It is very common to look back at a photo from a few years ago and think: “What clothes, for God’s sake! Well, the same thing happens with football. There is no better way to check the evolution in the types of soccer jerseys than by traveling back in time and seeing how the sports fashion of the different clubs in the world has changed , as well as the sportswear firms, which adjust more and more. to the needs of athletes. Are you ready for this trip? Here we go!
Football has not only evolved in its regulations, in the hobbies, on the playing fields …, football kits also occupy an important niche in this regard.
19th century kits
Football was born in England back in the 19th century . At this time, there were directly no kits in the teams. Players simply wore any type of clothing to play a match . Later, with the birth of different internal leagues, the players wore any distinctive to differentiate themselves from each other. Any garment such as a hat, a jacket, a scarf , etc … was worth it .
Throughout this century, with the appearance of teams in the English country, the subject of clothing began to be regulated. At that time, the shirts were long-sleeved and did not have any identified club insignia on them. Then came the creation of the English FA Cup, which established a fundamental rule in clothing: that both teams should clearly differentiate themselves . A first step to get to the kits we know today.
Early twentieth century
At the beginning of the 20th century, with the birth of the industry, there is an improvement in the style of t-shirts . These are more comfortable to play with and with higher quality materials. Colors are born to distinguish some teams from others . In addition, the need to play with shorts and socks is also implanted. At this time some clubs already introduce distinctive elements such as stripes, the shield or the number in their elastic bands to better identify each player .
It is very common to see any photo of this time and it is striking that the jackets had ropes around the neck to make them comfortable.
Years 50-60-70
The most notable changes in this period are related to much more bearable designs on the neck of the shirts (usually in the form of a peak) and the change in the game boots , much more in line with those of today, saving the distances.
Minimalism was the order of the day . The kits were completely in a single color and only had the embroidered shield on one side. Those totally white Real Madrid kits come to mind. In addition, it is at this time when the most powerful clubs in the world incorporate two versions for the jersey, that is, one in short sleeves and the other in long.
Closer to the 1970s, synthetic materials became more common in soccer team apparel. This type of material had certain advantages such as greater comfort and breathability .
The 80s: the signatures arrive
In the 80s, one of the most important changes in the history of football makes an appearance . The sports firms disembarking in clubs . Currently it is very common and the new generations have it very assimilated, however, until that moment the sponsorship of sports brands on team shirts was unthinkable.
90s: a bit daring
In the 90s, the designs were of all kinds, and it is perhaps in this era where more rare kits can be found. Multicolored designs and strange shapes , especially on some goalkeeper jerseys. Those were the years when the imagination was given free rein, although some designers exceeded the limit.
21st century: innovation
The 21st century is associated with the era of new technologies but applied to sport . Smart clothing that adjusts to the body and improves the player’s mobility. There are even professionals who customize them at will so that they fit as they prefer. Something unthinkable at the beginning of this tour, right?