Football is more than an athletic event; for a lot of they are a way of life. While there are many fan subcultures that have emerged over the years there is none that is as distinct and memorable as casuals of football. In the terraces in the UK and the United States, the casual style is a mixture of a love for the game and a passion for fashion as well as an aura of insurrection. This article examines the roots, development, and influence of football casuals Unfair Athletics.
The History of the Football Casuals
The football casual movement began in the late 1970s and around the beginning of 1980s across the United Kingdom. It was born from the desire to stand out among a crowd of football fans, many of whom were associated with the punk or skinhead culture. Casuals sought to dissociate themselves from these types of groups, and they did so by embracing high-end sportswear and fashionable clothing.
Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and even Sergio Tacchini have become the clothing of popular choice for casuals. These labels represented exclusivity and style, a stark contrast to the more rugged and rebellious look of various fan groups. Football fans that returned home from European away games brought back high-end clothing that was not widely available in the UK which sparked a new trend which would soon be sweeping across the nation.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
At its heart, the casual style is all about fashion. The casual look is typically characterized by:
Designer Tracksuits: Brands like Fila along with Adidas were the best-known for tracksuits, usually in colorful and striking designs.
Stonewashed Denim worn with casual trainers Denim was a go-to for a casual outfit.
Iconic Clothing Nike trainers Adidas specifically that of Samba as well as the Gazelle styles, would become famous among the casual crowd.
Outerwear: Jackets by brands like CP Company, Stone Island and Burberry created a practical, but fashionable layer to the outfit.
Accessories: Casuals often sported baseball caps and scarves, subtly blending colors from the club with their trendy outfits.
This obsession with fashion was not just about looking fashionable and glam, but it was an opportunity to avoid detection. By putting on a casual dress garments, casuals could blend into crowds and escape the police's surveillance during games, especially during an era when the sport was fraught with violence.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond the fashions, football casuals created the values of loyalty, and camaraderie. The sport was founded on three principles:
Football Casuals were first and foremost, dedicated fans and their team. It was a sacred day to play, as was supporting their club a matter of pride.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their communities The games were frequently venues for rival groups to establish their dominance. The territorial nature of games fueled tensions that could escalate into a war.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style gave them a sense of belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing the same passions helped create the formation of a community.
Although casual wear has sometimes been linked with hooliganism, it's important to be aware that not all casuals involved in violence. For many, it was more about enjoying football and showing their individuality by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has changed drastically since its birth. In the 1990s there was decline in popularity as football became more commercialized, and the game's traditional working-class roots started to disappear. However, the casual movement did not completely disappear; it adapted and transformed.
The influence of casuals can be observed in the mainstream fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company were once a niche brand for the terraces, are highly sought-after by celebrities and fashion avids. The revival in retro-style sportswear is bringing classic Adidas footwear and Fila tracksuits back to the limelight.
Modern footballers continue to adore aspects of the casual look, blending it with contemporary streetwear. The legacy of the movement is still evident, in the stands as well as on the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football leave a lasting impression over popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have described the life of football, although generally focusing on its violent aspects. Similarly, music genres such as Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced from casual fashion that saw bands like Oasis and Blur taking on the look.
Social media also plays an important role in keeping the trend alive. Platforms such as Instagram offer modern interpretations of casual styles, and inspire new generations of football lovers to embrace the look.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What began in the UK has since spread to other countries. There are football casuals in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil, each adding their distinctive twist to the trend. The passion for football and fashion transcends boundaries, uniting fans in an international culture.
In countries like Italy casual clothing has incorporated elements of luxury brands like copyright and Prada as a tribute to the country's rich fashion history. If you're in Eastern Europe, the movement usually adopts a basic and rugged style, blending streetwear with the classic casual style.
Conclusion
The casual football movement is a fascinating blend of style, sport and subculture. Its influence extends far beyond the pitch, forming trending fashions and inspiring pop culture. What started out as a way for fans of football to show their affection and personal loyalty has turned into a global phenomenon, and has proven that the combination of sport and style can be a significant force.
If you're someone who loves the casual lifestyle, it's more than just clothing and football. It's also a declaration of identity and a celebration of community, and a homage to the beauty of football.