It's more than a sport; for many it's an integral part of living. Of the numerous fan subcultures that have sprung up over the years and are as distinct and iconic as the casuals of football. Rooted in the terraces of the UK the casual movement is a combination of love for the game, a love for fashion, and an aura of anger. This article discusses the roots, development, and the influence of casuals in football Casual Clothing.

The History of Football Casuals
The movement for casual football started in the latter part of the 1970s and into the early 1980s in the United Kingdom. It was born from the desire to stand out among the throng of football fans and many of them were associated with the punk and skinhead scenes. Casuals wanted to differentiate themselves from the punk or skinhead crowd, and did this through the use of high-end sportswear and high-end clothing.

Brands such as Fila, Lacoste, Ellesse and even Sergio Tacchini were the norm of preference for casuals. These brands represented exclusivity as well as fashion, which was a stark contrast to the rugged and rebellious look of various fan clubs. Football fans return from European away games brought back stylish clothing that wasn't found in UK leading to a flurry of fashion that would soon sweep across the nation.

The Style That Defined a Subculture
At its core, the casual movement is about fashion. The casual style typically includes:

Designer tracksuits Brands like Fila and Adidas were the preferred choice for tracksuits. They often came in bold colors and unique designs.
Stonewashed Denim With casual trainers jeans were a must for casual attire.
Iconic Shoes The trainers of Adidas including their Samba and Gazelle fashions, became iconic in the casual scene.
Outerwear Jackets from brands like CP Company, Stone Island, and Burberry added a practical yet elegant layer to the look.
Accessories Casuals commonly wore the baseball cap and scarf, subtly blending colors from the club with their trendy outfits.
This zeal for style wasn't just about appearance; it was also a way of avoiding being caught. By putting on a casual dress wear, casuals could blend in with crowds and avoid the surveillance of police at games, especially during a time in which football violence was rampant.

The Culture of Football Casuals
Beyond fashion, football casuals were an atmosphere of loyalty as well as camaraderie. The sport was founded on three main pillars.

Football Casuals were most importantly, committed supporters of the teams they played for. The days of matches were holy, and being a part of their team was something to be proud of.
Territorial Pride: Casuals represented their local areas and matches were often arenas where rival groups could claim dominance. This aspect of territoriality fueled the rivalries that eventually escalated into fights.
Unity and Identity: The casuals' distinct style gave them a sense of belonging. Wearing the identical brands and sharing the same passions fostered a tight-knit community.
Although the casual fashion has often been associated with hooliganism, it's important to remember that not all casuals were violent. For many, it was about celebrating football and expressing individuality through fashion.

The Evolution of the Casual Movement
The casual game has developed considerably since its start. In the 1990s, there was declining numbers as football became more commercialized and the game's traditional working-class roots began to erode. However, the casual movement didn't completely disappear, it continued to evolve and adapt.

The influence of casuals is observed in the mainstream fashion. Brands like Stone Island and CP Company, once niche labels for the terraces, are now sought-after by fashion and celebrity fans. The revival of retro sportswear has brought iconic Adidas tracksuits, trainers and Fila tracksuits into the spotlight.

Modern footballers continue to adopt aspects of the casual design that blends with contemporary streetwear. The tradition continues to be cherished, both in the stadium and on the streets.

Casuals in Popular Culture
The casualties of football have left a enduring mark on popular culture. Films such as The Football Factory and Green Street have been able to portray the style, but typically focusing on its violent aspects. Likely, genres of rock like Britpop in the 90s were heavily influenced by casual style and rock stars like Oasis and Blur adopting the style.

Social media has also played part in keeping the trend alive. Platforms such as Instagram present modern interpretations of casual fashion, urging the new generations of football fans to embrace the style.

The Global Spread of the Casual Movement
What began in the UK is now spreading across the globe. The casual football attire can be seen in countries such as Italy, Russia, and Brazil with each bringing their individual twist to the style. The passion shared by football fans and fashion transcends boundaries, uniting fans in one universal society.

In cities like Italy casuals have also incorporated elements of fashion brands such as copyright and Prada to reflect Italy's long-standing fashion tradition. Within Eastern Europe, the movement often takes on a more practical and rugged style which blends streetwear and more traditional casual look.

Conclusion
The casual football movement is a fascinating mix of styles, sports, and subculture. Its influence extends well beyond the terraces, shaping style trends as well as influencing popular culture. What started out as a way to let football fans express their personal identity and loyalty has now become a global phenomenon, proving that the intersection of fashion and sport is a powerful force.

For those who embrace the casual lifestyle, it's more than just clothing and soccer. It's a statement of identity in celebration of the community, and a homage to the beautiful game.