From advanced fabrics to club sponsorships, the football top signifies the giant improvements of the modern game
Once upon a time, donning the full football kit was reserved for young kids and matchday mascots. Yet in the last few decades, it has transformed into a worldwide marketplace of replica football kits and knockoffs. Manufacturing the latest shorts, tops and socks is a science in itself. The shirts are designed with advanced materials for convenience and flexibility. A specific material named wicking fabric is favored with polymer fibres to stop it from catching sweat. Yet the design goes beyond what goes into the production procedure. Most players resemble mobile advertising billboards these days. It might seem unimportant, but what players pull over themselves is valuable from a commercial perspective. For example, it is commonly accepted that teams in red sell the most shirts in Asia, which is regarded as a lucky color. Business sponsorship strategies frequently drive the design. Yet this doesn't constantly run smoothly. The owner of Cardiff became a topic of conversation when he changed the customary colours from blue to red.
When football was first invented, individuals would simply put on whatever was nearby in their wardrobe. Today, professional players are decked out in the newest scientifically designed, fashion conscious and sponsorship branded uniform. The changing appearance illustrates the increasing professionalism and funding in the game. Annually, a handful of players line up to formally celebrate the latest home and away strips (and sporadically garish 3rd kits) that load the club stores. But despite these commercial ventures, many fans are turning back to older designs. The increasing popularity of retro football shirts is normally rooted in nostalgia specifically amongst older fans. Iconic strips from trophy winning teams are appreciated. The unorthodox designs also stick out. Who can forget the mushed banana look worn around Highbury in the past? The owner of Coventry City is not likely to forget the brown away kit that attracted headlines some decades ago.
Football is perhaps the finest sport in the world. In a lot of places, it is followed fanatically where the result of a match can set your spirits for the rest of the week. Many fans cheer on their local team, but the rapid globalisation of the game means that most elite clubs have a worldwide fanbase. For those choosing a club outside geography, there are various different things which can pull you in. The famous clubs in football history are celebrated for their world-class players, magnificent grounds and classic football kits. The famous Catalonian club is so renowned not just for their trophies, but also the iconic blue and garnet (blaugrana) strip. Likewise, the owner of AC Milan has experienced the same colours as the players set foot inside the pitch. With grand clubs such as these, the tops are immediately familiar to passionate enthusiasts and casual observers.