World Cup 2018: The eight most fashionable team kits
See which footballers are bang on trend
If you thought the World Cup was just about football, you’d be quite mistaken.
Yes, the quadrennial tournament might be fundamentally a sporting spectacle, but with players taking to the pitches of Russia donning a cacophony of patterns and colours worthy of a Balenciaga campaign, it’s undoubtedly also a sartorial one.
Switch out overworked referees for over-caffeinated editors and the whole thing is practically London Fashion Week - only the models are a little burlier.
So which teams reign supreme when it comes to aesthetics?
We’ve rummaged through the 32 nations’ respective home kits to pick the eight that would seamlessly blend into the trendiest of environments.
Argentina
Those clever Argentinians. Lionel Messi might’ve crumbled when his team lost to Croatia on Thursday, but at least he had the sturdy support of pastel-stripes and sky-blue hues to hold on to.
Plus, celebrity stylist and fashion expert Alex Longmore points out that it’s a very flattering design that is both empowering and simple.
“The numbers stand out and the contrasting black works well,” she tells The Independent.
Peru
At a first glance, it’s hard to tell whether the Peruvian team’s scarlet sash is inspired by regal sportsmanship or a hen party that’s missing its hen.
Either way, it’s a dynamic interpretation of the traditional single wide-stripe design and is very Fendi, or “smart and distinguished,” in the words of Longmore.
Australia
We know what you’re thinking: zebra stripes and mustard does not a fashion masterpiece make.
But before you dismiss the Australian team’s kit offering as Lion King memorabilia, you can’t deny the innovative flair or impact of a standout sleeve, whether it’s on a catwalk or a football pitch.
Colombia
The eye-watering brazenness of the Colombian team's canary shade is all very Tibi Spring/Summer 2018.
One could even call it Gen Z yellow: the bold, carefree marigold shade dominating the sartorial compass in homage to the youthful generation that it’s tagged to.
The Colombian team might not be the most likely winners of the World Cup - they’re currently ranked 16th in FIFA’s World Rankings - but at least they’re bang on trend.
Croatia
The resonance of the checkerboard pattern in fashion transcends time and trend, finding its origins in Vans’ signature skate-style print and blossoming into Louis Vuitton’s resort collections by way of monochrome sweatshirts.
Obviously, this is exactly what the Croatian team had in mind when formulating its kit, which is as eye-catching as it is submerged in the sartorial zeitgeist.
A checkmate-worthy design for sure.
Nigeria
Gawdy, artistic and thrillingly garish, Nigeria’s lime green and black kit comes complete with blurred Missoni-like chevrons that conjure up all sorts of kaleidoscopic delights.
This wavy garm is coming to a warehouse rave near you.
Japan
An invigorating twist on the classic polka dot, Japan’s offering would fit right in on the shelves in Selfridges and “could easily be mistaken for a John Smedley thin knit jumper,” says Longmore, adding that it would be “very wearable off the pitch”.
Belgium
Are the Belgium kit designers in cahoots with Burberry? Quite possibly, as the central diamond design bears a striking resemblance to the British heritage brand’s signature pattern.
Is this what Christopher Bailey’s been busying himself with since leaving the brand?
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