How has football influenced fashion?
Football is viewed as the most popular sport in the world, so it’s unsurprising that its influence extends far beyond the pitch. It even shapes some of the clothes we wear. From iconic kits to streetwear trends, let’s take a look at how the sport has changed the fashion industry.
Evolution of football kits
Football kits have evolved from functional clothing to popular fashion staples. Fans no longer restrict their jerseys to match days and proudly wear them as everyday attire.
The collaboration between football clubs and high-end fashion brands has also played a major role in promoting football kits. For example, Jordan collaborated with Paris Saint Germain to produce some of their jerseys, the first being the 2018/19 third shirt.
Additionally, Italian football club Juventus and their long-time kit supplier Adidas drafted in skate brand Palace for a surprise shirt in 2019.
Football-inspired streetwear
Football has been a major source of inspiration for numerous streetwear brands. Take classic staples like oversized jerseys, graphic tees, colourful tracksuits, and rain jackets, which have all been worn by fans in football terraces for decades.
The cultural significance behind terrace wear began in the late 1970s and early 80s, when young fans would travel abroad and spot new trends among their European counterparts. After they returned home, they could be seen wearing pieces by brands such as C.P. Company, Lacoste, and Stone Island. To this day, these brands continue to keep the spirit of terrace fashion alive, producing quality pieces for the new generation.
The popularity of these pieces has also led to a resurgence of classic football-inspired footwear. Trainers like the Adidas Samba and Puma King, which were originally designed for footballers, have now become the go-to choice for football fans and fashion-conscious individuals alike. Some limited-edition pieces are considered collectables and can sell for large sums of money.
Popularity of football jerseys
Football shirts are must-have merchandise for fans to support their favourite team or player on match days. They often develop a strong connection to their team’s jerseys, seeing them as a source of identity and loyalty.
The collectable value of football shirts has also increased over the years. Vintage shirts from iconic teams or historic matches can be highly sought-after and seen as pieces of sporting heritage.
Brand partnerships with footballers
Football players are mostly known for their skills but some have also become fashion icons, receiving big brand deals from major companies. Players like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have used their superstar status to release clothing and aftershave lines, offering fans exclusive merchandise.Beckham’s partnership with H&M has resulted in highly successful clothing lines that combine his style with the brand’s high-quality fashion. In addition, Burberry’s partnership with Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford improved the visibility of the brand while also raising money for youth centres – something the footballer is openly passionate about.
