Venezia FC: Fashion & Football

An Italian football club winning the brand game.

Football and fashion have had a long relationship. However, in recent years, football has embraced fashion like never before, and the two worlds have become increasingly intertwined.

Venezia FC 2022/23 Home Shirt with the new logo

One of the earliest examples of football's relationship to fashion can be traced back to the 1960s and 70s. During this time, many football players began to adopt flamboyant hairstyles, colourful kits, and eye-catching accessories.

The 1980s saw the emergence of football casuals, a subculture that was characterized by their fashion-forward clothing choices. The casuals were known for wearing designer sportswear, expensive trainers, and branded accessories. This trend was fueled by the rise of hooliganism, with some groups using fashion as a way to distinguish themselves from rival supporters.

In the 1990s and 2000s, footballers became global icons, and their fashion choices were closely scrutinized by fans and the media. David Beckham, in particular, was known for his sense of style off the pitch. Beckham's fashion choices were so influential that he even launched his own fashion line, which was a success. In recent years, football clubs themselves have embraced fashion as a way to build their brand and appeal to a wider audience. I’ve written about Paris Saint Germain on this subject before.