Football fan hooligans look

The origins: a brief history of football hooliganism and style

The "football fan hooligans look" isn't just about clothes; it's rooted in the history of football hooliganism itself. Emerging in the 1960s and 70s in the United Kingdom, football hooliganism was often associated with working-class youths expressing aggression and territoriality at matches. Initially, these groups were identified by their team colors, but this made them easy targets for police and rival fans.

The evolution of the look was a direct response to this. Hooligans began adopting designer sportswear and casual wear to blend in with the general population and avoid detection. This led to the rise of the "casuals" subculture, where the focus shifted to acquiring expensive and often rare clothing items. This was especially true in the 1980s.

Key elements of the "casuals" look

The "casuals" aesthetic is the core of the football fan hooligans look. Several key elements define this style:

• Designer Sportswear: Brands like Adidas, Fila, Sergio Tacchini, and Lacoste were highly sought after. Tracksuits, polo shirts, and trainers from these brands became status symbols.
• Trainers: Specific models of Adidas trainers, such as the Adidas Stan Smith, Adidas Samba, and Adidas Gazelle, were particularly popular. These shoes were often imported from Europe, adding to their exclusivity.
• Outerwear: Stone Island jackets, known for their detachable compass badge, became almost synonymous with the casuals look. Other popular outerwear brands included CP Company and Burberry.
• Jeans/Trousers: Often, casuals paired their sportswear with designer jeans or smart trousers, further blending in and avoiding detection.
• Hairstyles: The wedge haircut, popularized by celebrities and football players in the 80's, was a common trend among Casuals.

The emphasis was always on quality, exclusivity, and understated style. The goal was to appear affluent and fashionable without being overtly flashy.

The influence of travel and european fashion

European football competitions, such as the European Cup (now Champions League) and the UEFA Cup (now Europa League), played a significant role in shaping the football fan hooligans look. As fans traveled to matches across Europe, they encountered new styles and brands that were not readily available in the UK.

This exposure to European fashion led to the importation of coveted items back to Britain. For example, Stone Island, an Italian brand, gained immense popularity among casuals due to its high quality and distinct design. The adoption of these European brands contributed to the unique and evolving nature of the look.

The social and political context

Beyond fashion, the football fan hooligans look also carries social and political undertones. While it originated as a way to avoid detection, the clothing itself became a symbol of identity and belonging for members of these groups. It represented a shared culture, a sense of camaraderie, and a subtle form of rebellion.

The economic climate of the 1980s, with high unemployment and social unrest, also contributed to the appeal of the casuals subculture. For some, acquiring expensive clothing was a way to assert status and express their dissatisfaction with the establishment. The look became a visual representation of their identity within the broader context of football hooliganism.

The legacy and modern interpretations

The football fan hooligans look has had a lasting impact on fashion and subculture. While the overt violence associated with hooliganism has declined in many countries, the casuals aesthetic continues to influence contemporary style. Designer sportswear, retro trainers, and terrace fashion have all experienced a resurgence in recent years.

Today, the look is often adopted by fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the history and style of the casuals subculture, without necessarily endorsing the violence or negative aspects associated with it. The evolution of the look demonstrates the complex interplay between fashion, social identity, and cultural history.

Contemporary brands are now producing clothes inspired by the casual era. For example, many sportswear brands are re-releasing classic trainer models, such as the Adidas Samba, due to the high demand from fans of the Casual look.