Football kits are the intersection of sport and fashion. Read on to discover how sportswear has become extremely fashionable nowadays
Football is perhaps the finest sport on earth. In a lot of places, it is followed fanatically where the result of a match can determine your mood for the rest of the week. Most supporters cheer on their local team, but the rapid globalisation of the game means that more elite clubs have an international fanbase. For the people selecting a club outside geography, there are various different things which can pull you in. The famous clubs in soccer history are celebrated for their world-class players, magnificent grounds and classic football kits. The famous Catalonian club is so popular not simply for their trophies, but additionally the iconic blue and garnet (blaugrana) strip. Likewise, the owner of AC Milan has experienced the same colours as the players set foot inside the pitch. With grand teams like these, the shirts are instantly recognizable to passionate enthusiasts and casual observers.
When football was first invented, everyone would basically put on whatever was nearest in their closet. Nowadays, professional players are decked out in the latest scientifically designed, fashion conscious and sponsorship branded uniform. The changing appearance illustrates the increasing professionalism and funding in the game. Annually, a number of players line up to formally celebrate the newest home and away strips (and occasionally garish third kits) that load the club stores. But despite these commercial ventures, most supporters are switching back to older designs. The increasing popularity of retro football shirts is often rooted in nostalgia chiefly amongst older supporters. Iconic strips from trophy winning teams are remembered. The unusual designs also stand out. Who can forget the mushed banana look worn around Highbury at one time? The owner of Coventry City is not likely to forget the brown away kit that attracted headlines a few decades ago.
Not long ago, donning the full football kit was reserved for young children and matchday mascots. Yet in the last few decades, it has turned into an international markets of replica football kits and knockoffs. Manufacturing the latest shorts, tops and socks is a science by itself. The shirts are designed with innovative materials for convenience and versatility. A specific material referred to as wicking fabric is preferred with polymer fibres to stop it from catching sweat. However the design goes beyond what goes into the manufacturing procedure. Many players resemble mobile advertising billboards these days. It might appear unimportant, but specifically players pull over themselves is essential from a commercial point of view. For example, it is widely understood that teams in red sell the most tops in Asia, which is considered a lucky color. Corporate sponsorship approaches frequently drive the design. However this doesn't always run smoothly. The owner of Cardiff became a subject of discussion when he changed the customary colours from blue to red.