Better World Cup T-Shirts To Buy
Style
When watching the World Cup, it’s only natural to reach for your tatty football shirt that has served you well since your early twenties. But this year, fashion has muscled its way onto the pitch, giving you a chance of being stylish...
Nike x Off-White
Off-White’s Virgil Abloh has teamed up with Nike for a collection that blends his childhood love of football (or soccer as it’s known in America) with the bold graphics popularised by his brand. Football shirts brandish the Off-White name where a traditional sponsor would sit with the numbers on the back representing the numbers Abloh wore during his teenage years. The Nike x Off-White Football, Mon Amour collection launches June 14 on nike.com.
Selfridges x Lovers F.C.
A brand that actually loves football teaming up with a luxury department store equals good kit. Lovers F.C. has designed six football jerseys in some of the wackiest prints you’ll see this World Cup. Of course, you could go for the England design but Nigeria’s print will win you more approving nods. Selfridges, £55
Nike x Kim Jones
The former head of Louis Vuitton’s menswear has also reworked traditional football jerseys and shorts for Nike. Paying homage to 70s and 80s punk style, Jones’ more simple designs – which are officially known as the Football Reimagined collection – blend a cut-and-paste technique with Nike’s usual sportswear innovations. Nike, from £160
Gosha Rubchinskiy x adidas Football
Russian designer Gosha Rubchinksiy has partnered with adidas once again for a World Cup 2018 extravaganza. Considering his heritage and the fact that Russia is the home of this year’s tournament, it’s no surprise to see the colours of the Russian flag and Cyrillic text splashed across the collection. Featuring “Home” and “Away” jerseys as well as a number of sweatshirts, there’s plenty to choose from. The collection will be available at Dover Street Market from June 14.
Acne Football T-Shirt
Acne Studios is getting into the World Cup spirit with its white jersey design featuring a combination of a football (duh) and the brand’s famous face motif. The back is just as picturesque with the number 13 and Floragatan – a place in Stockholm – written in bold blue lettering. The tee also comes in blue if you’re more of a colourful guy. Acne Studios, £190
Yoox’s Soccer Couture
14 seriously cool brands were asked to come up with their dream football strip. Marques’Almeida went back to their Portuguese roots for their designs while Vivienne Westwood’s mimic her former punk years. There’s a politically charged hoodie by Russian designer Alexander Terekhov and military-inspired looks to represent Germany. Profits from each design will go towards the Stars for Children charity founded by Russian player Alexander Kerzhakov. With that in mind, why wouldn’t you buy more than one? Yoox, from £74
Versace Football T-Shirt
Even the big guns of the fashion world are getting involved with this year’s World Cup. If you’ve got a little dough to spend, you’d do well to invest in Versace’s white striped jersey. Far from the brand’s usual gaudy (in a good way) designs, this T-shirt was made for showing off down the pub. Plus you can throw it on for many World Cups to come. SSENSE, £480
adidas x Alexander Wang Soccer Shirt
Watching matches in the garden is one of the World Cup pleasures – and by God, the rain won’t stop you. But don’t sit there shivering. Snap up Alex Wang’s forest green long-sleeved design. And if the sun does reappear, its magic fabric works to keep sweat away, giving you the best of both worlds. Alexander Wang, £100
Études Unity Daniel Football T-Shirt
Those with a braver attitude may want to opt for Parisian brand Études’ turquoise tee. If you’re wondering why the back reads “Taxi Girl”, it’s a reference to one of France’s most revered 80s bands. The perfect way to prove your football and musical knowledge. Farfetch, £88
John Elliott Striped-Trimmed Woven T-Shirt
If you want go down the designer route but can’t quite afford the likes of Versace, John Elliott’s silky black design could be right up your street. Designed with the traditional football jersey V-neck and subtle stripes, a £150 T-shirt has never looked so appealing. Mr Porter, £150
If none of these tickle your fancy – then how about enjoying the game in one of these very cool Hawaiian shirts?
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