RC Lens Shirts

RC Lens, a club and its area

Few French clubs are as closely tied to their territory. Racing Club de Lens was born in the mining region of Pas-de-Calais, and its supporters come from a region with about thirty thousand residents for a stadium that holds thirty-eight thousand. Bollaert-Delelis fills up match after match, boasting one of the highest attendance rates in Europe.

The trophy cabinet is more modest than those of the top clubs in the league: one title of champion of France, won in the late nineties, and a League Cup. But the club's reputation doesn't rest on its collection of trophies.

It relies on its atmosphere. On European match nights, the local Marseillaise and the Marek and Trannin stands make Bollaert one of the most impressive stadiums in France, and that's what neutral supporters come to experience.

Red and gold: the most recognizable shirt in Ligue 1

The home shirt of RC Lens is yellow and red, vertically striped. These colours come from the coat of arms of Artois and have become the club's nickname: the Sang et Or.

It's a shirt that stands out from any other in the league, and the club only makes minor adjustments from one collection to the next. The width of the stripes and the details of the collar may change, but the base remains the same.

Home or away: which one to choose?

The home shirt is the blood and gold of Bollaert, the one that the vast majority of supporters purchase, and it remains recognizable long after.

The away shirt starts with a solid base, often light or dark depending on the collection, and does away with the stripes. It's the one that's easiest to wear outside the stadium context for those who already have the home shirt.

Supporter version or player version?

The supporter version has a straight, looser cut, made from breathable yet soft material. It's designed to be worn in the stands as well as in the street, and is the default choice if you're unsure.

The player version mimics the on-pitch gear: it has a fitted cut, technical fabric, and different finishes. It is much more snug, to the point that it's common to take a size up, sometimes two.

A key detail in Lens: many matches are played in cold and damp weather, and a shirt worn over a base layer needs to be comfortable. The supporter version is better suited for this use.

What size shirt should you take?

In the supporter version, your usual t-shirt size is suitable in most cases. In the player version, take one size larger at minimum.

For children, the junior sizes follow age and height in centimetres. Taking a larger size to last a season often means the shirt won’t get worn.

Printing: name, number, and badges

The official printing uses the typography and colours mandated by the competition, which differ between the league and the European Cup. This distinguishes official personalization from an approximation.

A personalized shirt cannot be exchanged: size should be checked before ordering, not after. Some supporters also prefer a blank shirt, which isn’t reliant on how long a player stays at the club.

Other Ligue 1 clubs

The league isn't just about Lens, and each club has its own page:

• The LOSC, the neighbour in the northern derby, is the most anticipated match of the season in the region.
• The Paris Saint-Germain, the most decorated club in France, and the Olympique de Marseille, the only French winner of the Champions League.
• The Olympique Lyonnais, the AS Monaco, the OGC Nice, and the Stade Rennais, regulars in European places.
• The AS Saint-Étienne, the FC Nantes, the Girondins de Bordeaux, the RC Strasbourg, the Toulouse FC, the FC Metz, the Paris FC, and the Red Star round out the league.

The Ligue 1 page brings together all the clubs.

Where to find a cheaper RC Lens shirt

The sale section in the supporters’ shop bundles together items currently on discount, while the new arrivals feature the latest collections.

The clearance section and great deals are available all year round for end-of-range items. The sales happen during legal periods.

The Black Friday kicks off the series of highlights, followed by the end-of-year holidays, winter sales, and the French Days in spring. For shirts, the best time is when the next collection arrives, as the previous one is reduced to end-of-range.

Frequently asked questions

Why does RC Lens play in red and gold?

The yellow and red come from the coat of arms of Artois, the club's region. These colours have become the team's nickname itself, the Sang et Or, and the striped shirt is unlike any other in the league.

What’s the difference between the supporter shirt and the player shirt?

The supporter shirt has a straight and comfortable cut, suitable for wearing over a layer in cold weather. The player shirt reflects what’s worn on the pitch, with a fitted cut and more technical fabric.

Should I take a size up?

In the supporter version, your usual size is fine. In the player version, take a size up at minimum, sometimes two if you want a looser fit.

Are shirts available in children’s sizes?

Yes, both home and away shirts come in junior sizes. The size charts follow age and height in centimetres rather than adult sizes.

Where can I find a cheap RC Lens shirt?

In the sales section in the supporters’ shop and the clearance section, which features end-of-range items when the next collection arrives.