Written by Menswear Style in Trends on the 12th May 2023

Retro football shirts have always had a timeless appeal that transcends changing trends; even though kit designs are updated every year, there’s always something about the classic kits of the early and mid-20th century that will always retain their appeal. In recent years, the world of modern fashion has been taking inspiration from these retro designs to create unique twists on staples such as tracksuits and bomber jackets. From bold throwback prints to splashes of colour, this trend is taking men's streetwear by storm, leading to a blurring of the lines between nostalgic sportswear and truly fashionable aesthetics. In this blog post, we explore how revival football apparel is influencing contemporary fashion styles and giving them a fresh edge informed by nostalgia, and offer some pointers on how to incorporate this trend into your own style.

The evolution of retro football shirts 

Retro football shirts are a unique part of the sport's rich heritage, and are more than mere souvenirs for long-time supporters - instead, they are seen as windows to the past, bringing back memories of magical sporting moments, and the specific time and place associated with these indelible football memories. This association is particularly strong because of the ever-changing style of football kits. Whereas early examples were heavily inspired by rugby shirts and were predominantly made from thick materials, with long sleeves, collars and buttons, designs have evolved significantly over the years as materials and trends have changed. Later kits became lightweight, moisture-absorbent and short-sleeved, as well as designed with the sale of replicas in mind. As such, fans of different ages are likely to have their own personal favourites and preferences in terms of which era of football kit design they love best. From the first known football shirt worn by Nottingham Forest in 1868 to the colourful polyester designs of the 1990s, retro football shirts have come a long way - but what hasn’t changed is their connection to the social and cultural fabric of football, and the way that the love of retro shirts reflects the public’s passion for both nostalgia and the beautiful game.

The influence of retro football shirts on modern fashion 

Over the past few years, fashion designers have been picking up on these sentiments, resulting in a gradual infiltration of football-inspired aesthetics into the realm of modern casual fashion. Designers such as Guillermo Andrade, Martine Rose and Liam Hodges have all created designs that bring design elements from football kits into the world of high fashion, while brands like Versace, Burberry and Balenciaga have done the same in recent years. Numerous influences from the football world are now seen in modern casualwear trends, from distinctive geometric patterns and bold, eye-catching colours to oversized brand logos and stylish collars. Many of these design principles are being incorporated into urban design on casual shirts, jackets and even trainers, propelling the renaissance of these classic designs and helping football fans to evoke sporting memories while remaining fashionable. 

Thanks to the universal appeal of these aesthetics, the embrace of football by the fashion industry can be seen to be going both ways. Many leading clubs and major sportswear brands like Adidas and Nike are tapping into the nostalgia by re-releasing heritage football jerseys, and collaborating with high-profile designers to create limited-edition collections, while footballers like Hector Bellerin and sports-adjacent celebrities like Brooklyn Beckham showcase the retro look on social media. At the same time, major fashion labels are looking to associate themselves with footballers, with Gucci selecting Jack Grealish as an ambassador and Dior doing the same for Kylian Mbappé. This blending of the worlds of style and sports solidifies the crucial role of nostalgia as a major driver of contemporary fashions, and shows that vintage style remains an integral part of the modern collective consciousness. It also reinforces the enduring influence of football culture in our everyday life, in a way that trickles down even to those with no interest in the sport. As more and more social media influencers flaunt their vintage collections, the cultural cachet of classic jerseys is only likely to increase.

How to incorporate retro football shirts into your outfit 

One of the other key benefits of these trends is that authentic retro sportswear has gained a new level of style currency. Whereas it was once frowned upon to wear replica kits as an item of casualwear away from the terraces, it is now possible to build a fashionable outfit around a stylish retro football shirt. For a winning ensemble, consider pairing a classic football shirt with raw-edge denim or black skinny jeans, as these staples will elevate and modernise the retro top. To further accentuate the sporty-chic vibe, a pair of clean minimalist trainers - such as the popular Adidas Originals or sleek leather Converse - can add an extra flair. To complete the look, layer it up with a denim or bomber jacket, which also complements the visual appeal of the shirt itself, while providing a nod to both past and present fashion trends. From casual day outings to an afternoon in the pub, this versatile and dynamic pairing of sportswear and contemporary fashion staples is bang on trend, and will look good in almost any context. Of course, there's no one correct way to craft an outfit, so wearers should feel free to experiment with their look and find an ensemble that really brings out the appeal of their retro gear. 

An evolving trend 

It is clear how retro sportswear and streetwear have become intertwined in recent years. Modern fashion has taken a cue from the decade-spanning, timeless designs of classic football shirts and sportswear, remixing it with new technology and methods to create something that is more eye-catching and stylish than ever before. Whether it's an old-school jersey donned in pride or a replica worn as a high-fashion statement piece, it's undeniable that these vintage garments carry more clout than ever in the world of casualwear, meaning everyone can now enjoy these iconic aesthetics - and that football fans have more ways than ever to let their club colours shine.

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