A Deep Dive into Football Casual Style Essentials

Football Casuals A subculture defined by Passion and Style
Football is more than an activity; for a large portion of people players, it's a way to live life. Among the various fan subcultures which have emerged through the decades however none is as distinct and recognizable as the casual footballers. They are rooted in the terraces of the UK, the casual movement is a blend of passion for football and a passion for fashion, and an aura of discontent. This article focuses on the roots, evolution and influence of football casuals.

The Origins of Casual Football
The football casual movement started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the early 1980s in the United Kingdom. It was born out of a desire to stand out among the crowd of football supporters and many of them were associated with the punk or skinhead culture. Casuals wanted a way to stand out from such groups which they did by sporting high-end, sporty and designer clothing.

Brands such as Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse, and even Sergio Tacchini became the uniform of the casual crowd. These brands symbolized exclusivity and style, a stark contrast to the rugged and rebellious look of various fan groups. Football fans returning from European away games brought back fashion-forward clothing that wasn't readily offered in the UK leading to a flurry of fashion which would soon be sweeping across the country.

The Style That Defined a Subculture
At its core, the casual style is all about fashion. The casual look typically features:

Designer Tracksuits: Brands like Fila as well as Adidas were the preferred choice for tracksuits. They often came in bright colors and with unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim Affixed to casual trainers jeans were a common choice for match-day outfits.
Iconic Shoes Shoes from Adidas in particular, those of the Samba as well as Gazelle styles, would become famous on the casual market.
Outerwear: Jackets from brands like CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry have added a practical and elegant layer to the look.
Accessories: Casuals often sported sports caps or scarfs. They subtly blending shades of club colours with their fashion-forward clothes.
This obsession with fashion was not just about fashion but also a way of avoiding detection. By dressing discreetly in designer clothes, casuals would be spotted in crowds and get around officers at games especially during a time in which there was a lot of football-related hooliganism.

The Culture of  Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals represented an atmosphere of loyalty as well as camaraderie. The sport was founded on three fundamental pillars:

Football: Casuals were, in the first place, devoted supporters of their clubs. Match days were sacred, and backing their team was an act of honor.
Territorial Pride: Casuals were a representation of their region and games often turned into venues for rival groups to assert dominance. This territorial aspect fuelled rivalries, which sometimes turned into clashes.
Unity and Identity: The casuals' distinct design created a sense belonging. Wearing the same brands and sharing similar interests helped to create an intimate group.
While the casual movement has often been associated with hooliganism, it's crucial to note that not all casuals participated in violent activities. For the majority of them, it was about being a fan of soccer and expressing their individuality by wearing fashion.

The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has changed considerably since its start. In the 1990s, it experienced an increase in popularity as football became more commercialized and the game's working-class roots diminished. However, the casual movement was never completely gone; it continued to evolve and adapt.

The influence of casuals can be seen in mainstream fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company are no longer niche brands that were primarily aimed at the terrace, are now highly sought-after by celebrities and fashion lovers. The resurgence from the era of sportswear that was popular in past times has brought old Adidas sneakers and Fila tracksuits back in the spotlight.

Modern soccer fans are continuing to embrace elements of a casual, relaxed style by blending it with modern streetwear. The legacy of the movement is still evident, on the field as well as in the streets.

Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football have left a mark to popular culture. Films such as The Football Factory and Green Street have described the life of football, although typically focusing on its violent aspects. Similar to music genres, like Britpop during the 1990s were heavily influenced by casual style and bands such as Oasis and Blur adopting the fashion.

Social media also plays an integral role in keeping this movement alive. Platforms such as Instagram show modern versions of casual fashion, urging new generations of footballers to embrace the look.

The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
The trend that began in the UK is now spreading across the globe. Football casuals can be found in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil all of which have their unique spin to the movement. The love for football and fashion transcends boundaries creating a universal culture.

In countries like Italy casual wear has been incorporated into elements from high-end brands such as Gucci and Prada as a tribute to the country's deep-rooted fashion heritage. If you're in Eastern Europe, the movement generally adopts a more practical and rugged style mixing streetwear and the more traditional casual look.

Conclusion
The movement of casual football is a fascinating mixture of sports, style and subculture. The influence of the sport extends beyond the football field, influencing fashionable fashion trends, and inspiring popular culture. What started as a way to allow football fans to express dedication and individuality has become an international phenomenon, showing that the combination of sport and style is a powerful force.

For those who live a easygoing lifestyle, it's far more than just clothing and soccer. It's a statement of identity, a celebration of community, and a salute to the beauty of football.