Football is more than an activity; for a large portion of people players, it's a way to live living. Within the diverse fan subcultures which have emerged through the years, none is as distinct and well-known as casual footballers. They are rooted in the terraces of the UK, the casual movement is a mixture of a love for the sport and fashion, as well as a desire for style and a sense of rebellion. This article delves into the origins, evolution, and the influence of casuals in football Football Casuals.

The History of Football Casuals
The"football casual" movement first emerged in the latter part of the 1970s and into the during the first half of the 80's United Kingdom. It was born out of the need to stand out in an audience of football lovers who were associated with punk or skinhead scenes. Casuals wanted to distance themselves from the skinhead and punk groups, and they did this by sporting high-end, sporty and fashion-forward clothing.

Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and even Sergio Tacchini became the standard of the casual crowd. These brands symbolized exclusivity and fashion, which was a stark contrast to the more rugged and rebellious style of different fan groups. Fans of football that returned home from European away matches brought back designer clothing that wasn't widely found in UK which sparked a new trend that would soon take over the nation.

The Style That Defined a Subculture
In its essence, the casual movement is about fashion. The casual look is typically characterized by:

Designer Tracksuits Brands like Fila along with Adidas were the preferred choice for tracksuits. They were often available in bright colors and with unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim: Paired with casual sneakers Jeans were the go-to choice for a casual outfit.
Iconic Fashion Nike trainers Adidas particularly that of Samba as well as Gazelle models, became famous within the casual scene.
Outerwear jackets from designers like CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry added a practical yet stylish layer to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals are often seen sporting the baseball cap and scarf, subtly mixing color schemes with high-fashion clothes.
This obsession with style was not just about looking fashionable; it was also a method to avoid being caught. By dressing discreetly in designer garments, casuals could blend into crowds, and even evade officers at games especially during a time in which there was a lot of football-related hooliganism.

The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, casual football attire embodied an atmosphere of loyalty as well as camaraderie. The football casuals movement was built on three principals:

Football Casuals were, first and foremost, dedicated fans to their respective teams. It was a sacred day to play, and supporting their club was a matter of pride.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their communities and matches were often arenas for rival groups to claim dominance. The territorial aspect of the game fueled competition that sometimes turned into a war.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct style created a sense of belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing similar interests helped to create the formation of a community.
While casuals have sometimes been linked to hooliganism it's important to remember that not all casuals involved in violence. For most, it was about being a fan of soccer and expressing their individuality through fashion.

The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual scene has grown considerably since its start. In the 1990s it witnessed an increase in popularity as football became more commercialized, and the game's working-class roots started to diminish. However, the casual movement didn't completely disappear, it developed and changed.

Today, the influence of casuals is recognized in mainstream fashion. Brands such as Stone Island and CP Company that were once considered to be niche labels for the terraces, are now sought-after by fashion and celebrity collectors. The revival of retro sportswear has brought classic Adidas footwear and Fila tracksuits back into the spotlight.

Modern footballers continue to appreciate aspects of the casual look mixing it with modern streetwear. The legacy of the game is evident both in the stadium and on the streets.

Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football have left a mark on popular culture. Films such as The Football Factory and Green Street have been able to portray the style, but usually focusing on its most violent aspects. In the same way, genres of music such as Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced by casual style with bands such as Oasis and Blur adopting the style.

Social media also plays a role in keeping the movement alive. Platforms like Instagram offer modern interpretations of casual styles, and inspire new generations of soccer fans to embrace the style.

The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What began in the UK has now spread globally. Casual football wear is a common sight in countries like Italy, Russia, and Brazil with each bringing their distinct spin on the fashion. The shared love for football and fashion transcends boundaries as it brings together fans of an all-encompassing culture.

In places like Italy casual wear has been incorporated into elements of fashion brands such as copyright and Prada to reflect Italy's deep-rooted fashion heritage. For Eastern Europe, the movement usually adopts a utilitarian and rugged aesthetic that blends streetwear with the more traditional casual look.

Conclusion
The movement of casual football is a fascinating mixture of style, sport and subculture. Its influence extends way beyond the fields, creating fashion trends and inspiring pop culture. What started out as a way to allow football fans to express the individuality and loyalty of their fans has grown into a global phenomenon, proving that the intersection between sport and style can be a significant force.

For those who live a relaxed lifestyle, it's more than just clothes and football. It's also a declaration of identity and a celebration of community, and an ode to the wonderful game.