I’ve written a lot of articles about football’s relationship with fashion across my career. From Jack Grealish’s hair to Wayne Rooney’s 90s knitwear to whether footballers are the new fashion dandies, there are few corners of the sport I’m yet to analyse through a stylistic lens.
So, when the FIFA World Cup kicked off earlier this month, I knew it was time to jog the 'ol memory and reach for a classic - the football shirt.
According to the experts at Classic Football Shirts, the football jersey is (unsurprisingly) the breakout fashion piece of summer 2026, with US Google search demand for 'Soccercore' up 302 per cent in the past year.
Likewise, on British terrain, ‘Blokette’ dress codes are enjoying a renaissance in the wake of the global event. According to Abbott Lyon, search for the term ‘Adidas World Cup away kit 2026’ is up a huge 1000 per cent on TikTok, in addition to ‘casual athletic outfit.’ Searches for 'colorful jersey' are up 694 per cent in the past year.
© GC ImagesThe stats make sense - especially given that the style set can’t divorce themselves from their beloved football shirts. Anne Hathaway (a hardened Arsenal fan), Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Winnie Harlow and Mia Regan have all been spotted sporting the striped throw-on across the years, from low-key coffee runways to front-row fashion week appearances. Romeo Beckham has gone one step further, launching his own collection of football-inspired pieces.
Most recently, Olivia Rodrigo attended the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF sporting, you guessed it, a football shirt. But this was no ordinary jersey. As part of El Clasico’s ongoing partnership with Spotify, Olivia’s logo has been emblazoned across Barcelona FC’s kit in place of Spotify’s - the perfect promotional hack before the fresh release of her new album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love.
© ImaxtreeThe 23-year-old subsequently took to social media to share an image of herself sporting the maroon striped jersey, granting the humble football shirt the Gen Z celebrity seal of approval.
The trend has helped to open up the male-dominated world of football to a female audience, so we think it deserves some airtime. From Martine Rose to Nude Project, discover our football shirts to shop now.
Football shirts to shop now:
The Reconstituted Shirred US Football Top
Conner Ives
A favourite among fashion editors, particularly at fashion week, Conner Ives' shirred upcycled football top from the AW25 collection is one to bag before its gone.
Basic Football Tee Brown
Nude Project
Available in four tempting colourways, Nude Project's cool-girl jersey is perfect for fashion enthusiasts wanting to channel their inner Sporty Spice this season.
Blue Shrunken Stretch Football Vest Tank Top
Martine Rose
One of the very best to do it, Martine Rose has become famed for her signature football-inspired designs. This pale blue, sleeveless option is ideal for spring-into-summer dressing.
Polka Dot Short Sleeve Jersey
Adidas
Adidas' polka dot jersey has Gen Z dress codes written all over it. Complete with a pale blue backdrop and on-trend chocolate spots, this affordable piece is set to fly off the shelves.
Gold Printed Football Zip-Up T-shirt
Andersson Bell
Featuring a faded design, a rib-knit stand collar and cuffs plus piping at raglan sleeves, Andersson Bell's golden tee takes true WAG style to new heights.
Knitted Jersey
Dime
Crafted from 100 per cent cotton, Dime's cropped, mocha-hued jersey is subtle pick for those wanting to dabble in football aesthetics this season.
Cherry Football Jersey
ICECREAM
Hailing from streetwear brand ICECREAM, this vibrant cherry red slip-on is reserved for those wanting to make a sports-inspired statement this summer.
Pedra Soccer T-Shirt
Yorstruly
Feeling sentimental? Tap into retro nostalgia with Yorstruly's pink-green shirt, which boasts classic blue-striped cuffs and a bold varsity-style collar.
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