The Evolution of International Soccer Uniforms
The most important thing for a soccer fanatic is aside form watching the excellent games are the soccer uniforms worn by his or her favorite soccer team. This is a form of symbol that can remind everybody concerned just how great a team he or she is rooting for.
The modern soccer uniforms we tend to see these days are quite different from the ones worn by the earlier soccer players. Their uniforms consist of long sleeved shirts and socks that reached up to the knees. For their shorts they used a sort of knickerbockers that can effectively cover their knees.
As for the look of the older uniforms, the shirts of the old soccer uniforms have a collar which is similar to the polo shirt we have today. But today, especially the international soccer uniforms the collars were removed and instead a simple round neck soccer jersey have been put in place.
Yet today, a short shorts, a normal length socks and some nice looking soccer jerseys are all that a player needs. Add to these are the specially-designed soccer shoes with spikes underneath so that it can grab the field better.
Another rule being followed by soccer teams nowadays which is basically applied to all even to the AC Milan uniforms or the German bundesliga jerseys is that they should have two sets of uniforms. The one set should be in light color and the other set would be in dark color or shade.
Because of the onset of the so-called black and white television technology in the 50’s and 60’s, people watching the coverage of the soccer games would have no problem identifying what team is scoring or playing. The color scheme would also be an advantage to the players themselves as this can prevent the player from being confused too on who are his team members and who are the opponents.
As for the goalkeeper, it was specified that he should wear a slightly different uniform compared to the rest of the team members because he is the only one allowed to use his hands during the game. This is beneficial as regards to the referees judging the game. This will allow them to distinguish which player is which and give a fair judgment on disputed calls.
The referees meanwhile are also required to wear a different set of uniforms that would again distinguish them form the players on the field. The most common referee uniforms we see are the black and white stripes. This is again a reminder of the black and white TV era. This was the rule then for referees’ uniform because it clearly makes them stand out from among the many moving bodies on the field.
But nowadays, the referees are no longer required to wear that drab black and white striped shirts and shorts but instead are free to choose any color but should be different from the colors of the competing teams. It can be in deep blue or red just as long as it is different from the players.
Another development is in terms of the textiles or fabrics used in making the soccer uniforms. Whereas before the soccer jerseys and the shorts are made from cotton and when it is wet with sweat it tends to stick to the body making the player very uncomfortable and heavy while playing.
But today because of technology several synthetic materials have been developed that even if the soccer uniform is soaking wet the soccer jersey would not stick to the body. There is even a technology that would make the shirt perpetually dry or at least minimize the collection of fluids while being worn by the player.
As to the marketing aspect, many private companies and even the government are using the international soccer uniforms to promote their brands so that a larger population of the world could see what they are promoting. Because we all know for a fact, that the sport of soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world today. And marketers are well aware of this fact all too clearly even for our own good.
