Don’t mess with tradition.

Alabama’s classic crimson and white uniform is one of college football’s most iconic looks, free of flashy accents and helmet options that has defined the uniform era over the last decade. The lack of pizzazz is what makes the Crimson Tide’s sets so unique, Penn State or Michigan-like in their traditional, recognizable appearance.

NCAA Football: SEC Championship-Alabama vs Georgia

Alabama’s current crimson helmet with white numerals and a gray facemask was introduced in 1960 and has been the gameday staple since, paired with the team’s familiar all-white road combination or crimson jerseys at home. In 1971, the Crimson Tide officially retired their white helmets which had been worn various times during the 1950s and 1960s. They were re-introduced for a couple of games during the 1983 and 1984 seasons.

Screen Shot 2015-04-08 at 1.07.03 PMAlabama’s gameday pants, white with two crimson stripes, first appeared in 1958, just before Joe Namath arrived on campus a few years later. Ironically, player names weren’t added on the backs of jerseys until the 1981 campaign.

Prior to the inaugural College Football Playoff last season, Nike updated the four participating teams’ uniforms with a diamond-jeweled swoosh and a new Mach Speed baselayer. Alabama’s minor makeover was its first apparel change in several years, joining a special 2012 BCS National Championship Game ensemble and a Pro Combat ‘houndstooth’ alternate in 2010.

The Crimson Tide signed a seven-year extension with Nike in 2010, making it the most lucrative Nike deal in college sports. Alabama is sporting the swoosh at least until 2018. Valued at $30 million in cash, Alabama surpassed previous Nike leader North Carolina on a deal that pays out $3.75 million annually.

Current uniform combinations