What to wear to a football match

When deciding what to wear at a football match, seasonality, environment and purpose of the game all come into play. Whether you’re supporting from the side lines or at the centre of action, feeling and achieving your best will always be helped by the proper football clothing.

What to wear to watch the football game

There’s no rule about the clothes you choose to wear in the stands. But there are certain styling options that will enhance your experience. Football is a team sport and part of the thrill comes from impassioned crowds cheering on their club. Repping the official kit of the team you’re supporting is a display of unity that can empower athletes to perform their best under pressure on the pitch.

During games in your team’s stadium, opt for a home kit. Similarly, when they are playing on another ground, consider showing up in the away kit. However, when the away kit looks similar to the opposition team’s home kit, go for the third kit.

Frequent clothing choices you see at matches can vary based on weather conditions and the stadium. Games are played outside so fans are exposed to the elements to some extent.

On most occasions men, women and kids wear casual clothing such as:

• Team shirt
• Tees
• Polo shirts
• Hoodies
• Jackets
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Tracksuits
• Trainers

Football stadium roofs aren't always reliable for keeping fans dry, especially those in the front rows as slanting rain can get in. In warm, wet conditions you might opt for a water-resistant Garcia hoodie or lightweight jacket whereas cold weather might call for an overcoat, woolly beanie, and team scarf. Because you're among an active crowd, lightweight, breathable and high-stretch clothes are generally preferred for comfort and ease of movement.

What to wear when playing football

Every player should wear sportswear that's engineered to perform, whether it's a five-a-side or competitive match. The basic kit you’ll need to play football on a pitch includes:

• Football shirt
• Football shorts
• Football socks
• Football boots

You may also want some extra layers, including:

• Base layers
• Shin pads (required competitively)
• Waterproof jacket

Before you throw on any cheap cotton shirt, here’s what you need to know about each bit of kit to ensure premium performance:

What to wear when playing football in the rain

Unfortunately, not every football game can be in the perfect conditions. Players are no stranger to wet weather and rain in the UK. But greatness demands the mental fortitude to persevere through challenging conditions. And having the right kit will help you get there while playing at your best.

If playing football in the rain, make sure you’ve got that all-important waterproof football jacket. This keeps your torso warm and dry throughout the whole game leaving you to focus on the skills. To prevent chafing, wear a pair of compression leggings or shorts underneath your regular kit. You may also want to consider using some Vaseline on your heels where your shoes would normally rub.

Finally, when playing casually or training, some players find wearing a cap useful for keeping the rain out of their face. Of course, if you’re playing a competitive match, this won't be allowed. But certainly, in your training sessions a hat can allow you to keep your eye on the ball.

What to wear when playing football in winter

When winter rolls around, consider a few additions in your football kit to keep warm. Some popular accessories with players include:

• Gloves
• Beanies and or woolly hats
• Joggers
• Hoodies
• Winter jackets

Make sure you’re buying top-tier football or sports clothing to play. A bulky hoodie isn’t going to do you any favours. Instead, look at technical fabrics that offer streamlined performance and base layers for lightweight warmth.

When playing football in the winter, layering is key. As you get into the game, you’re going to start to warm up. Starting with a few thinner base layers is far better than one thick jumper or sweater. As you start to sweat and heat up, you can remove one layer at a time to maintain comfort.