Get Your Footie On: Soccer and Fashion
Discussion about the link between Soccer and fashion is not really anything new or underground, though we can say that it is increasingly connected to particular personalities rather than clubs or subcultures. For example, David Beckham is known as one of the first and most prominent figures to be slapped with the “metrosexual” label. He can wear fussy hairstyles, nail polish, and sargons, and still be considered manly. Perhaps due to his influence, many men all over the world feel more comfortable about blatantly spending more money and time on their appearance. David Beckham is soccer’s gift to the fashion industry. However, he is far from being the be-all and end-all of soccer’s sartorial impact. Let us take a look at some other examples from past and present.
The Skinhead Look
“Skinhead” is often taken to be a synonym for Neo-Nazi. However, here, it means the offshoot of mod culture that adopted a plainer, more proletarian look. Not all skinheads were Soccer fans, but the look came to be associated with the stereotypical Soccer hooligan (not that all fans are hooligans, of course). Lest people think that this was purely a British phenomenon, let us note that these 1960’s skinheads were influenced by Jamaican fashion and music.
The Casuals
The Casuals were a subculture that emerged in 1970’s Britain and focused on expensive European (especially Italian) designer fashion. The fashions were “imported” by Soccer fans who have traveled around Europe to watch their favorite teams on tour. Interestingly, many the original Casuals were people who were endeavoring to look like the opposite of typical Soccer hooligans. At that time, Soccer hooliganism was getting a great deal of attention, and the police were keeping an eye out for people dressed in skinhead or other associated styles. In other words, if you wore Doc Marten boots and Soccer colors in your jacket, bootlaces, or handkerchiefs, you would probably get extra surveillance. Some crafty hooligans hit upon the idea of dressing in Continental designer fashion, and were thus able to elude attention and start more trouble. Of course, as the Casual subculture spread, one had to say that not all Casuals were actually hooligans. Many people who adopted the style simply liked the clothes, as well as the “trophy” status of the designer labels that were rare in the UK at the time. Brand names like Lacoste and Burberry are popular brands in this subculture. Influential icons or personages include the pop band Wham! and David Bowie (post-Ziggy).
The Blues
The Blues or the Pensioners were both fond nicknames for the Chelsea Soccer club team. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, this team was known not only for its prowess but also its flamboyant clothes, accessories, and sideburns. Actually, we can even say that its fame for its style preceded its major victories.
Tattoos
Soccer betting has inspired some of its fans to get the logos of their favorite association clubs tattooed on their bodies. British actor Sean Bean is known for his tattoo of the Blades logo on his arm, for example. Some fans whose allegiance is to a specific player may choose to copy a tattoo worn by that player.