The hype around vintage football shirts is here to stay, but what is it that has captured the hearts and minds of millennials and Gen-Z's alike?
Sure, modern shirts are a soulless departure from the origins of replica kits, only really achieving praise when they hark back with homage designs; But there seem to have been a significant divide from the generations before who seemed ambivilant to what their sporting heroes adorned.
For me it comes down to our innate susceptibility to nostalgia, the safety blanket in which we can place all the stresses of modern life; whether it's figuring out just what the hell an NFT is or choosing a witty repost to a Hinge prompt, it's tough out there!
looking back at a childhood of football Italia, overweight players and actually finding Soccer AM funny can be the panacea for all. Who can blame us for a late night Ebay splurge on a Grampus 8 3rd shirt in the hope of retaining some modicum of innocence.
Kits in the 80s and 90s were also designed in a playful, less capitalistic way. The sponsors were for small businesses like Crown Paint or Dagenham Motors, they were baggy, made from uncomfortable materials but the colours were vibrant enough to be seen through the heavy fare smoke on a cold night at the San Siro.
But what are the goodies? and where would you wear them? I've put together a few of my faves.
Inter Milan - 1988-90
This is a summer banger, light to mid-wash jeans, and some Airmax 90s and If you want to lean in to the Italia vibe, throw on a thin gold chain.
Occasion - Negronis along the canal
Arsenal 'Bruised Banana' 1991-93
Ah the halcyon days when kits used to last 2 seasons and cost 30 quid. and could you really blame the gooners for clinging on to this iconic strip for as long as fiscally possible?
Even a toothless Paul Merson looked like a fit-god in this strip.
Occasion - Brunching with the boys.
Denmark 1986
This is your daily beater; sophisticated, crisp and with sliming vertical stripes...well, on the right side anyway. Those Scandi design chops don't just apply to fits and furniture, they do ball too.
Occasion - Boardroom to Bistro
Fiorentina 1998-99
I could have easily filled this list with just Italian kits but this reigns supreme. Nintendo, Fila, Battigol and that delicious Viola. Bellisimo!
Occasions - Wedding, Bar Mitzvahs, being buried in.
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