When it comes to fashion trends, we shouldn’t be shocked by anything. But seeing 18 to 21-year-olds heading out for dinner dates repping Spanish football shirts from the 80s and 90s was not one we had on our fashion bingo cards for 2024. 

Lo and behold, that’s exactly what we’ve seen in both men’s and women’s fashion, driven by the abundance of models, influencers and sports stars from outside the football world who have also jumped on the trend.  

Why has there been a rise in demand for retro football shirts?

As with most trends in the fashion world, it’s hard to trace the resurgence back to a specific factor or time. The old saying ‘what goes around comes around’ is often true when it comes to fashion trends and maybe the demand for retro football shirts is just a case of the cyclical fashion world doing its thing.

Another reason that may have played a part in the revival of retro footy shirts is the increasing desire among young consumers to shop sustainably. In recent times, shopping pre-loved and thrifting has become cool, and it seems this trend has made its way to sports lovers with sports clothing buyers being the most sustainable-focused shoppers.

Add this to the more general trend of vintage fashion making a return and you might have your reason for why we’re starting to see your Dad’s old football shirts on the high street! 

How to style retro football shirts 

Casual

If you’re heading to do a spot of shopping or activities that only require a casual outfit, pairing your retro football shirt with a simple skirt, a pair of jeans or cargo pants is a surefire way to make your streetwear game stand out.

Crop Top

For an edgier look, women can wear their retro shirts as a crop top or vest. Many fashion brands have leaned into this trend to launch their own-brand, retro-style football shirts. 

Alternatively, if you want to buy pre-loved, taking your DIY skills to an authentic vintage top is also an option. Styling this with a pair of oversized jeans and a shoulder bag is a great way to nail the effortlessly chic look. 

Dress

If you’re looking for a football-inspired evening outfit, consider sizing up and turning your retro shirt into a retro dress. For a more casual dress option, take a leaf out of Kim Kardashian’s book. She paired a late ’90s AS Roma shirt with a pair of cycling shorts for an iconic yet simple look. 

Best Retro Football Shirts

As we’ve touched upon, some fashion brands have turned to designing their own football-inspired clothing lines. From high street to designer, there’s no shortage of brands jumping on the retro footy shirt trend. 

But when it comes to retro football shirts, nothing beats the authenticity of an actual, vintage football shirt that you’ve dug out of a second-hand store. If you don’t know where to start, we’ve done our own digging and picked out our top five most fashionable retro football shirts:

1. Napoli Home Shirt 1991-93 

2. Fiorentina Home Shirt 1992/93

3. England Third Shirt 1990 

4. Real Betis Home Shirt 1995-97

5. Celtic Home Shirt 1996