From sophisticated fabrics to club sponsorships, the football top symbolizes the giant improvements of the modern game
Football is perhaps the biggest sport in the world. In many places, it is followed religiously where the result of a match can determine your mood for the rest of the week. A lot of supporters cheer on their local team, however the rapid globalisation of the game means that many elite teams have an international fanbase. For people picking out a club outside geography, there are many different elements which can pull you in. The finest clubs in football history are celebrated for their world-class players, magnificent grounds and classic football kits. The famous Catalonian club is so widely recognized not simply for their trophies, but also the iconic blue and garnet (blaugrana) strip. Similarly, 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 recognizable to passionate followers and casual observers.
At one time, wearing the full football kit was reserved for small children and matchday mascots. Yet in the last few decades, it has transformed into a global business of replica football kits and knockoffs. Manufacturing the newest shorts, tops and socks is a science alone. The tops are engineered with sophisticated materials for convenience and mobility. A specific textile known as wicking fabric is favored with polymer fibres to prevent it from catching perspiration. Yet the design goes beyond what goes into the production procedure. The majority of players resemble mobile marketing billboards these days. It might seem unimportant, but what players pull over themselves is essential from a commercial viewpoint. For example, it is widely understood that clubs in red sell the most tops in Asia, which is regarded as a lucky color. Corporate sponsorship approaches commonly drive the design. However this doesn't constantly run smoothly. The owner of Cardiff became a subject of conversation when he changed the regular colors from blue to red.
When football was first conceived, people would just throw on whatever was nearby in their wardrobe. These days, pro players are decked out in the newest scientifically engineered, fashion conscious and sponsorship branded uniform. The changing appearance illustrates the increasing professionalism and cash in the game. Every year, a handful of players line up to officially celebrate the current home and away strips (and sporadically garish 3rd kits) that fill the club shops. But despite these commercial ventures, many supporters are reverting back to older designs. The climbing appeal of retro football shirts is usually rooted in nostalgia particularly amongst older fans. Iconic strips from trophy winning clubs are appreciated. The unorthodox designs also stick out. Who can forget the mushed banana appearance worn around Highbury to start with? The owner of Coventry City is not likely to forget the brown away kit that drew headlines several decades back.