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Casual: Not Just a Dress Code

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This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.


Growing up in a family of local entrepreneurs instilled a deep sense of belonging and community in me – a passion that naturally extended to football. My grandfather, a former player for our hometown Football Club, sparked my love for the sport. When he took me to the stadium for the first time at age 9, I wasn’t just captivated by the match, but by the vibrant atmosphere on the terraces. That day marked the start of my journey into football fandom, leading me to discover the Casual subculture – a movement that was taking root in Italy in the ‘90s, with my city at its forefront.

The Casual subculture originated in the 1970s UK, when a new breed of football fans emerged, moving beyond traditional scarves and club colours to embrace high-street fashion and refined casual wear. Fans sought to blend in while outshining rivals with their style. Brands like Adidas, Sergio Tacchini, Ralph Lauren, and Stone Island became synonymous with the Casual identity, transcending the terraces to influence broader fashion trends.

Beyond fashion, football fandom reflects a deep connection to community and tradition. In a world that often values uniformity over true diversity, the stadium stands as a sanctuary. Here, people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their love for their hometowns, heritage, and unique identities. Football grounds are where fans reclaim their individuality, resisting society’s push toward homogenization and finding solace in the bonds of community.

The Casuals of the ‘70s and ‘80s left an indelible mark on both football culture and high-street fashion. Their distinctive style, brand affiliations, and complex rivalries created a subculture that went beyond the game itself. Today, the legacy of the Casuals continues to shape football culture worldwide, proving that their origins were more than just a chapter in history – they defined an era for the sport and the lifestyle that surrounds it.


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