Football jerseys have become quite the fashion trend and statement over the last couple of years, we take a closer look at how they've captured the imagination of a wider audience.
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What's the story?
We've seen the likes of Kanye West, Bella Hadid, Kendal Jenner Kim Kardashian and Nick Jonas among other A-list celebrities jump onto the football jersey trend in recent times.
Football jerseys have become more than just what they are. It's grown into a fashion trend, a statement if you will, with fashionistas young and old donning jerseys ranging from vintage to modern designs.
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Let's take a closer look at the rise in popularity of football jerseys.
The Rise Of Football Jerseys In Fashion
Football jerseys and merch in general are worn by more than just your average football fan. They've reached a wider and more fashionable audience in recent times.
Yes Football is still far and away, the biggest sport in the world but the surge in popularity has been a sight to behold, which kicked-off in around 2017 but has grown immensely since 2020.
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The allure behind a footy jersey lies in their uniquely stylish designs and vibrant colours, making them excitable garments for fashion-conscious people that want to give their outfits and extra bit of pop!
In terms of vintage football jerseys, that market has exploded to the point where sportswear brands like adidas have reintroduce older designs for a modern audience.
The re-sale market for retro jerseys is also riding this football tops high, brands like England's Classic Football Shirts have helped lead the way, using social media as a tool to influence collectors and fashion enthusiasts.
Fashion brands like Baleciaga, Wales Bonner, Palace Skateboards, Golf Wang and more recently Stella McCartney also see the value in designing football jerseys, by either collaborating with sportswear brands or simply making their own iterations.
Like NBA jerseys in the 2010s, football jerseys live at the natural intersection of streetwear and sportswear. On TikTok, the football jersey trend is called "Blokecore"
Fashion publication The Cut shared a short guide as to how Gen Z are styling football jerseys, and where the trend might've stemmed from:
"Simply pair a (preferably retro) football-club jersey with Adidas Sambas and oversize jeans, et voilà! You, too, can be a British sports bro. For those whose fashion leans more femme, there is blokette, a combination of blokecore and the dainty, naïve coquette aesthetic. Soccer jerseys can work with bitchy little sunglasses and low-rise pants.
"They are complimented by giant pit vipers and jorts [baggy denim shorts]. You can even style them with tear-away pants and no team affiliation or a belted waist and minimal knowledge of the sport. Such is the unexpected versatility of a soccer jersey," wrote Mia Mercado.
@kayskiz17 Bloke vs blokette core outfits #fashiontiktok #outfitideas #aesthetic ? kendrick x radiohead - dwells
In South Africa, there's a host of retro football jersey sellers out there like the @Vintage_Kitman, where Linda Mntambo buys his classic jerseys and the intersection of local football and fashion is growing further with brands like Kasi Flavour10 reimagining old Bafana tops from the 90s.
Luxury fashion brand Thebe Magugu designed this season's Orlando Pirates home and away kits.
Thebe Magugu used Buccaneers' skull and bones as the main inspiration behind the designs, and understood the assignment when it came to producing a vibrant and eye-catching away kit that comes in pistachio green.
Scroll through the gallery to see footballers in vintage jerseys:
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