Those who refer to football as the “beautiful” game know that this adjective usually describes what happens on the pitch. Away from it, let’s just say that footballers don’t always have a subtle touch when it comes to style. Possessing the means to acquire anything you desire must be a brilliant thing, but it can sometimes do strange things to a person’s judgement.
Still, as always, there are exceptions to the rule; there are the players who actively rebel against all the clichéd notions of flashy-dressing and conspicuous consumption in favour of impeccable tailoring and casual off-duty, off-pitch elegance. Coincidentally, these commendable men follow the same style commandments as Remus Uomo: acute attention to detail, a flair for impeccable tailoring and a taste for high-quality.
So, as World Cup fever continues, we’ve gone through all the squads with a fine-tooth comb to find out which players have allowed good taste and style to flourish alongside their footballing talent, and outline what it takes to have goal-scoring style so that you too can be on the ball when it comes to making an impression.
ON THE BALL SUITING
Outliers: Messrs Sergio Ramos, Eric Dier and Keisuke Honda
Whatever your relationship with tailoring – whether it’s the foundation of your weekday uniform, or something you reluctantly wear when occasion dictates – there’s no denying that the suit has a certain cachet and remains a defining feature of masculine dress. Footballers in particular are obliged to travel to and from games – and attend club functions – wearing suiting. Better still,
wearing conventionally smart clothes can help expunge both on-and-off-pitch transgressions and adds a gravitas to general perception.
One thing to remember is that cut is key when it comes to tailoring; anything slouchy, oversized or badly made is unflattering (we won’t mention names). Instead, go for something form fitting that flatters your silhouette. In this respect, Messrs Sergio Ramos, Eric Dier and Japan’s Keisuke Honda are a cut above the rest; all stick to a tried and tested game plan of navy, grey or black that’s tapered to suit their builds. If you want goal-scoring tailoring, then try one of these:
OFF-PITCH AND OFF DUTY
Outliers: Messrs Antoine Griezmann, Jannik Vestergaard and Kylian Mbappé
Even off-pitch, footballers are under still under constant public scrutiny. It’s no surprise then that the most stylish of them opt for under-the-radar off-duty and fail-safe looks that won’t land them on any worst dressed list. More recently, footballer’s off-duty style has been split into two paradigms: soft tailoring and streetwear. The first – usually hirsute playmakers Xabi Alonso or Andrea Pirlo – evoke sophistication and taste, with unstructured jackets, mix-and-match set suiting and smart shoes (sans socks) that transcend the latest trend and fads.
Smart Casual
Streetwears main proponents are Messrs Antoine Griezmann, Jannik Vestergaard and Kylian Mbappé: these are the players putting luxurious loungewear together with suede bomber jackets and fresh-white trainers that have propelled them to iconic street-style status. For a stylish weekend look, invest in casual separates like these:
Streetwear
AWAY DAY
Outliers: Messrs Marouane Fellaini, David Beckham
Relaxation is the key to the success of any holiday, especially when you’re a globe-trotting footballer, and so the ideal vacation wardrobe should look and feel relaxed too. Look no further than Messrs Marouane Fellaini and David Beckham (forget the sarong incident) who never cease to impress when it comes to dressing for the heat. The trick here is to choose looser fitting clothes in lighter fabrics; printed cuban collar shirts in soft cotton and chino shorts in neutral colours.
So, however you enjoy spending your summer - whether it’s exploring new cities, enjoying the great outdoors or just soaking up the sun (cocktail in hand) – trend it like Beckham.
