From scarves to shirts, donning your club’s colors is one of the primary ways to identify yourself as a proper supporter
When soccer was first invented, people would just throw on whatever was nearest in their wardrobe. Nowadays, pro players are decked out in the most current scientifically designed, fashion conscious and sponsorship branded uniform. The changing appearance illustrates the increasing professionalism and revenue in the game. Each year, a number of players line up to officially celebrate the current home and away strips (and on occasions garish 3rd kits) that load the club stores. But despite these commercial ventures, countless supporters are turning back to older designs. The increasing popularity of retro football shirts is normally rooted in nostalgia chiefly amongst older supporters. Iconic strips from trophy winning clubs are appreciated. The unusual designs also stick out. Who can forget the mushed banana look worn around Highbury at once? The owner of Coventry City is unlikely to forget the brown away kit that drew headlines several decades back.
Soccer is probably the number one sport on earth. In a lot of places, it is followed fanatically where the result of a match can set your mood for the rest of the week. Most fans cheer on their local club, however the swift globalisation of the game means that most elite teams have a worldwide fanbase. For everyone finding a club outside geography, there are countless different aspects which can pull you in. The finest teams in soccer history are celebrated for their world-class players, magnificent grounds and classic football kits. The famous Catalonian club is so popular not simply for their trophies, but additionally the iconic blue and garnet (blaugrana) strip. Likewise, the owner of AC Milan has watched the same colours as the players step foot inside the pitch. With grand teams like these, the shirts are instantly identifiable to passionate enthusiasts and casual observers.
Once upon a time, wearing the full football kit was reserved for kids and matchday mascots. Yet within the last few decades, it has become an international trade of replica football kits and knockoffs. Manufacturing the latest shorts, tops and socks is a science by itself. The shirts are designed with innovative materials for convenience and mobility. A specific material termed wicking fabric is recommended with polymer fibres to prevent it from catching perspiration. But the design goes beyond what goes into the production process. More players resemble mobile advertising billboards today. It could seem unimportant, but what players pull over themselves is crucial from a commercial perspective. For instance, it is widely accepted that clubs in red sell the most shirts in Asia, which is regarded as a lucky colour. Corporate sponsorship practices often drive the design. Yet this doesn't always run smoothly. The owner of Cardiff became a subject of discussion when he changed the standard colors from blue to red.