If you’re planning on going to a football game but don’t know what to wear, here are the top ten matchday brands of all time to take some inspiration from.
1. Fred Perry
Fred Perry is a must-have brand for any football casual. Founded in 1952 by its namesake, a renowned British tennis and table tennis player, the line’s design consists of the historic laurel wreath, a symbol of Wimbledon. The brand became the collective uniform of the British youth and still is to this day.
2. Stone Island
Founded in 1982 by Carlo Rivetti, Stone Island cemented itself as an iconic piece of match wear. The brand was popularised as British teams gained success in European tournaments in the 80s. Stone Island is best known for its knitted orange and yellow thermo-sensitive sweaters and recognisable compass patch on its jumpers and jackets. These items are best paired with jeans.
3. C.P. Company
This brand can’t be missed with its iconic goggles inspired by work and military uniforms, with an almost gas mask look. Founded in 1978, also by Carlo Rivetti, football fans can generally be seen wearing their hats or lightweight jackets at games.
4. Lyle & Scott
Founded in 1874, Lyle & Scott has become a popular casual game wear brand. Their items are also far more affordable, making them the go-to for casuals.The Scottish brand initially set out to produce high-quality underwear but began to venture into the golf market. Sports fans can regularly be seen wearing their knitted designs, well-recognised by the eye-catching gold eagle.
5. The North Face
Founded in 1966, the American outdoor recreational brand started by supplying mountain climbers with efficient storage and clothing that could protect them from the harsh winds. The logo derives inspiration from the half-dome in Yosemite National Park. Casual goers wear the brand to promote unity, which is especially effective when they all wear the same colour coat, making them more intimidating to their rival club.
6. Adidas
Founded in 1949, Adidas is a German athletic apparel brand, perfect for casual game-goers. The brand has been a part of bloke culture since its establishment, making it impossible to go into a football stadium without seeing their iconic Sambas and their logo on jerseys, the three white diagonal stripes.
7. Ellesse
Ellesse was founded in Italy in 1959. It could be argued to be the pioneer of athleisure wear as they were one of the first brands to display their logo on the exterior of the garment, rather than just the label. This move has made their products much more recognisable. Their tracksuits would typically be worn at games at the height of their popularity, but now casuals prefer to just throw on a shirt.
8. Napapijri
Napapijri, named after the Finnish translation for “arctic circle”, is an apt name for the cold climates their garments are made for. Founded in 1987, the brand began to gain recognition by utilising waxed cotton in their products, which effectively prevents harsh winds from touching your skin. Its hard-to-pronounce name doesn’t stop casuals from throwing on their massive jackets, recognised with their Norwegian logo flag across the front, despite the brand’s Italian roots.
9. Burberry
Burberry is arguably the most typical of these match-day brands, as you won’t find a group of casuals without at least a Burberry hat or scarf. Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, an English gentleman who believed that Brits should be protected from its harsh weather, the chequered pattern is an appealing design that is entrenched in British history as the iconic lining of its coats.
10. Fila
FILA is a classic brand that has been around since 1911, being founded in Italy. Before sportswear, FILA only sold underwear, which wasn’t very popular. However, their tracksuits were bought by the majority of football casuals in the 1980s. The red F on the logo is eye-catching and a FILA tracksuit wouldn’t be complete without it.