It's more than a sport; for many players, it's a way to live life. Of the numerous fan subcultures which have emerged through the years, none is as distinct and well-known as football casuals. In the terraces in the UK Casual movement is a mixture of a love for the game and a love for fashion and a sense protest. This article delves into the roots, development, and the influence of casuals in football Casuals.
The History of the Football Casuals
The football casual movement began in the latter part of the 1970s and into the around the beginning of 1980s across the United Kingdom. It was born out of the desire to stand out in the throng of football fans who were associated with the punk and skinhead culture. Casuals sought to separate themselves from these groups, and they did this by embracing high-end sportswear and fashion-forward clothing.
Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse, and Sergio Tacchini have become the clothing of preference for casuals. These labels represented exclusivity and elegance, a stark contrast to the more rugged and rebellious images of the other groups. Fans of football return from European away games brought back designer clothing that wasn't widely accessible in the UK leading to a flurry of fashion that was soon to spread across the country.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
In its essence, the casual style is all about fashion. The casual look is typically characterized by:
Designer Tracksuits Brands such as Fila along with Adidas were the best-known for tracksuits. Often, they were in vivid colors and in unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim: Paired with casual trainers jeans were a must for casual wear.
Iconic Footwear trainers from Adidas, especially those of the Samba along with the Gazelle fashions, became iconic on the casual market.
Outerwear Jackets from brands such as CP Company, Stone Island and Burberry added a practical yet fashionable accent to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals commonly wore sports caps or scarfs. They subtly blending color schemes with high-fashion clothes.
This style obsession wasn't just about appearance; it was also a method of avoiding detection. In a manner of dressing casually in designer attire, casuals could blend into the crowd and avoid the surveillance of police at games, particularly in the era of the gangs of football were rampant.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals represented a culture of loyalty and camaraderie. The movement was built around three principals:
Football Casuals were first and foremost, loyal supporters on their squads. The days of matches were holy, and supporting their team was an act of honor.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their communities and games frequently became arenas where rival groups could make their mark. This aspect of territoriality fueled competition that sometimes turned into battles.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct fashion style gave them a sense 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 took part in violent acts. For many, it was more about the sport of football and celebrating individuality through fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has grown 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 diminished. However, the casual style wasn't entirely gone, but it adapted and transformed.
Today, the influence of casuals can be observed in the mainstream fashion. Brands such as Stone Island and CP Company used to be niche brands for terraces, are coveted by celebrities and fashion fans. The resurgence of vintage sportswear brought iconic Adidas trainers and Fila tracksuits back in the spotlight.
Modern football fans continue to embrace aspects of the casual look, blending it with contemporary streetwear. The tradition continues to be cherished, in the stands as well as in the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The football casuals have left a lasting mark of popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have depicted the lifestyle, albeit frequently focusing on its violent aspects. Similarly, music genres such as Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced and influenced by casual clothing including bands like Oasis and Blur taking on the look.
Social media also plays a role in keeping the movement alive. Platforms like Instagram showcase modern interpretations of casual style, encouraging new generations of footballers to embrace the look.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
The trend that began in the UK has since swept across the globe. Casual football wear is a common sight 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 by uniting football fans into a common culture.
In some countries, such as Italy casual wear has been incorporated into elements of high-fashion brands like copyright and Prada in a way that reflects the country's roots in fashion. The fashion scene in Eastern Europe, the movement tends to adopt a more rustic and utilitarian style mixing streetwear and the typical 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 styles of fashion and influencing pop culture. It was initially a means for football fans to show personal identity and loyalty has now become a global phenomenon, proving that the combination of fashion and sport can be a significant force.
For those who embrace the casual lifestyle, it's more than just clothing and football. It's an expression of identity that celebrates community, and a salute to the game that is so beautiful.