From the Field To the Streets: The Uprising Of Jersey Shirts

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by Sana Bun

From the Field To the Streets: The Uprising Of Jersey Shirts

2 Jul 2024

Photo: Cristian Tarzi

This summer, jersey shirts have dominated the fashion scene, emerging as an overwhelming obsession. But where did this trend come from? Find the answers in our article uncovering the history behind the sporty garment evolving into a street-style staple.

To better understand the concept of modern jerseys, it is essential to consider the broader image and delve into the genesis of sports uniforms in general. Primarily jerseys’ existence was dictated by the need for specialized clothes to enhance athletes’ performance (no offense to Ancient Greeks who used to contend nude, but let’s exclude them from the discussion). Thinking from this perspective, we can say that jerseys’ pre-image existed almost as long as competitive sports.

As for the actual jerseys, their story started way later — in the 19th century — and had nothing to do with the disciplines we normally associate them with today but with cycling and gymnastics.

Back then, gymnasts, for example, wore linen clothes that were breathable but non-stretchy, which limited their movement. Fortunately, technical progress led to the development of knitting manufacturing and the prominence of elastic jersey fabric made from wool or cotton. As you can see, the material’s name got stuck and went far beyond the textile industry, starting to live on its own.

So, the revolution started and was soon enhanced by the advent of team sports.

To differentiate competing parties as well as individual sportsmen, players’ shirts were dyed in certain colours and had numbers sewn on them. Since then, the development of the uniform has been boosted steadily. For instance, in 1908, wearing it became obligatory for participants of the Olympic Games, and afterwards, when the sports began being broadcasted on TV, teams got very creative with crazy patterns and colour combinations for better visibility on black-and-white screens.

JO Paris 1900 — Un groupe d'athlètes américains. Comité International Olympique (CIO)

The Industrial Revolution in the first part of the 20th century opened a new chapter for jerseys, bringing in synthetic materials that were soft, stretchy, strong, easy, and cheap to produce. At this point, the visual aspect started rapidly evolving as well as the production methods, opening the doors for perfected fabric compositions, complex designs, and, soon, sponsors’ logos, of course.

COPERNI x PUMA Football Jersey850 AED

Slowly but surely the functional part was completed by a social one. Jerseys went off the field, becoming a symbol of showing loyalty and support for a favoured team, while also identifying the wearer as a part of a community. What happened next and how jerseys fled into street fashion? Ask rappers (but better yet, read our article on why they’re obsessed with sportswear).

Sporty & Rich SR 94 Sports T-shirt435 AED

AMBUSH short sleeves football t-shirt1106 AED

Casablanca logo-print gradient T-shirt1212 AED

Sporty & Rich SR 94 Sports T-shirt435 AED

AMBUSH short sleeves football t-shirt1106 AED

Casablanca logo-print gradient T-shirt1212 AED

But what does it have to do with the current trend? The answer lies in one of the most anticipated sporting events — EURO 2024 and its influence bringing immense attention to football even in the fashion industry. While for a football fan wearing a jersey shirt can still be an act of cultural significance, for hypebeasts and fashionistas it’s just a way of having a moment. And we don’t judge them!

by Sana Bun