The World Cup is already in the knockout stages, and along with history-making moments on the pitch, events off the pitch are just as important. Yes, I do mean the fashion. From major fashion brands collaborating on jerseys to the most creative upcycled designs, from the celebratory garb of international fans, to, of course, the players themselves: World Cup fashion is better than it's ever been.
But if you're new to this scene—whether that means soccer or the fashion part—don't worry: There's a lot going on, and we are here to help you break it all down, including where to shop, who to follow, and how to style jerseys.
Read on for our comprehensive guide to all things World Cup fashion. Get in before the final on July 19!
The collabs
The collaborations and collections are probably the hardest to keep up with. It seems like everyone is getting in on soccer jersey fever, and while it can seem like way too much product is being produced, some of the collaborations really are worth a second look.
Lionel Messi—yes, the GOAT himself—has gotten in on the World Cup collab game with a limited-edition Adidas x Kith x Messi collection that includes everything from jerseys to goalie gloves.
As part of Adidas's ongoing collab with creative studio Brain Dead, the brand is adding Disney to the mix with several sets and a limited-edition release of the Predator boot.
You don't have to be rooting for England to like the Palace Skateboards x Nike collab. Between letterman jackets, tees, and tracksuits, it has a little bit of everything to offer.
Probably the most talked about of all the World Cup collabs is the one designed by Willy Chavarria for Adidas and Team Mexico. The whole collection is a beautiful blend of heritage and performance, both of which are core to Chavarria's work.
The best resale and upcycled soccer jerseys
Perhaps the most exciting fashion coming out of the World Cup is the creative upcycling and secondhand market. According to Depop, searches for World Cup jerseys are up 1,155% since May. Standout creative pieces include a DIY halter top made from a ripped jersey and an old jersey made new with hand-embroidered details. Here are some of our favorites so far:
Cossa New York takes the classic jersey and turns it on its head with a fun, Y2K-esque scrunch.
Frankie Collective shows that jerseys can be anything, really, including a halter top.
Daria y Maria has made soccer jerseys a whole vibe! These are popular everywhere from the stage to the field.
Corsets + team spirit is the vibe with Spicy Mujer's upcycled pieces.
Hood Baby LA's popular upcycled jerseys use all different recycled fabrics to create something entirely new.
The Football Gal makes art with soccer jerseys, embroidering them into unique, meaningful pieces.
How to style
Soccer jerseys have been a part of my life since I was little. From playing as a child, throughout high school, to becoming a fan of clubs and players, jerseys have found their way into my wardrobe one way or another. I think they always look cool, whether you wear them with track pants before a game or incorporate them into another type of look just for fun.
The key: Don't overthink it. Consider a jersey as a versatile piece and mix it into a look you'd wear anyway. It's perfectly fine to wear one with shorts or jeans, but you can also pair a jersey with dressier work pants or a silk skirt. I wore my oversized KSUBI jersey with shorts and boots.
And remember, too, that not all jersey styling needs to be sporty. Vogue's associate fashion editor Nicole Martini, for instance, opted for a different mix, pairing her 42 jersey with shorts and black-and-white loafers.
Layering is another way to make a jersey your own look. Teen Vogue director of programming & creative development, Amalie MacGowan, wore a Hood Baby LA jersey with lace sleeves, but you could also layer it with anything in your closet.
