It's more than an athletic event; for a lot of it's an integral part of life. Of the numerous fan subcultures that have come up over the years there is none that is as distinct and recognizable as the football casuals. Originating from the terraces of the UK and the United States, the casual style is a fusion of enthusiasm for the game along with a love of fashion and a sense rebellion. This article delves into the history, origins, and impact of casual football Casuals.
The History Of Football Casuals
The movement to become a football casual started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the into the early 80s of United Kingdom. It was born out of an desire to stand out from the crowd of football enthusiasts who were associated with the punk and skinhead scene. Casuals wanted a way to stand out from the gangs, and did so by sporting high-end, sporty and high-end clothing.
Brands such as Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse as well as Sergio Tacchini were the norm of preference for casuals. These brands represented exclusivity as well as style, strikingly different to the more rugged and rebellious look of various fan clubs. Fans of football returning from European away matches brought back clothes that were not readily accessible in the UK, sparking a trend that would soon spread across the country.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
In its essence, the casual movement is about fashion. The casual look typically features:
Designer tracksuits Brands such as Fila as well as Adidas were the preferred choice for tracksuits. Often, they were in colorful and striking designs.
Stonewashed Denim With casual trainers jeans were a must to wear on a match day.
Iconic Shoes Adidas Trainers Adidas and Nike, particularly their Samba as well as the Gazelle models, became famous on the casual market.
Outerwear jackets from designers such as CP Company, Stone Island and Burberry made for a practical, yet elegant layer to the look.
Accessories: Casuals often sported sports caps or scarfs. They subtly blending color schemes with high-fashion clothes.
This obsession with style wasn't just about looking good It was also a method to avoid detection. By dressing inconspicuously in designer attire, casuals could blend into the crowd and avoid police surveillance at games, especially during the time when football hooliganism was rife.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, casual football attire embodied an atmosphere of loyalty and camaraderie. The movement was founded on three principals:
Football Casuals were in the first place, devoted supporters and their team. It was a sacred day to play, and supporting their team was a matter of pride.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their local areas and matches were often venues for rival groups to make their mark. This aspect of territoriality fueled the rivalries that eventually escalated into a war.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style created a sense belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing the same passions helped create the formation of a community.
While casuals have sometimes been linked to hooliganism. It's vital to take note that not all casuals involved in violence. For many, it was about celebration of football and expressing oneself by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has morphed dramatically since its beginning. In the 90s, it experienced decline in popularity as football became more commercialized and the game's working-class roots began to erode. However, the casual movement did not completely disappear; it was able to adapt and change.
Today, the influence of casuals can be observed in the mainstream fashion. Brands such as Stone Island and CP Company, once niche labels for the terraces are now popular with celebrities and fashion lovers. The revival of retro sportswear has brought traditional Adidas shoes and Fila tracksuits into the spotlight.
Modern footballers continue to appreciate elements of the casual fashion, blending it with contemporary streetwear. The tradition of the sport is still alive, in the stands as well as on the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football have left a permanent mark over popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have been able to portray the style, but frequently focusing on its violent aspects. Similarly, music genres such as Britpop in the 1990s were heavily influenced by casual style, with bands like Oasis and Blur taking on the look.
Social media also plays an important role in keeping the movement alive. Platforms like Instagram show modern versions of casual style, inspiring new generations to embrace the style.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What started in the UK has spread across the world. Football casuals can be found in countries such as Italy, Russia, and Brazil each with their own unique spin to the movement. The passion for football and fashion transcends borders connecting fans to one universal society.
In regions like Italy, casuals have incorporated elements of the top fashion brands such as copyright and Prada which reflect the country's roots in fashion. Within Eastern Europe, the movement typically adopts a more utilitarian and rugged aesthetic that combines streetwear with the classic casual style.
Conclusion
The football casual movement is an intriguing blend of sports, style and subculture. The influence of the sport extends beyond the playing fields, influencing styles of fashion and influencing pop culture. What began as a method for football fans to express an individuality and devotion has evolved into a global phenomenon, and has proven that the intersection of sport and style is a formidable force.
If you're someone who loves the informal lifestyle, it's more than clothes and football. It's a declaration identity in celebration of the community, and a homage to the beauty of football.