Like most Americans, soccer is something that really only creeps up in my consciousness once every four years during the World Cup or when I'm reading some article about how dope David Beckham looks in sweatpants. And these days while I know the Euro 2016 soccer tournament has been a wild ride (Iceland just upset England! It's insane!), the details of what's going on aren't super important to my life. But here's what I do know: soccer jerseys are awesome. In terms of pure wearability they might even be the best of any pro athlete uniform. And summer—the time of year when you need nothing but a bold shirt to make a statement—is the best time to wear one.
Here's what you should know first before you get kitted-out.
1. Don't be a fake soccer fan.
Call it soccer. We can't stress that enough. If you're an American that doesn't really know much about the sport, call it by its American name. Also refer to soccer jerseys as such. Don't be the ignorant American who goes around leaning into the words "football" and "kit" just to impress foreigners. It'll be like when your dad tries to say "on fleek."
2. Pick a jersey that looks good on you.
Here's the thing: There's a lot really ugly soccer jerseys out there. The benefit of not being a fan of any team is that you really have no reason to wear an ugly jersey just because it's the team you support. Instead, be like Drake and just find one that you think looks cool. (We're willing to bet Drake isn't the world's biggest Juventus fan.) Hell, it doesn't even have to represent a real soccer team thanks to streetwear labels like Supreme and Palace.
3. Buy the replica version.
On-field versions of jerseys tend be extremely form-fitting, which is fine if you're a professional athlete with an eight-pack. But even for those of us who are in shape, super tight tee-shirts just look odd with street clothes, especially when they're in a polyester fabric like most jerseys are. Instead, pick up the replica version, which will fit more like a regular T-shirt and less like Spanx. Plus, replicas are usually less expensive.
4. Kick it old school.
Lots of new soccer jerseys tend to feature corporate logos and high-tech fabrics. If those aren't for you, hit eBay for a vintage jersey, which will be less chaotic design-wise and might even come in less tech-y but more cozy cotton.
5. Wear it casually.
That basically means with sneakers. We love a high-low mix, but a soccer jersey with a pair of pressed pants and loafers is just weird. Jerseys go best with jeans and your cleanest white kicks (this isn't a time for to bust out your new Yeezys).
