The Forum Blue and Gold isn't just a color palette. For anyone who grew up watching hockey in Southern California, it's a visceral memory of smelling the ice at the "Fabulous" Forum while Marcel Dionne danced around defenders. Honestly, the los angeles kings jersey throwback market is probably the most chaotic and beloved corner of NHL memorabilia for a reason. It bridges the gap between the flashy expansion era of the late 60s and the grit of the 80s. People get weirdly emotional about these sweaters. They should.
When the Kings joined the league in 1967, owner Jack Kent Cooke wanted them to look like royalty. He didn't just pick colors; he picked a statement. He famously insisted on calling them "Forum Blue" and "Gold," even though everyone else with eyes just saw purple and yellow. It was a marketing masterstroke that felt a bit like Hollywood magic. You didn't just play the Kings; you stepped into their palace.
The Identity Crisis of the Purple and Gold
Modern fans often forget that the Kings didn't start with the silver and black. That came much later, fueled by the trade that changed everything. But the original los angeles kings jersey throwback represents a time when the team was trying to find its footing in a city that didn't quite understand icing calls yet.
The design was bold. It had that crown—the "Chevy" logo wouldn't arrive for decades—and it screamed 1970s aesthetics. If you look at the 1972-73 jerseys, the stripes were thick, the colors were loud, and the fabric was heavy air-knit or durene that felt like wearing a carpet. It’s heavy. It’s hot. It’s glorious.
Rogie Vachon made those colors legendary. He was the backbone of a team that often struggled to find consistency, but man, did he look good in the crease. When fans hunt for a "vintage" look today, they are usually looking for that specific Vachon-era vibe. The purple was deep, almost royal, and the gold was a warm, sunset hue that popped under the old-school arena lights. It was a far cry from the sleek, corporate branding we see in the 2020s.
The Great Gretzky Pivot and the 90s Aesthetic
Then 1988 happened. Wayne Gretzky arrived, and the "Forum Blue" was tossed into the dumpster of history in favor of the Silver and Black. This is where the los angeles kings jersey throwback conversation gets complicated. Is a 90s jersey a throwback? Technically, yes. For a whole generation of fans who wore Raiders gear and N.W.A. hats, the Gretzky-era jersey is the only throwback that matters.
It was a total vibe shift. The team went from "Royalty" to "Outlaws" overnight.
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The 1988 rebrand was actually inspired by the Los Angeles Raiders’ massive popularity at the time. The Kings wanted that edge. They wanted to be the tough guys on the block. The "Chevy" logo—so named because of its resemblance to the Chevrolet emblem—became an instant icon. If you walk into Crypto.com Arena today, you’ll see just as many 99 Gretzky jerseys in silver and black as you see modern home jerseys. It’s a staple.
But here is the catch: the 90s throwbacks have their own sub-cultures. You have the early 90s "big block" letters and then the mid-90s transition where they started experimenting with third jerseys. Who could forget the "Burger King" jersey?
The Infamous "Burger King" Experiment
We have to talk about it. In 1995, the Kings released a third jersey that featured a bearded king on the top left chest, a gradient sash, and some of the weirdest font choices in professional sports history. It was a disaster. It was beautiful.
At the time, fans hated it. It felt like a gimmick. Now? It’s one of the most expensive and sought-after items in the los angeles kings jersey throwback world. It represents the "Wild West" era of NHL jersey design where teams were trying to figure out how to use new printing technologies. Authentic "Burger King" jerseys from the 90s can fetch thousands of dollars on the secondary market because they are so uniquely hideous that they became cool again.
Why the Reverse Retro Changed the Game
A few years back, Adidas launched the Reverse Retro program, and the Kings absolutely nailed it. They took the 90s Gretzky-era logo and dipped it in the 70s Forum Blue and Gold colors. It was a mashup that shouldn't have worked, but it did. It was the ultimate fan service.
It solved a decades-long argument between "Purple/Gold" purists and "Silver/Black" traditionalists. By combining them, the team acknowledged that both eras are vital to the fabric of the franchise. It also sparked a massive resurgence in people looking for original los angeles kings jersey throwback gear. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know where the original crown logo came from and why the team ever stopped using purple.
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The Reverse Retro 2.0 took it a step further, honoring the 1982 "Miracle on Manchester" era. That game, where the Kings came back from a 5-0 deficit to beat the Oilers, is the stuff of legend. Wearing the jersey from that night isn't just about fashion; it's about honoring one of the greatest upsets in hockey history.
Spotting a Real Vintage vs. a Modern Reproduction
If you're out there scouring eBay or local thrift stores in Long Beach, you need to know what you’re looking at. Modern "throwback" jerseys made by brands like Fanatics or Adidas use lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics. They feel like a t-shirt.
A real los angeles kings jersey throwback from the 70s or 80s feels like a piece of equipment.
- The Cresting: Real vintage jerseys usually had felt or heavy twill patches. Modern ones are often heat-pressed or use thin synthetic materials.
- The Cut: Old jerseys have massive sleeves and a "boxy" fit. They weren't designed to be worn at a gastropub; they were designed to fit over massive Sherwood shoulder pads.
- The Tags: Look for "Sandow SK," "Maska," or "CCM." If you see a tag that says "Made in Indonesia" with a modern barcode, it’s a reproduction. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but don't pay "collector" prices for a 2015 remake.
Honestly, the hunt is half the fun. Finding a 1980s Butch Goring jersey with actual stadium mustard stains on it? That’s the dream for some of us.
The Cultural Impact Beyond the Rink
The los angeles kings jersey throwback isn't just for hockey fans anymore. It has leaked into streetwear in a huge way. You see rappers, actors, and influencers wearing the 90s silver and black because it represents "Old School LA." It’s synonymous with the era of Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg.
But the purple and gold? That’s for the deep-cut fans. It represents the era before the glitz, when the Kings were the scrappy underdogs playing in a basketball-first arena. It represents the "Triple Crown Line" of Dave Taylor, Charlie Simmer, and Marcel Dionne. Those guys were scoring 100 points a season in jerseys that looked like they belonged in a royal parade.
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There is a certain "if you know, you know" quality to wearing a 1970s Kings throwback. It signals that you aren't just a bandwagon jumper from the 2012 or 2014 Cup runs. You’ve been here. You remember the lean years. You remember the "Purple Panic."
How to Style and Care for Your Vintage Sweaters
Look, if you actually manage to snag an original los angeles kings jersey throwback, don't just throw it in the wash with your jeans. These things are delicate. The dyes in the old "Forum Blue" can bleed if you use hot water.
- Hand wash only. Use a gentle detergent and cold water in a clean bathtub.
- Never, ever use a dryer. The heat will warp the crest and make the fabric pucker. Hang it to dry, but keep it out of direct sunlight so the colors don't fade.
- Wear it with pride. Don't just let it sit in a plastic bin. Jerseys are meant to be seen. Pair a 90s throwback with some clean black jeans and sneakers, or go full "dad mode" with the 70s gold jersey and some light-wash denim.
The Kings have one of the most diverse visual histories in the NHL. From the flamboyant 60s to the gritty 90s and the championship-winning modern era, there is a jersey for every kind of fan.
What to Look for Next
If you're looking to start a collection, don't just go for the biggest names. Sure, a Gretzky or a Dionne is great, but a Rogie Vachon or a Luc Robitaille throwback has a bit more "insider" credibility.
Keep an eye on the Kings' official team store during "Heritage Nights." They often release limited-run authentic recreations that use the original heavy-duty materials but with a slightly more modern fit. It’s the best way to get the look without the "old clothes" smell.
Also, check out local estate sales in the South Bay. You’d be surprised how many original 1970s jerseys are sitting in attics in Hermosa Beach or Manhattan Beach, left behind by original season ticket holders. Those are the real treasures.
The los angeles kings jersey throwback isn't going anywhere. As the team continues to evolve and move toward a new era of stars like Anže Kopitar and Drew Doughty eventually retiring, the nostalgia for the "good old days" will only grow. Whether you prefer the royal purple or the silver and black, these jerseys are a piece of California history. They represent a time when hockey was a weird, cold experiment in the middle of a sun-drenched desert city. And man, did we look good doing it.
To get started on your own collection, focus on identifying the specific era that resonates with your personal history with the team. Research the specific "on-ice" specs for that year—such as the presence of a "fight strap" or the specific brand of the manufacturer—to ensure you are buying an authentic piece of history rather than a mass-produced knockoff. Check verified memorabilia forums like SportsLogos.net or specialized jersey groups on social media to cross-reference tag styles and stitching patterns before dropping significant cash on a vintage find.