2004-2020 — The Modern Stripes
For the first time in 23 years and just the second time in team history, the Bengals' uniform underwent a complete redesign in 2004.
The team's signature tiger-striped helmet, widely considered among the most distinctive in football since its introduction in 1981, was not altered. The changes to the rest of the new uniform, however, were numerous.
The most noticeable differences from the previous design were the additions of a third jersey, a second pant and a second sock. To supplement the black and white jerseys, the team added a special-occasion orange jersey which could be worn in up to two games per year. Black pants were added to the lineup, marking the first time in team history that pants of a color other than white were officially part of the team's uniform. And, the orange-topped sock — worn in the 1981-96 uniform era — returned to the lineup as a mix-and- match option, joining the black-topped sock introduced in '97.
All three jerseys displayed a new tiger- stripe pattern on the shoulders. The black jersey featured orange sleeves, and orange trim on the sleeves and collar. The white and orange jerseys had black sleeves, with black sleeve and collar trim. The sleeves of all three jerseys were given white undersides. On the black and orange jerseys, the white undersides on the sleeves continued as wide stripes down the sides.
Modern, more rounded numerals replaced the block-letter uniform numbers that had adorned Bengals jerseys of the past, and the orange outline on the new numbers was given a shadow effect. In addition, the leaping tiger logo was removed from the sleeve, while the team's new striped "B" logo was placed in the center of the chest area, just below the neckline.
Both pants featured a new tiger-stripe pattern on the sides of the legs. However, unlike the old stripes, the new stripes did not extend straight down the full length of the legs. Instead, the new stripes curved slightly forward to a point just above the knees.
Uniform Fun Facts
Modern Stripes Uniforms In Action
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs with the football during a week 10 NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, November 11, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals defeated the Giants 31-13. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Jordan Willis (75) runs in pursuit during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 30-16. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) calls a play as he stands in the offensive huddle with team mates during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, in Cincinnati. The Bengals won 30-16. (Scott Boehm via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) reacts with defensive back Darqueze Dennard (21) during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Patriots won 34-13. (Aaron Doster via AP)
CINCINNATI, OH - DECEMBER 24: Cedric Benson #32 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the football during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Paul Brown Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Benagals defeated the Cardinals 23-16. (AP Photo/Scott Boehm)
Rey Maualuga #58 and Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals line up against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 23, 2012 in Pittsburgh. The Bengals won 13-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Carlos Dunlap (96) celebrates after making a tackle during the NFL week 2 football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday, Sept. 16, 2013, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Bengals won the game 20-10. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Brandon Tate (19) runs during the NFL regular season game against the Houston Texans on Monday, Nov. 16, 2015 in Cincinnati. The Texans won, 10-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Cincinatti Bengals half back Cedric Benson (32) gains 6 yards being pursued by Pittsburgh Steelers corner back William Gay (22) during the NFL week 9 football game on Monday November 8, 2010 in Cincinnati, OH. The Steelers won the game 27-21. (AP Photo/Jim Mahoney)
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Monday, Nov. 14, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York 21-20. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Houston Texans linebacker John Simon (51) looks to tackle Bengals kick returner Adam Jones (24) during a Monday Night Week 10 NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Nov. 16, 2015, in Cincinnati. The Texans beat the Bengals 10-6. (Matt Patterson via AP)
Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs with the ball during the NFL week 4 football game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2013, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Joe Robbins)
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt (57) tackles Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (12) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 06, 2019, in Cincinnati. The Cardinals won 26-23. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Andy Dalton #14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks on against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game on Dec. 23, 2012 in Pittsburgh. The Bengals won 13-10. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Jermaine Gresham #84 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs with the football after a reception against the New York Jets during a preseason NFL football game on Aug. 10, 2012 in Cincinnati. (Joe Robbins via AP)