Football is not just it's a sport. For many they are a way of living. While there are many fan subcultures that have come up over the decades but none is as distinctive and well-known as football casuals. Originating from the terraces of the UK the casual movement is a fusion of enthusiasm for the sport and a passion for fashion and a spirit of rebelliousness. This article discusses the roots, development, and influence of football casuals Casual Clothing.
The Origins of Football Casuals
The movement for casual football started in the late 1970s and during the first half of the 80's United Kingdom. It was born out of a need to stand out in an influx of football fans and many of them were associated with the punk or skinhead culture. Casuals sought to separate themselves from such groups and they did it by embracing high-end sportswear and fashionable clothing.
Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and Sergio Taccchini have become the clothing of popular choice for casuals. These brands symbolized exclusivity and fashion, which was a stark contrast from the rough and rebellious style of different fan clubs. Fans of football visiting from European away games brought back fashion-forward clothing that wasn't readily found in UK that sparked a trend that would soon take over the nation.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
In its essence, the casual style is all about fashion. The casual look typically features:
Designer Tracksuits Brands like Fila along with Adidas were the preferred choice for tracksuits. They often came in bright colors and with unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim With casual sneakers jeans were a popular choice for a casual outfit.
Iconic Shoes Nike trainers Adidas, especially their Samba and Gazelle versions, become famous in the casual world.
Outerwear Jackets from companies such as CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry added a practical yet fashionable layer to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals usually wore jackets with baseball caps as well as scarves. mixing the colors of their club with their fashionable outfits.
This style obsession wasn't just about appearance and glam, but it was also a way of avoiding being caught. Through the use of subtle clothing, such as designer clothes, casuals would blend into crowds and evade authorities at games, especially during a time in which the gangs of football were rampant.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, casual football attire embodied the spirit of loyalty and camaraderie. The sport was founded on three principals:
Football: Casuals were, in the first place, devoted fans and their team. The days of matches were holy, as was supporting their club an act of pride.
Territorial Pride: Casuals portrayed their regions and games frequently became arenas for rival groups to take on the upper hand. This territorial aspect fuelled tensions that could escalate into fights.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinctive fashion style gave them a sense belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing the same passions fostered the feeling of belonging to a tightly knit community.
While the casual lifestyle has at times been linked to hooliganism. It's vital to observe that not all casuals involved in violence. For some, it was all about celebration of football and expressing oneself by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has grown substantially since its inception. In the 90s, it experienced an increase in popularity as football became more commercialized and the game's traditional working-class roots were eroded. However, the casual movement didn't completely disappear, it continued to evolve and adapt.
The influence of casuals is recognized in mainstream fashion. Brands such as Stone Island and CP Company that were once considered to be niche labels for the terrace, are now popular with celebrities and fashion fans. The revival fashions of the past has brought traditional Adidas trainers and Fila tracksuits into the spotlight.
Modern soccer fans are continuing to embrace elements of a casual, relaxed style which is paired with contemporary streetwear. The legacy of the movement is still evident, on the field as well as on the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football leave a lasting impression on popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have been able to portray the style, but often focusing on its more violent aspects. The same goes for music genres like Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced in part by casual fashion including bands like Oasis and Blur adopting the style.
Social media has also played an important part in keeping the trend alive. Platforms such as Instagram display modern interpretations casual style, encouraging new generations of footballers to embrace the style.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What started in the UK has now spread globally. The football casual look can be found in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil with each bringing their individual twist to the style. The passion shared by football fans and fashion transcends boundaries connecting fans to a universal culture.
In regions like Italy casuals have also incorporated elements of top fashion brands like copyright and Prada and reflect the country's long-standing fashion tradition. The fashion scene in Eastern Europe, the movement generally adopts a more basic and rugged style that blends streetwear with the more traditional casual look.
Conclusion
The football casual movement is an intriguing blend of styles, sports, and subculture. Its influence extends far beyond the football field, influencing fashionable fashion trends, and inspiring popular culture. It was initially a means to allow football fans to express individuality and loyalty has become an international phenomenon that proves that the intersection of sport and style is a formidable force.
For those who live a informal lifestyle, it's more than clothes and football. It's an expression of identity, a celebration of communities, and a tribute to the beauty of football.