The Connection Between Football Casuals and Club Loyalty

Football Casuals is a subculture defined by Passion and Style
Football is much more than a sport; for many they are a way of life. Among the various fan subcultures which have emerged through the decades however none is as distinct and well-known as casuals of football. The roots of the casuals are in the terraces and fields of the UK, the casual movement is a combination of love for the sport as well as a love of fashion and a sense insurrection. This article discusses the origins, evolution and the influence of casuals in football.

The History of Casual Football
The movement to become a football casual started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the around the beginning of 1980s across the United Kingdom. It was born out of a desire to stand out in an influx of football fans most of whom were associated with the punk or skinhead scenes. Casuals wanted to differentiate themselves from the punk or skinhead crowd, and they did so through the use of high-end sportswear and high-end clothing.

Brands like Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse, and Sergio Taccchini became the standard of choices for casuals. These brands represented exclusivity as well as style, strikingly different to the more rugged and rebellious look of various fan groups. Football fans that returned home from European away matches brought back fashionable clothing that was not widely found in UK which sparked a new trend that was soon to spread across the country.

The Style That Defined a Subculture
The casual movement is about fashion. The casual look is typically characterized by:

Designer Tracksuits Brands such as Fila along with Adidas were the go-to for tracksuits, often in bright colors and with unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim: Paired with casual trainers jeans were a must for match-day attire.
Iconic fashion Nike trainers Adidas including those of the Samba along with the Gazelle versions, become famous among the casual crowd.
Outerwear Jackets from top brands like CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry provided a practical but fashionable layer to the outfit.
Accessories Casuals are often seen sporting the baseball cap and scarf, subtly mixing colours of the club with their stylish outfits.
This obsession with style did not only revolve around looking nice however, it was also a method to avoid detection. By dressing inconspicuously in designer clothes, casuals would blend in with crowds and avoid the police's surveillance during games, especially during a time in which soccer hooliganism was prevalent.

The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals symbolized an atmosphere of loyalty as well as camaraderie. The movement was based on three principles:

Football: Casuals were, first and foremost, dedicated fans and their team. They were devoted to their teams on match days, and being a part of their team was something to be proud of.
Territorial Pride: Casuals were a representation of their region and matches were often venues for rival groups to take on the upper hand. This territorial element fueled conflicts that often escalated into battles.
Unity and Identity The casuals' distinct design created a sense belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing similar interests helped to create the feeling of belonging to a tightly knit community.
Although casual wear has at times been linked to hooliganism, it's important to be aware that not all casuals took part in violent acts. For many, it was more about enjoying football and showing their individuality by wearing fashion.

The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual game has developed drastically since its birth. In the 1990s, it experienced declining numbers as football became more commercialized and the game's working-class roots diminished. However, the casual style did not completely disappear; it continued to evolve and adapt.

The influence of casuals is seen in mainstream fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company are no longer niche brands that were primarily aimed at terraces, are coveted by celebrities and fashion people. The resurgence fashions of the past has brought classic Adidas Trainers as well as Fila tracksuits back to the forefront.

Modern soccer fans are continuing to embrace aspects of the casual design and mix it with modern streetwear.  Brands:  of the movement is still evident, at the football field and on the streets.

Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football have left a permanent mark over popular culture. Films like The Football Factory and Green Street have presented the culture, albeit often focusing on its more violent aspects. The same goes for music genres like Britpop during the 1990s were heavily influenced and influenced by casual clothing, with bands like Oasis and Blur adopting the style.

Social media also plays an integral role in keeping this movement alive. Platforms like Instagram provide modern interpretations of casual fashion, urging the new generations of footballers 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 all of which have their distinctive twist to the trend. The passion shared by football fans and fashion transcends boundaries and brings fans together in one universal society.

In areas like Italy casuals have also incorporated elements of top fashion brands like Gucci and Prada and reflect the country's deep-rooted fashion history. In Eastern Europe, the movement often takes on a more functional and rugged appearance which blends streetwear and more traditional casual look.

Conclusion
The football casual movement is a fascinating blend of sports, style and subculture. The impact of this movement extends far beyond the field, shaping styles of fashion and influencing popular culture. It was initially a means to allow football fans to express an individuality and devotion has evolved into an international phenomenon, proving that the intersection of fashion and sport is a formidable force.

For those who are a part of the casual lifestyle, it's more than just clothing and football. It's a declaration identity and celebration of community, and a salute to the game that is so beautiful.