The Group Chat: Pitch perfect (kits)

With the UEFA Women’s Euro and Women’s AFCoN tourneys still roaring across the pond, the summer of soccer remains in full swing. Perhaps you noticed its influence on fashion: The trend of incorporating soccer jerseys (aka kits) into ’fits is hotter than a late-July day on the pitch.

• That’s why we went to a content creator who does it better than anyone else: former Colombian Women’s National Team member and current face of U.S. soccer media Melissa Ortiz, who chatted with us about kits as fashion, self-expression in her sports broadcasting career, how to make the trend your own…and maybe even how to throw a soccer jersey–themed birthday party. Let’s kick it.

Eye-catching kits are at the heart of soccer culture — look no further than the jersey rankings that flood soccer media ahead of every major tournament and season start. But the looks aren’t confined to the field of play — folks are styling kits in new (and extremely chic) ways.

• Ortiz said, “There are so many ways of celebrating the game, and one of those is through kits. People have been using their own creativity to evoke this soccer passion through fashion.” Oh, and they’re looking really good while doing it.

The trend truly is everywhere, from Vogue to Bella Hadid to Timothée Chalamet to the streets of NYC. Last summer, it went TikTok viral as “blokecore,” which narrowed in on ’90s British football culture, but it has always included more global influences — Ortiz mentioned that some of her favorite kits are from the national teams of Nigeria and the Marshall Islands.

• And the trend’s not just taking over streetwear. High-fashion institutions have a history of turning heads with exquisite kits, from the iconic Acne Studios x Kappa collab to independent designer Conner Ives’ stunning shirred jerseys, as seen on Jennie from girl group Blackpink.

There’s one element of this trend that Ortiz is especially into, and she’s far from alone — we’re talking vintage kits. “The market for vintage kits right now is massive,” she said. “There are vintage kit stores popping up everywhere, where you had to buy online or in Europe before.”

• Example A? Financiers invested $38.5M into OG vintage kit retailers, Classic Football Shirts, last year. As business booms, shops like Cult Kits have stepped into the center of soccer culture.

• Ortiz loves vintage kits so much that she’s willing to drop serious cash for the right ’fit. “I recently bought a vintage kit for $300. Even if I’m not a diehard fan of the club, I’ll buy it because it looks sick, or the player with their name on the back could have been a big baller.”

Ortiz also noted that given the rise of the women’s game worldwide, “Today’s women’s players’ jerseys will be majorly valuable in 20 years.” Tomorrow’s vintage market is being built today, and it will mark yet another massive period of growth for women’s sports. LFG.

Want to get in on the trend? Ortiz has some tips. First, she notes that you don’t have to be a fan of a certain club to rock their jersey. Color coordination is crucial, and you may have to look beyond your favorite squad’s merch to find the right piece.

• Second, when styling your kit, balance out often baggy, sometimes masculine shirts with more feminine details like stacked jewelry, scarves and sunglasses, high-waisted pants, or a skirt. Blending femme elements into traditional sports style requires a whole-outfit approach.

• And lastly, find inspiration in athletes. Some of Ortiz’s faves include Houston Dash forward Michelle Alozie, Liga MX standout Diana Ordóñez, and Angel City defender Sarah Gorden. But take care to make the look your own, whether that’s with accessories you already have or a one-of-a-kind customization.