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Key Football Casual Pieces Every Fan Should Own

Football Casuals A Subculture Defining Passion and Style
Football is not just an activity; for a large portion of people it's a way of living. Of the numerous fan subcultures to have emerged over the years there is none that is as distinct and popular as the casual footballers. They are rooted in the terraces of the UK Casual movement is a mix of love for the game along with a love of fashion and a sense of rebelliousness. This article discusses the roots, evolution and impact of casual football.

The History of Casual Football
The football casual movement began in the latter part of the 1970s and into the into the early 80s of United Kingdom. It was born from an need to stand out in the throng of football fans most of whom were associated with the punk or skinhead scenes. Casuals wanted to differentiate themselves from such groups and did this by opting for high-end sportswear as well as clothes that were designed by designers.

Brands like 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 groups. Fans of football visiting from European away matches brought back designer clothing that wasn't widely available in the UK creating a style that would soon take over the country.

The Style That Defined a Subculture
In its essence, the casual style is all about fashion. The casual look generally includes:

Designer Tracksuits Brands like Fila as well as Adidas were the go-to for tracksuits. Often, they were in striking colors and distinctive designs.
Stonewashed Denim The pair was paired with casual sneakers, jeans were a staple for casual attire.
Iconic footwear Nike trainers Adidas including these Samba as well as Gazelle styles, would become famous among the casual crowd.
Outerwear Jackets from companies like CP Company, Stone Island and Burberry created a practical, but elegant layer to the look.
Accessories Casuals commonly wore the baseball cap and scarf, subtly blending club colors with their high-fashion outfits.
The obsession with fashion did not only revolve around looking nice but also a way to avoid detection. In a manner of dressing casually in designer attire, casuals could blend into crowds and escape the surveillance of police at games, particularly in the era of football violence was rampant.

The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, casual football attire embodied a culture of loyalty and camaraderie. The sport was founded on three pillars:

Football: Casuals were, in the first place, devoted supporters on their squads. Days of games were holy and supporting their club was something to be proud of.
Territorial Pride: Casuals were a representation of their region Matches often became venues for rival groups to make their mark. This territorial aspect fuelled the rivalries that eventually escalated into battles.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinctive style created a sense of belonging. Wearing the same brands and sharing the same values created the formation of a community.
While the casual style has times been compared to hooliganism, it's crucial to observe that not all casuals participated in violent activities. For some, it was all about celebrating football and expressing individuality through fashion.

The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has morphed significantly since its inception. In the 90s, it experienced decline in popularity as football became more commercialized and the game's roots in the working class diminished. However, the casual movement never truly disappeared; it continued to evolve and adapt.

Today, the influence of casuals can be recognized in mainstream fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company are no longer niche brands that were primarily aimed at the terraces are now appreciated by celebrities as well as fashion collectors. Unfair Athletics of vintage sportswear brought classic Adidas sneakers and Fila tracksuits back to the limelight.

Modern footballers continue to appreciate aspects of the casual look, blending it with contemporary streetwear. The tradition continues to be cherished, both in the stadium and in the streets.

Casuals in Popular Culture
The football casuals have left a mark to popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have presented the culture, albeit typically focusing on its violent aspects. Also, music genres such as Britpop in the 1990s were heavily influenced by casual style that saw bands like Oasis and Blur taking on the look.

Social media also plays an important part in keeping the movement going. Platforms such as Instagram present modern interpretations of casual fashion, urging the younger generations of football enthusiasts to embrace the style.

The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
The trend that began in the UK has now spread globally. Football casuals are found in countries such as Italy, Russia, and Brazil and each one has their own distinct twists to the movement. The passion shared by football fans and fashion transcends borders as it brings together fans of an international culture.

In areas like Italy casual styles have incorporated elements from high-end brands such as Gucci and Prada and reflect the country's long-standing fashion tradition. Within Eastern Europe, the movement typically adopts a more utilitarian and rugged aesthetic by combining streetwear and the more traditional casual look.

Conclusion
The football casual movement is a fascinating blend sport, style, and subculture. Its influence goes beyond the field, shaping styles of fashion 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 fashion and sport can be a significant force.

For those who embrace the informal lifestyle, it's much more than just clothing and football. It's a declaration of identity and celebration of community, and an ode to the beauty of football.
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