Football shirts come in many different styles, and the style and material used to make them depends largely on the team. For example, English FAs tend to use plain white shirts, while smaller teams tend to use a combination of white and blue. For larger teams, they often order a home and away kit, as well as an alternate set of socks and shorts. Here are some things to consider when choosing a soccer jersey:
The first thing you should know is that soccer jerseys have their own communities. For example, the community has its own conditions for collecting shirts, and the most sought after items are called “grails”. YouTubers are posting videos of “unboxing” their latest purchases. Kit Magazine, a print title dedicated to shirts, has also spread to podcasts. Many fans are already familiar with the terms used in these communities (more here).
The materials used in football shirts come from polyurethane, which is a type of synthetic material. Polyurethanes are formed by the reaction of isocyanates with polyols. The middle portions of the molecules are then altered to form different types of polyurethane. Polyurethanes are used for letters and numbers, sponsors and logos, and fabrics are sometimes used. Many shirts are now made of polyester while others are made of cotton or silk.
The design of football shirts has also evolved. Shirts were originally used to separate teams, but have since evolved into a cultural currency. Now used to express a person’s status and knowledge of the game, they have become prized possessions of collectors. Despite the growing popularity of replica football shirts, the popularity of retro shirts is not waning. There are hundreds of such collections, and their prices reflect their value.
