The early 80′s saw the birth of the casual, out went the previous skinhead fashions and in came Pringle jumpers, Lois cords, Farahs and Burberry scarves. The label was the thing, and the more expensive and exclusive the better. For the first time since the 60′s Mod, lads were happy to look trendy and tidy, and these lads would use the terraces at their local club as their catwalk. During the early ’80s the choice of menswear in most cities was limited to a few big department stores. That’s why tracking down those obscure tennis shirts became essential for the casual – Fila, Lacoste, Tacchini etc were the labels of the early ’80s.

A lot of these fashion ideas came from abroad, so it’s no surprise that the Scousers of Liverpool were at the forefront on the casual movement, their club were regulars in Europe in the late 70s and early 80′s thus giving their supporters the chance to shop and thieve their way through the continent. As the grapevine spread news of the casual phenomenon across the country, a ‘uniform’ of sorts began to emerge.

If you’ve even a passing interest in British casual fashion and heritage, this blog established in 2002 or thereabouts is a glance at terrace culture and is an intriguing resource. A true don of English style and somebody who gets it right every time, which is very important as this ‘casual’ thing is now in vogue around certain parts of the media – see Nick Love’s The Firm and Awaydays (a great book but doesn’t quite hit the spot on film).

It really is a fantastic insight into the mind of a man who can appreciate anything from Michael Caine films to dapper tweed jackets, duffel coats to real ale. It’s all written with a knowing and experienced eye of someone who obviously knows that terrace culture as moved on and evolved, but never lost the need to dress the part and admire good clobber!

Also have a look at the parent site of the blog containing links to iconic casual clothing, footwear and music.

One-Up-Manship

County Lads