Football is much more than an activity; for a large portion of people it's an integral part of life. Among the various fan subcultures that have come up over the years however none is as distinct and popular as the football casuals. Rooted in the terraces of the UK, the casual movement is a mix of love for the sport along with a love of fashion as well as an aura of anger. This article delves into the roots, evolution, and the influence of casuals in football Casuals.
The Origins of the Football Casuals
The football casual movement started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the into the early 80s of United Kingdom. It was born from the desire to stand out in an audience of football lovers most of whom were associated with the punk or skinhead scene. Casuals wanted to distinguish themselves from these types of groups, and did so with high-end sporting wear and designer clothes.
Brands such as Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse, and Sergio Taccchini were the clothes of popular choice for casuals. They were synonymous with exclusivity and elegance, a stark contrast to the more rugged and rebellious picture of many other fan clubs. Football fans who returned from European away games brought high-end clothing that was not widely sold in the UK and sparked a fashion that was soon to spread across the country.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
At its base, the casual movement is about fashion. The casual look typically features:
Designer tracksuits Brands like Fila as well as Adidas were the best-known for tracksuits. These were usually striking colors and distinctive designs.
Stonewashed Denim Wear it with casual sneakers, jeans were a staple for casual attire.
Iconic Clothing trainers from Adidas particularly their Samba and Gazelle styles, would become iconic in the casual scene.
Outerwear jackets from designers like CP Company, Stone Island and Burberry gave a practical and fashionable layer to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals are often seen sporting the baseball cap and scarf, subtly mixing club colors with their high-fashion outfits.
This zeal for style was not just about looking fashionable but also a method to avoid detection. By dressing discreetly in designer clothes, casuals were able to blend into crowds, and even evade security at sporting events, particularly in the era of soccer hooliganism was prevalent.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond the fashions, football casuals created the values of loyalty, and camaraderie. The movement was built around three main pillars.
Football: Casuals were, first and foremost, dedicated fans to their respective teams. The days of matches were holy, as was supporting their club something to be proud of.
Territorial Pride: Casuals portrayed their regions and games frequently became arenas for rival groups to take on the upper hand. This aspect of territoriality fueled tensions that could escalate into confrontations.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style created a sense of belonging. Wearing the same brands and sharing the same values created an intimate group.
Although the casual fashion has sometimes been linked with hooliganism it's important to observe that not all casuals engaged in violence. For most, it was about having fun and showing individuality by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual game has developed dramatically since its beginning. In the 1990s it witnessed an increase in popularity as football became more commercialized, and the game's roots in the working class began to erode. But the casual game did not completely disappear; it evolved and changed.
Today, the influence of casuals is seen in fashion trends. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company used to be niche brands for the terraces, have become loved by celebrities and fashion avids. The revival from the era of sportswear that was popular in past times has brought traditional Adidas footwear and Fila tracksuits back to the limelight.
Modern footballers continue to adore elements of the casual aesthetic which is paired with contemporary streetwear. The tradition continues to be cherished, on the field as well as on the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The football casuals have left a permanent mark of popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have described the life of football, although mostly focusing on its more violent aspects. The same goes for music genres like Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced and influenced by casual clothing that saw bands like Oasis and Blur adopting the style.
Social media also plays in keeping the movement going. Platforms such as Instagram showcase modern interpretations of casual styles, and inspire new generations of football lovers to embrace the style.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
The trend that began in the UK has spread across the world. Casual football wear is a common sight in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil all of which have their unique twist to the movement. The love for football and fashion transcends boundaries and brings fans together in a common culture.
In some countries, such as Italy, casuals have incorporated elements of the top fashion brands such as copyright and Prada, reflecting the country's long-standing fashion tradition. For Eastern Europe, the movement generally has a more rustic and utilitarian style that blends streetwear with the typical casual look.
Conclusion
The football casual movement is a fascinating blend of styles, sports, and subculture. Its influence extends well beyond the terraces, shaping the fashion scene and influencing popular culture. What started as a way for football players to express the individuality and loyalty of their fans has grown into a global phenomenon, and has proven that the combination of sport and style is a powerful force.
For those who are a part of the relaxed lifestyle, it's more than just clothing and football. It's also a declaration of identity that celebrates community, and an ode to the game that is so beautiful.