources do not reveal any information about the meaning of the red hoop, nor are there any concrete examples of similar designs. Nevertheless, according to the above information, it seems reasonable to assume that the red hoop which first appeared on VfB’s shirts in 1925 was seen as the best way of displaying the club’s colours, both inside the club and out. A recurring symbol, the hoop has proven to be a loyal and versatile companion since it was first unveiled. Despite numerous changes in position and formal alterations, it has remained the standout feature of the VfB kit to this day – or rather, it has become the key feature over time. VfB may have occasionally worn shirts without the hoop, but only temporarily.
Since 22 March 2025, the hoop has been enshrined in the statutes of VfB Stuttgart as a hallmark of the club, symbolising the bond between the club and its members and fans.
Triumphs with the hoop
As a loyal companion over the past 100 years, the famous red hoop on the white shirt has witnessed the club’s biggest ever triumphs, including two German titles in 1950 and 1952 as well as DFB Cup wins in 1954, 1958 and 2025. It was halved in size for the Bundesliga triumphs in 1984 and 1992, the DFB Cup success in 1997, the UEFA Cup final appearance in 1989 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup final appearance in 1998. When VfB were crowned champions in 2006/07, the team wore red shirts with a white horizontal stripe.
