The influence of sport on British fashion
British culture and sport are inherently linked in a variety of ways. Sports underpin many local communities up and down the country and often cultivate a sense of national pride and identity as few other things can. Many British icons of eras past and present have been sports stars, inspiring younger generations and further embedding sport into our cultural tapestry.
One area of culture where sport has had a particularly significant influence is fashion. The fusion between sports and fashion in the UK has evolved over several decades, but its manifestation is clear to see today.
Early influences
Several links between sport and fashion in Britain can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with sports such as tennis, cricket and golf becoming increasingly popular pastimes and cultural phenomena.
For instance, the quintessential tennis white transcended the courts of Wimbledon influencing leisurewear and the crisp, clean lines favoured in summer wardrobes to this day. Similarly, the Fair Isle sweater worn by golf players for warmth and freedom of movement became a fashion staple far beyond the greens.
The rise of football culture in the 1970s
The influence of sport on British fashion became more pronounced thanks to the emergence of football culture in the 1970s. Passionate fans, or “casuals”, began to show their support by wearing team colours and logos which blended sportswear with high-end fashion.
Popular brands in the sports sphere, such as Adidas, Fred Perry and Lacoste, became symbols of casual fashion despite creating clothing designed to be sportswear. This signalled the first blurring of the lines between athletic wear and everyday attire.
Sports and fashion in the modern era
Lines continued to be blurred and trends accelerated through the 1980s, 90s and into the 2000s. The emergence of sports luxe and athleisure lines was a clear shift towards comfort, functionality, and versatility in clothing as inspired by sports. It was no longer just about supporters wearing badges of honour.
The adoption of sportswear as everyday casual clothing reflected a changing society and the increasing emphasis placed on health and fitness. Since then, designers all over the world have incorporated elements of sportswear into their collections, merging quality performance fabrics with high fashion aesthetics.
The role of sports icons
Recent developments in sports fashion have been driven largely by the increasing influence of icons. Global superstars such as Mo Salah and Lewis Hamilton have the power to define trends and many act as fashion ambassadors working with the most esteemed brands.
Household names like David Beckham, Roger Federer and LeBron James further bridged the gap between sports and fashion, as have supporters wearing shirts with the names of their heroes on the back. Everywhere you walk today, it’s hard to not see the influence of sports in British fashion.