The Rise of Retro Trends in Football Casual Culture
The Rise of Retro Trends in Football Casual Culture
Blog Article
Football is more than just a game; for many it's a way of life. While there are many fan subcultures to have emerged over the years, none is as distinct and recognizable as the casuals of football. They are rooted in the terraces of the UK, the casual movement is a mixture of a love for football and a love for fashion as well as an aura of insurrection. This article delves into the history, origins, and influence of football casuals C.P. Company.
The History of Football Casuals
The football casual movement started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the around the beginning of 1980s across the United Kingdom. It was born from an need to stand out in the throng of football fans that were associated with the punk or skinhead scene. Casuals wanted to distance themselves from the skinhead and punk groups, and did this by sporting high-end, sporty and clothes that were designed by designers.
Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and Sergio Taccchini were the clothes of the casual crowd. These brands symbolized exclusivity and style, a stark contrast to the raucous and rebellious style of different fan groups. Fans of football visiting from European away games brought back high-end clothing that was not widely sold in the UK creating a style that would soon sweep across the country.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
At its base, the casual trend is all about fashion. The casual style typically includes:
Designer Tracksuits Brands like Fila and Adidas were the top choice for tracksuits. Often, they were in vivid colors and in unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim Affixed to casual trainers Denim was a go-to for casual wear.
Iconic Clothing Nike trainers Adidas particularly that of Samba as well as the Gazelle versions, become iconic within the casual scene.
Outerwear: Jackets by brands such as CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry created a practical, but fashionable look to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals frequently wore capes or scarves made of baseball, subtilly mixing club colors with their high-fashion outfits.
This zeal for style was not just about fashion but also a way of avoiding detection. By dressing inconspicuously in designer clothes, casuals were able to blend in with crowds and avoid authorities at games, especially in a time of the sport was fraught with violence.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals were the spirit of loyalty and camaraderie. The football casuals movement was built on three main pillars.
Football Casuals were most importantly, committed fans of their clubs. Game days were sacred and backing their team was an act of honor.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their local areas, and matches often became arenas for rival groups to establish their dominance. This territorial aspect fueled conflicts that often escalated into confrontations.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style created a sense of belonging. Wearing the same brands and having similar interests helped to create the formation of a community.
While the casual style has times been compared to hooliganism, it's crucial to observe that not all casuals were violent. For some, it was all about celebrating football and expressing individuality by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has evolved drastically since its birth. In the 1990s there was a decline as football became more commercialized, and the game's working-class roots began to fade away. But the casual game wasn't entirely gone, but it evolved and changed.
The influence of casuals is observed in the mainstream fashion. Brands such as Stone Island and CP Company that were once considered to be niche labels for the terrace, are now loved by celebrities and fashion people. The revival old-fashioned sportswear have brought classic Adidas tracksuits, trainers and Fila tracksuits back to the forefront.
Modern footballers are still embracing aspects of the casual style which is paired with contemporary streetwear. The legacy of the movement continues, on the field as well as on the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The football casuals have left a mark to popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have depicted the style of life, though often focusing on its more violent aspects. The same goes for music genres like Britpop during the 1990s were heavily influenced from casual fashion that saw bands like Oasis and Blur adopting the style.
Social media also plays part in keeping the movement going. Platforms like Instagram show modern versions of casual fashion, urging new generations of soccer fans to embrace the look.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What started in the UK has since spread to other countries. There are football casuals in countries such as Italy, Russia, and Brazil with each bringing their distinctive twist to the trend. The passion for football and fashion transcends boundaries as it brings together fans of a common culture.
In regions like Italy casual styles have incorporated elements of luxury brands like copyright and Prada, reflecting the country's deep-rooted fashion heritage. When it comes to Eastern Europe, the movement generally adopts a more practical and rugged style mixing streetwear and the more traditional casual look.
Conclusion
The casual football movement is an interesting blend of fashion, sport, and subculture. Its influence goes beyond the playing fields, influencing the fashion scene and influencing popular culture. What began as a method for fans of football to show their individuality and loyalty has become the world's most popular sport, proving that the interplay between sport and style is a formidable force.
If you're a fan of the easygoing lifestyle, it's far more than just clothing and football--it's a statement of identity and celebration of communities, and a tribute to the wonderful game.