Retro Athletic Clothing Is Trending – Here’s How To Do It
Call it the Oasis Reunion Effect or simply the fact that the ’90s are now deemed “vintage”, but retro athletic clothing is huge right now. From shorter-than-short soccer shorts loved by Paul Mescal to Sergio Tacchini co-ords that would give Danny Dyer in The Business a run for his money, classic football shirts that are having a renaissance to colour blocking Adidas Originals trackies, here’s everything you need to style out SS25’s most nostalgic trend.
There’s something inherently cool about a high/low trend. We’re seeing everything from loafers teamed with sporty socks to tailored trousers elevated by a classic white tee, all feeding into this summer’s very practical, retro sportswear aesthetic.
A heap of influencers have been spotted seamlessly integrating genuinely sportswear-led pieces with more polished garments. Think a classic ’90s football shirt under a Harrington jacket and paired with straight-leg jeans – a look that, while bordering on ’80s football casual, hits perfectly when done right. Or a colour-popping Adidas Originals short with white ribbed socks, loafers and a striped shirt – effortless cool for hot summer days.
Think Paul Mescal papped in soccer shorts, Danny Dyer in cult film The Business or Liam and Robbie at Glastonbury circa 1995.
There are some really cool brands doing the retro athletic trend right now. Found and Nude Project are two labels offering fresh takes on the classic football shirt renaissance, reimagining them in softer pastel colourways, incorporating delicate feminine lace details, and featuring intriguing embroidered motifs. If you’re looking to invest in a premium piece, Wales Bonner’s collaboration with Adidas Originals is a standout, albeit expensive, perfectly balancing tailored sophistication with sporty flair. Meanwhile, Tokyo-based Needles crafts an array of statement trackies; their leopard print pair, styled with a vibrant, colourful knit, is a particular favourite.
But what really pays off with this trend is vintage. The whole look just works better with the original stuff, and there is so much to source online, from Sergio Tacchini to Fila, Kappa, to Ellesse. Whether you still have some of the gear knocking about in the wardrobe from the first time around, or you’re delighting in your dad’s ’90s collection, scroll for some inspiration on how to work the trend below…
The Wales Bonner’s Adidas collab is standout, albeit expensive – tailored sophistication with sporty flair.
We’re loving the array of riffs on the classic football trend, reimagining them in softer pastel colourways, incorporating delicate feminine lace details, and featuring intriguing embroidered motifs.
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