Football is more than it's a sport. For many fans, it's their way of living. Within the diverse fan subcultures that have come up over the years however none is as distinct and popular as the football casuals. Rooted in the terraces of the UK and the United States, the casual style is a mixture of a love for football, a love for fashion as well as an aura of rebelliousness. This article examines the roots, evolution, and impact of casual football Football Casuals.

The History Of Football Casuals
The movement for casual football started in the late 1970s and beginning of the 1980s within the United Kingdom. It was born from a desire to stand out among the throng of football fans and many of them were associated with punk or skinhead scenes. Casuals wanted to distance themselves from these groups, and they did so with high-end sporting wear and high-end clothing.

Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and Sergio Taccchini became the uniform of choices for casuals. These labels represented exclusivity and design, in stark contrast from the rough and rebellious image of other fan groups. Fans of football returning from European away games brought back designer clothing that wasn't widely offered in the UK which sparked a new trend that would soon spread across the country.

The Style That Defined a Subculture
The casual movement is about fashion. The casual look usually includes:

Designer Tracksuits: Brands like Fila or Adidas were the preferred choice for tracksuits, often in striking colors and distinctive designs.
Stonewashed Denim: Paired with casual sneakers Jeans were the go-to choice to wear on a match day.
Iconic fashion Nike trainers Adidas and Nike, particularly that of Samba and Gazelle designs, were made famous among the casual crowd.
Outerwear: Jackets from brands such as CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry provided a practical but stylish layer to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals frequently wore capes or scarves made of baseball, subtilly mixing the colors of their club with their fashionable outfits.
This zeal for style wasn't only about looking stylish it was also a way of avoiding detection. By dressing discreetly in designer clothing, casuals could blend into crowds and escape police surveillance at games, especially during an era when there was a lot of football-related hooliganism.

The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, casual football attire embodied an attitude of loyalty and camaraderie. The football casuals movement was built on three principles:

Football Casuals were first and foremost, loyal supporters of their teams. The days of matches were holy, and supporting their team was an issue of pride.
Territorial Pride: Casuals were a representation of their region and games often turned into arenas where rival groups could establish their dominance. This territorial element fueled tensions that could escalate into fights.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style created a sense belonging. Wearing the same brands and having similar interests helped to create an intimate group.
While the casual movement has sometimes been linked with hooliganism. It's vital to take note that not all casuals took part in violent acts. For most, it was about the sport of football and celebrating individuality through fashion.

The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has changed considerably since its emergence. In the 90s, it experienced a decrease in the popularity of football as it became more commercialized, and the game's traditional working-class roots diminished. However, the casual style didn't completely disappear, it continued to evolve and adapt.

Today, the influence of casuals can be seen in fashion trends. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company are no longer niche brands that were primarily aimed at the terraces, are coveted by celebrities and fashion enthusiasts. The revival from the era of sportswear that was popular in past times has brought classic Adidas Trainers as well as Fila tracksuits back into the spotlight.

Modern football fans continue to embrace elements of the casual aesthetic that blends with contemporary streetwear. The tradition continues to be cherished, both in the stands and on the streets.

Casuals in Popular Culture
The football casuals have left a permanent mark of popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have described the life of football, although frequently focusing on its violent aspects. Likely, genres of rock like Britpop during the 1990s were heavily influenced by casual style, with bands like Oasis and Blur adopting the fashion.

Social media has also played in keeping the trend alive. Platforms such as Instagram provide modern interpretations of casual fashion, urging the new generations of football lovers to embrace the look.

The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What began in the UK has since spread to other countries. There are football casuals in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil each with their own distinct twists to the movement. The love for football and fashion transcends boundaries as it brings together fans of a universal culture.

In countries like Italy casual wear has been incorporated into elements from high-end brands such as copyright and Prada, reflecting the country's deep-rooted fashion history. If you're in Eastern Europe, the movement typically adopts a more utilitarian and rugged aesthetic mixing streetwear and the more traditional casual look.

Conclusion
The football casual movement is a fascinating blend of style, sport and subculture. The impact of this movement extends far beyond the fields, creating style trends as well as influencing pop culture. What began as a method for football fans to show individuality and loyalty has become the world's most popular sport, proving that the intersection of fashion and sport can be a significant force.

For those who embrace the life of a casual, it's a lot more than just clothing and football. It's a declaration identity in celebration of the community, and an ode to the beauty of football.