"I'd go as far to say it's something of a masterpiece," was one of the comments on stage at the British and Irish Lions kit launch in London. Surely everyone can agree that is quite an overreaction, given the first thought that popped into this writer's head when images of the new shirt for 2025 were sent out was that with its "unique jacquard pattern" it looks more like your nan's curtains.
Attempting to pay homage to the four nations involved is admirable - although isn't that what the crest is for? - and going for a pattern which features England's rose, Scotland's thistle, Ireland's shamrock and Wales' feathers is quite bold, although arguably not a success.
There are positives. It is a cleaner design than the promo shots suggest. A grandad collar is not on par with the big collars from the 1990s and early 2000s but it is better than no collar (looking at you, 2009 and 2021).
Sam Warburton was brought in to consult on the durability and performance aspects of the shirt, which seems like a smart move. And by the end of the tour you might read 'Howden' on the front and actually think about the global insurance company, rather than that new kitchen you have been dreaming of made by a company with a very similar name.
The price, you ask? £82 for a replica, £75 for long-sleeve, £70 for a short-sleeved classic and £60 for a junior replica version. For comparison, the latest England kit by Umbro costs £80, £80, £74 and £64 for those same versions. The best bit of new Lions stash might actually be the fleece.
Any test for a new Lions shirt is surely whether you feel compelled enough after seeing it to trade in your trusty shirt from previous tours for a new one, and on first reaction it is hard to see why you feel an urge to do that.
This is Canterbury's third shirt in a row and the 2021 strip, which sadly fans were not able to wear in South Africa due to the pandemic, in a way was more interesting while also being less busy, with its touches of blue and green on the sleeves and subtle lion graphic on each arm. If the choice was to purchase a new shirt or to go for a cheaper strip from four years ago, the latter is more appealing.