Blokecore: How Soccer Jerseys Became Fashionable
By: Nicole Lara
What Has Made Soccer Jerseys and the Brazil Tee, in General So Popular?
Is it the bright green and yellow colors, the global popularity of Brazilian players, Brazilian culture, or national pride?
Having grown up watching and playing soccer, I never would have imagined that soccer jerseys would become a fashion trend. I always saw a surge in popularity for soccer jerseys during major tournaments like the World Cup, the Euros, Copa América, and the African Cup of Nations. Growing up, the people who wore soccer jerseys were either the players themselves or soccer enthusiasts proudly sporting their favorite team’s kit while watching games. That was the norm. However, I've recently noticed a shift: soccer jerseys are no longer solely worn for athletic purposes. They’ve become a part of everyday fashion, blending seamlessly into trends like “Blokecore”, which pairs soccer kits with casual items like jorts or jeans.
Celebrities and social media play a huge role in creating and perpetuating trends. Stars like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and others have been spotted wearing the Brazil tank top as part of their casual, yet fashionable looks. What was once strictly a sportswear item has now become a streetwear statement. These fashion icons have been photographed sporting the Brazil jersey and tank top not just at soccer games but at parties, concerts, and even on casual outings.
Photos by Jordan Saint-Louis, Jersey Culture at Midd (Left: Griffin Clinton wearing Jermaine Jones’ USMNT jersey, Middle: Elizabeth Duran wearing Neymar’s Brazil National Team jersey, Right: Lukka Wolff wearing a Ugandan National Team jersey)
Social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, have further fueled this shift. With influencers and fashion bloggers constantly sharing outfit inspiration, the Brazil jersey has made its way into the daily wardrobe of many, especially those looking for vibrant, unique pieces to add to their look. Influencers find ways to pair the jerseys with everything from high-waisted jeans to oversized jackets, transforming them from athletic gear to stylish fashion statements. High-fashion designers have also taken notice, with runway adaptations incorporating sportswear aesthetics, solidifying soccer jerseys as both accessible and aspirational.
For some, wearing a soccer jersey represents cultural pride and love for their national soccer team. It signals national identity, to them a jersey is more than just a piece of clothing—it’s a way of expressing admiration for one’s country's soccer legacy.However, for others, wearing the soccer tees is simply about fashion. The jersey’s tap into the growing global interest in sporting aesthetics that blend personal style with national imagery. The Brazil jersey, in particular, much like other sports jerseys, has evolved from a functional item into a form of self-expression.
The rise in popularity of the Brazil tank top also brings up the question of exclusivity. As with many fashion trends, there’s an element of social cachet attached to owning certain items. For some, sporting a soccer jersey might carry an air of exclusivity, especially if it’s from a limited collection or a particularly rare vintage piece. This is especially true for high-end or designer collaborations that sell out quickly and become symbols of status.
At the same time, soccer jerseys, especially the Brazil tee, remain relatively accessible. They’re available at various price points, from affordable replicas to premium designs. This accessibility has allowed them to reach a wider audience, with “Blokecore” particularly highlighting how soccer kits can be styled with everyday staples like denim. Still, the popularity of the jersey has made it a valuable piece, with certain limited-edition versions becoming collectibles over time.
The Brazil tank top and soccer jersey’s broader appeal is multifaceted. It symbolizes national pride and soccer culture for some, while for others, it’s simply a fashionable, versatile piece of clothing. Whether you wear one to support your team or as part of a streetwear ensemble, the Brazil jersey is more than just a garment—it’s a reflection of the global intersection of sports, culture, and fashion.