The evolution of soccer uniforms have a long history, and if you stick around a bit, we’d love to tell you about it. Athletic uniforms are more than just jerseys. The uniform is everything a team stands for. According to soccer legend Diego Maradona, a player’s motto should be “giving everything for the shirt”. In other words, the uniform is the symbol of the team, and it’s the most important part of the game.

The History of Soccer Team Uniforms

The Cambridge Rules established in 1848 did not mention athletic uniforms at all. In fact, for most of the Victorian age, players just wore white shirts, long trousers, and colorful hats or scarves to distinguish between competing teams. It wasn’t until around 1870 that the public demanded that teams wear clothing that was more, well, uniform.

The colors for team apparel were generally chosen to match the school or club they represented. For instance, players for the Shrewbury School wore white jerseys with the school’s blue Maltese Cross.

Shin guards were invented in 1874 by Samuel Widdowson, a player for the Nottingham Forest soccer team. He cut and reshaped a pair of cricket pads before strapping them to his legs outside his stockings. Though his idea was initially ridiculed, it eventually caught on with other players.

In the early 20th century, soccer shirts were tailored and made from durable, natural fibers. They soon became a fashion trend around the world.

In the mid-1900s, jerseys became a little more conducive to athletic activity. They were made from light, synthetic fabrics, and sported shorter sleeves and v-neck designs.

By the 1960s, soccer uniforms really began to resemble the athletic apparel seen on the field today. Over the next couple decades, jerseys became more and more commercial as teams sold replicas of signature jerseys from notable players.

The 1990s introduced athletic fabric that was lighter and more breathable than ever, and popularity of the soccer shirt soared, with replica shirts becoming widely marketed across the globe.

Though they have undergone many big changes over the centuries, soccer team uniforms are really rather basic. Today, they involve only a short-sleeved top, lightweight shorts, tall socks over shin guards, and soccer cleats. Simple as it may be, the soccer uniform keeps players comfortable and cool in the warmer weather in which they usually play.

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The Athletic Shop is proud to be Chattanooga’s #1 top choice for sporting goods, custom team uniforms, and corporate apparel. With over 200 apparel brands, we offer everything from jerseys, spirit wear, and sideline gear to equipment and professional workwear.

Our expert services include screen printing, embroidery, and direct-to-film printing. We also provide online apparel shops for spirit wear and fundraising, along with in-house design support. With fast turnaround times and unbeatable customer service, The Athletic Shop delivers quality team and corporate apparel and convenience every time.