I’ve never really been a fan of football but the hubby and many of my friends are avid fans of the sport. However, being an apparel fan, it is interesting to note that how the modern football uniform has evolved.

Today’s football uniforms are remarkably different than those from 5 or 10 years ago. You can distinctively notice the difference by just watching a “classic” college game on ESPN from the 90’s and compare the uniforms to those worn by today’s collegiate players. The old plain blue jersey with white numbers and plain white shorts are replaced by the following custom football uniform:

• Functional, more comfortable fabrics.
• Full length jerseys that tuck into the pants.
• Tapered, form fitting patterns.
• “Lineman’s Cut” jerseys that “hug” the body and arms.
• Contrasting side and/or shoulder inserts.
• Matching inserts on the pants.
• Choice of sleeve length with or without rib cuffs.
• Multi-color graphics, numbers, and neck plackets.

Football uniforms nowadays are also given the modern look in terms of decorations.  Regulations require that numbers, of a certain size, be applied to the front and back. It is a norm to see team name, player’s name, shoulder or “TV” numbers, sleeve stripes as well as sewn-on neck plackets added to the jerseys. Pants on the other hand, are generally decorated on the upper left or right leg. With so much emphasize on decorations, it certainly cannot be denied that football uniforms have gradually become fashionable too!