The Carolina Hurricanes have a jersey history as dynamic and turbulent as the weather pattern that inspired their name. Since relocating from Hartford in 1997, the Hurricanes' jerseys have undergone several transformations, reflecting the team's identity, its connection to its predecessor, and evolving design trends.

Upon arriving in North Carolina, the Hurricanes adopted a color scheme of red, black, and silver, a departure from the Hartford Whalers' iconic blue, green, and white. The original home jerseys were primarily red with black and silver trim, featuring the distinctive warning flag pattern around the hem. The away jerseys were white with similar striping and the same warning flag detail. This design remained largely unchanged for over a decade and became synonymous with the Hurricanes, worn during their successful 2002 playoff run and their 2006 Stanley Cup victory.

In 2008, the Hurricanes introduced their first alternate jersey, a black design with a modernized hurricane logo on the chest. This marked a shift towards a more aggressive and contemporary look.

A significant redesign occurred in 2013. The Hurricanes aimed for a streamlined aesthetic, but the result was widely criticized. The home jerseys lost much of their black accents, and the warning flags disappeared, creating a bland and generic appearance. The away jerseys featured a red shoulder yoke, a design element that did little to improve the overall look. These jerseys were perceived as a misstep, failing to capture the team's energy or resonate with fans.

Adidas became the NHL's jersey manufacturer in 2017, leading to some improvements in the Hurricanes' uniforms. The team introduced a new alternate jersey, a black design that was later adopted as the new home jersey.

The Hurricanes have also embraced their Hartford Whalers heritage with throwback jerseys. These popular jerseys, featuring the iconic Whalers logo and colors, have been worn for special "Heritage" games, celebrating the franchise's history.

The NHL's "Reverse Retro" program has provided opportunities for further experimentation. In 2021, the Hurricanes unveiled a Reverse Retro jersey that put a modern twist on the Whalers' classic look, using a silver/gray color scheme to tie it to the current Hurricanes' identity. The 2022 Reverse Retro jersey featured "CANES" lettering across a red and black jersey with the storm flag circling the waistline.

In their relatively short history, the Carolina Hurricanes' jerseys have reflected a team searching for a consistent identity. From the original warning flag design to the Whalers' tributes and modern variations, the Hurricanes' jersey evolution tells the story of a franchise striving to connect with its past while forging its own unique path.