Football is more than just it's a sport. For many it's an integral part of life. While there are many fan subcultures that have emerged over the years there is none that is as distinct and as well-known as the casuals of football. In the terraces in the UK the casual movement is a combination of love for the game and fashion, as well as a desire for style as well as an aura of rebelliousness. This article focuses on the roots, evolution and impact of casual football Casual Store Deutschland.
The History of the Football Casuals
The movement for casual football started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the mid-80s throughout the United Kingdom. It was born out of an desire to stand apart in an influx of football fans most of whom were associated with punk or skinhead scene. Casuals wanted a way to stand out from the gangs, which they did with high-end sporting wear and designer clothes.
Brands such as Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse along with Sergio Tacchini were the norm of choices for casuals. These brands represented exclusivity as well as aesthetics, a stark contrast against the rebellious and rugged images of the other clubs. Football fans return from European away matches brought back designer clothing that wasn't widely made available within the UK and sparked a fashion that would soon sweep across the nation.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
At its core, the casual movement is about fashion. The casual look is typically characterized by:
Designer Tracksuits Brands such as Fila or Adidas were the most popular for tracksuits. They often came in bright colors and with unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim The pair was paired with casual trainers jeans were a must for casual attire.
Iconic Clothing Nike trainers Adidas and Nike, particularly models like the Samba as well as the Gazelle models, became famous within the casual scene.
Outerwear Jackets from companies like CP Company, Stone Island and Burberry made for a practical, yet elegant layer to the look.
Accessories Casuals typically wore capes or scarves made of baseball, subtilly mixing club colors with their high-fashion clothes.
This style obsession was not just about fashion it was also a way to avoid detection. By putting on a casual dress garments, casuals could blend into crowds and escape officers at games particularly in the era of football hooliganism was rife.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals embodied a culture of loyalty and camaraderie. The movement was built around three principles:
Football Casuals were in the first place, devoted supporters and their team. They were devoted to their teams on match days, as was supporting their club an act of respect.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their locales and games often turned into arenas where rival groups could assert dominance. The territorial aspect of the game fueled the rivalries that eventually escalated into confrontations.
Unity and Identity: The casuals' distinctive style created a sense of belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing the same values created an intimate community.
Although casual wear has sometimes been linked to hooliganism, it's important to take note that not all casuals involved in violence. For some, it was all about celebration of football and expressing oneself through fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has evolved substantially since its inception. In the 1990s it witnessed a decrease in the popularity of football as it became more commercialized, and the game's working-class roots started to disappear. But the casual game did not completely disappear; it adapted and transformed.
Today, the influence of casuals can be noticed in the fashion of the day. Brands such as Stone Island and CP Company that were once considered to be niche labels for the terraces, have become appreciated by celebrities as well as fashion people. The resurgence from the era of sportswear that was popular in past times has brought iconic Adidas sneakers and Fila tracksuits into the spotlight.
Modern footballers continue to adopt aspects of the casual look by blending it with modern streetwear. The legacy of the movement continues, in the stands as well as on the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football leave a lasting impression to popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have depicted the lifestyle, albeit generally focusing on its violent aspects. Also, music genres like Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced in part by casual fashion that saw bands like Oasis and Blur adopting the fashion.
Social media also plays an integral role in keeping this trend alive. Platforms like Instagram offer modern interpretations of casual style, encouraging younger generations of football enthusiasts to embrace the style.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What began in the UK has since spread to other countries. The casual football attire can be seen in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil each with their own individual twist to the style. The love for football and fashion transcends borders as it brings together fans of a universal culture.
In cities like Italy casual styles have incorporated elements of luxury brands like copyright and Prada in a way that reflects the country's long-standing fashion tradition. If you're in Eastern Europe, the movement usually adopts a practical and rugged style which blends streetwear and more traditional casual look.
Conclusion
The movement of casual football is a fascinating blend of style, sport and subculture. Its influence extends well beyond the terraces, shaping fashionable fashion trends, and inspiring pop culture. What started out as a way for football players to express the individuality and loyalty of their fans has grown into a global phenomenon, proving that the intersection between sport and style is a formidable force.
For those who embrace the informal lifestyle, it's much more than just clothing and football. It's a declaration identity that celebrates community, and an ode to the beauty of football.