Evolution of soccer uniforms: from antiquity to modernity

The history of soccer is rich in change. Since the emergence of the sport in England, not only its rules have changed, but also the form of players. Of course, by modern standards, soccer players of the past and the century before last looked quite funny, but this did not prevent them from performing with no less excitement. They preferred to wear the most practical things, which were then considered the latest fashion. Let’s tell you how the soccer players’ uniforms changed.

Prototypes of soccer uniforms in antiquity

Until soccer appeared in Great Britain, our distant ancestors in all corners of the planet tried to play something similar. On the European continent, competitions reminiscent of the modern sport, even before our era, organized the Celts. In their games at the same time could participate more than a hundred people. In those days, soccer players dressed in their usual clothes: tunics and loincloths. As a defense, the Celts used shields made of leather.

Ancient Indians at such tournaments often wore animal heads. In this way they tried to intimidate the enemy. In more northern countries, warm everyday clothes were considered sports uniforms. In China and Japan, players wore kimono.

In Russia, entertainment with a ball appeared long before the official birth of soccer. Peasants and nobles played directly in valenki and laptovye.

England – the birthplace of soccer uniforms

At the time of the emergence of soccer, players performed in long coats and short pants. This is proved by most ancient paintings and engravings. By the end of the 19th century, the first version of the uniform was officially documented by the soccer community. It consisted of four mandatory components: golfers, tucked into them pants, shirt and a cylinder. These were the words used to describe the look of the British Ladies team:

The ladies representing the North wore red blouses with white polka dots, loose black breeches, black stockings, red berets, brown leather boots and pants.

Historical innovations: how has soccer equipment changed?

The social changes that emerged in society contributed to the accelerated development of soccer. Teams tried to come to a common concept of the appearance of players and introduce a uniform. Years later, soccer players replaced shirts with sweaters and pants with long shorts.

In 1904, the Football Association, concerned that the shorts were getting shorter and shorter, introduced the following rule: “soccer shorts must cover the knees of players”. However, it did not catch on, as this length interfered with the speed of the athletes. Natural cotton, from which the fabric was sewn, got wet from sweat, because of which the clothes became heavier. Therefore, since the middle of the XX century shorts became short again.

The main change that turned the industry of sportswear is considered to be the invention of synthetic fiber. The form became as light as possible, practically waterproof both inside and outside.

Since then, soccer equipment has taken its current form. The companies adidas, Puma, Nike with the help of modern technologies strive to make the form effective, as well as environmentally friendly. In each season, the clothes of any soccer team are transformed and acquire a bright memorable style.

The appearance of numbers on the uniform

In the late 1930s, numbers appeared on soccer uniforms. At that time, there were no uniform rules that would determine a specific place on the outfit, so some teams had numbers only on the shorts. Over time, clubs came to the same decision: the numbers should be on both jerseys and shorts, to simplify the work of referees and to be remembered by fans in the stands.

Regular design changes

Teams now introduce a new uniform design every season. Of course, usually clubs stick to traditional styles and colors, especially home kits. However, the uniforms for away matches are a real space for creativity. For example, the German club Schalke presented acid-colored clothes last season.

The uniforms of national teams are also changing. Here the situation is even more interesting, because the players’ kits are updated not only for each season, but also for major international tournaments. In early November, adidas presented the uniform of the Russian national team for Euro 2020. It caused a public outcry and caused a big conflict. The RFU, players and fans were extremely dissatisfied with it, because the colors of the Russian flag on the sleeve were arranged in reverse order. The uniform was discontinued.

Evolution of boots: from massive spikes to light coating

As footwear, originally soccer players used high heavy boots or boots with a special metal insert. The use of this equipment often led to injuries. In 1891, soccer rules were changed to allow the use of spikes, provided they were made of leather and did not protrude more than half an inch. Boots made to these standards can be considered the first footwear specialized for soccer.

Great interest in cleats began to appear in the 50s of the XX century. The main manufacturer of sports shoes was the Dassler factory, founded by brothers Adolf and Rudolf. Soon it disintegrated into adidas and Puma. The development of the soccer apparel industry was rapid, and just a few years later, most professional clubs provided their players with quality boots. At the end of the XX century came the era of shoes made of artificial materials. This allowed to dye it in different colors and save production time.

Nowadays, creating cleats has turned into a whole art. Players themselves can choose the design of shoes and participate in the production of limited editions.

The history of soccer uniforms is as vast and interesting as the evolution of soccer itself. Equipment had to go through “fire and water” to become more comfortable and attractive every year. Today, even many young fans often choose their favorite team by the presence of bright, spectacular uniforms.