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Glossary · Definition

Holographic finish

A metallic, light-refracting layer applied over a silicone badge so the surface shifts colour as the angle of light changes.

What holographic means on a kit

Holographic finish is a top layer applied over a silicone badge. The surface contains microscopic structures that diffract light, so the badge shifts colour as the viewer's angle changes — silver to blue to violet to amber, depending on the specific holographic film used.

Underneath, the construction is identical to a standard silicone badge: a moulded silicone shape heat-pressed onto a sublimated base. The holographic film is the visible top surface.

How it actually looks

Three contexts:

  • Daylight, outdoor matches — reads as a clean metallic. Subtle, premium.
  • Floodlights / artificial light — the shift kicks in. The badge flickers between colours as players move.
  • Photography — high-impact. This is the finish that gets the most reactions in match-day social posts.

Where holographic makes sense

It's the right call when the kit needs to do brand work as well as football work. Specifically:

  • Clubs with a strong visual identity who want their kit to be photogenic.
  • Charity matches or one-off events where the kit will be filmed or photographed.
  • Semi-pro clubs whose home games are streamed.
  • Squads who want a kit that's distinct from the rest of their league.

For straightforward grassroots league play, silicone is usually plenty.

Cost and trade-offs

Holographic at Peaq is +£12 per player on top of the £30 sublimated base — twice the cost of standard silicone.

Care is the same as silicone: wash inside out at 30°C, no tumble dryer, no ironing on the badge. The holographic top layer is robust but the same wash rules apply.

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