Football is much more than an athletic event; for a lot of fans, it's their way of living. While there are many fan subcultures that have sprung up over the decades there is none that is as distinct and well-known as casuals of football. Based on the terraces of the UK The casual movement has a blend of enthusiasm for football and a passion for fashion as well as an aura of protest. This article delves into the roots, evolution, and the influence of casuals in football Casual Store Deutschland.
The History of Football Casuals
The movement for casual football started in the late 1970s and into the early 80s of United Kingdom. It was born out of an need to stand out in an audience of football lovers that were associated with the punk and skinhead scenes. Casuals sought to dissociate themselves from the punk or skinhead crowd, which they did by embracing high-end sportswear and designer clothing.
Brands such as Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse, along with Sergio Tacchini were the norm of the casual crowd. These brands embodied exclusivity and design, in stark contrast to the tough and rebellious image of other fan groups. Fans of football returning from European away games brought back fashion-forward clothing that wasn't readily accessible in the UK, sparking a trend that would soon spread across the country.
The Style That Defined a Subculture
In its essence, the casual movement is about fashion. The casual look generally includes:
Designer tracksuits Brands like Fila and Adidas were the go-to for tracksuits. These were usually striking colors and distinctive designs.
Stonewashed Denim worn with casual sneakers jeans were a must to wear on a match day.
Iconic Shoes Adidas Trainers Adidas specifically these Samba as well as the Gazelle models, became iconic among the casual crowd.
Outerwear Jackets from brands such as CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry have added a practical and fashionable layer to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals usually wore sports caps or scarfs. They subtly mixing colors from the club with their trendy clothes.
This style obsession wasn't just about appearance; it was also a way of avoiding being caught. By putting on a casual dress clothing, casuals could blend into crowds, and even evade police surveillance at games, especially in a time of football violence was rampant.
The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals were the values of loyalty, and camaraderie. The movement was built around three main pillars.
Football Casuals were most importantly, committed fans of their teams. They were devoted to their teams on match days, and being a part of their team was an act of honor.
Territorial Pride: Casuals were a representation of their region Matches often became arenas where rival groups could gain dominance. This aspect of territoriality fueled the rivalries that eventually escalated into confrontations.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinctive style created a sense of belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing similar interests helped to create the feeling of belonging to a tightly knit community.
While the casual lifestyle has sometimes been linked with hooliganism, it's important to keep in mind that not every casual involved in violence. For many, it was more about the sport of football and celebrating individuality by wearing fashion.
The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has morphed substantially since its inception. In the 1990s it witnessed decline in popularity as football became more commercialized, and the game's traditional working-class roots began to fade away. However, the casual style has not gone away completely; it was able to adapt and change.
Today, the influence of casuals can be evident in popular fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company which were once affluent labels for the terraces, are now appreciated by celebrities as well as fashion avids. The revival from the era of sportswear that was popular in past times has brought traditional Adidas shoes and Fila tracksuits back in the spotlight.
Modern football fans continue to embrace elements of a casual, relaxed style by blending it with modern streetwear. The legacy of the movement is still evident, at the football field and in the streets.
Casuals in Popular Culture
The football casuals have left an indelible mark on popular culture. Films such as The Football Factory and Green Street have depicted the lifestyle, albeit mostly focusing on its more violent aspects. Also, music genres like Britpop during the 1990s were heavily influenced by casual fashion and bands such as Oasis and Blur adopting the style.
Social media also plays an important role in keeping the movement alive. Platforms like Instagram provide modern interpretations of casual fashion, urging new generations of soccer fans to embrace the style.
The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What started in the UK has since spread to other countries. The casual football attire can be seen in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil each with their own individual twist to the style. The passion for football and fashion transcends borders and brings fans together in a universal culture.
In areas like Italy casuals have been incorporating elements of high-fashion brands like copyright and Prada as a tribute to the country's long-standing fashion tradition. Within Eastern Europe, the movement generally has a more traditional and rugged look which blends streetwear and typical casual look.
Conclusion
The casual football movement is an interesting blend of sport, style, and subculture. Its influence extends far beyond the football field, influencing fashionable fashion trends, and inspiring popular culture. What started as a way for football players to express personal identity and loyalty has now become an international phenomenon that proves that the interplay of sport and style is a powerful force.
For those who live a informal lifestyle, it's much more than just clothes and soccer. It's a statement of identity, a celebration of communities, and a tribute to the game that is so beautiful.