Soccer Jerseys Are The Summer's Coolest Fashion Trend
Our take
The unexpected rise of the soccer jersey as a mainstream fashion statement feels perfectly aligned with the current cultural moment. It’s a confluence of factors – the undeniable energy of the 2026 FIFA World Cup sweeping across North America, a broader embrace of sportswear as elevated leisurewear, and a desire for a more authentic, less overtly branded aesthetic. We've seen a similar shift in the popularity of classic staples, as evidenced by the enduring appeal of Jennifer Aniston’s casual summer look Jennifer Aniston’s Casual Summer Look Is Filled With Closet Staples, and the cyclical return of playful silhouettes like Selena Gomez's babydoll dress Selena Gomez's Babydoll Dress Is Perfect For Summer. This isn’t simply about following a trend; it's about adopting a feeling, a sense of belonging, and a quiet confidence that transcends logos. The jersey, inherently tied to a team and a community, offers that in a way that a purely luxury item sometimes struggles to achieve. It’s accessible, it’s evocative, and it’s undeniably cool.
The shift represents a fascinating evolution in how we consume and interpret luxury. For years, the prevailing narrative has been one of conspicuous consumption – the louder the logo, the more desirable the item. But that tide is turning. Consumers, particularly younger generations, are increasingly drawn to pieces that feel considered, authentic, and even a little bit understated. The jersey, stripped of its overt athletic context and styled with intention, becomes a canvas for personal expression. It’s a rejection of the hyper-branded world and an embrace of something a little more…human. Think of the effortless chic captured in the recent Wimbledon looks Cool-Girl Wimbledon Looks To Recreate This Summer – a similar sensibility of appreciating timelessness and understated elegance that now translates to the world of sportswear. This isn't about being a die-hard soccer fan; it’s about appreciating the aesthetic and incorporating it into a personal style narrative.
Beyond the immediate trend, the soccer jersey phenomenon speaks to a broader cultural reset. We’re moving away from a culture of constant self-promotion and towards one that values authenticity and connection. The jersey, with its inherent ties to a team, a city, or a nation, taps into that desire for belonging. It’s a subtle way of signaling shared values and interests, creating a sense of community without the need for overt pronouncements. This resonates deeply with the current mood—a longing for genuine connection in an increasingly digital world. It also highlights the power of unexpected sources to influence fashion. The runway and traditional luxury houses are no longer the sole arbiters of style; street culture, sports, and global events are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping trends.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how brands adapt to this shift in consumer sentiment. Will luxury houses continue to collaborate with sports teams, blurring the lines between athletic wear and high fashion? Will we see a rise in vintage or upcycled soccer jerseys, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable and unique pieces? Ultimately, the soccer jersey’s moment in the fashion spotlight suggests that the future of style lies not in chasing fleeting trends, but in embracing authenticity, connection, and a quiet confidence that radiates from within — a sentiment deeply aligned with a sense of intentionality and personal expression.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been taking over major cities across North America for a month now, and beyond the overwhelmingly positive vibes that have come with everyone embracing and celebrating their preferred teams, there’s also been an indisputable effect on the fashion scene. Whether you’re in Miami, Los Angeles, Mexico City, or New York, it’s become the new normal to see a crowd of soccer jerseys everywhere you turn. Of course, there are those who have been holding onto their favorite team merch for years, sporting the styles as nothing more than a show of support for their countries of choice. But some are newly getting invested in the games (and athletic aesthetics), mostly shopping for jerseys because — well, they’re very cute.
I certainly fall into that group — I haven’t watched a soccer game since high school and have never considered wearing the sport’s merchandise. That is, until now. Beyond feeling influenced by the sea of chic NYC residents who have seamlessly incorporated the kits into their everyday wardrobes, fashion brands have also been cashing in on the historic tournament, releasing various stylish options to choose from. Larroudé, Agua Bendita, and Farm Rio have all come out with their own takes on the uniform, with many of them selling out almost immediately. Meanwhile, brands like Urban Outfitters and Reformation have gone the route of collaborating with established jersey makers, such as Umbro.
With so many different styles newly on the market and plenty more matches to go until a winner is named, The Zoe Report team took it upon themselves to put this trend to the test. Keep scrolling to see how each of us wore our jerseys out and about — and maybe get some outfit inspiration in the process.
Angela Melero, Editorial Director
“OK, real talk: As a diehard American football fan, soccer (fútbol, if you will) has never been something I followed closely. That said, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the allure of World Cup mania in Los Angeles, and I admit to giving in wholeheartedly to the sport … for the summer anyway. Perhaps it’s the communal component that makes me feel reconnected to my community. Perhaps it’s the fact that my native team, Mexico, is quickly rising to the top with a thus-far perfect record. Or perhaps it’s the endless game day outfit inspo flooding my feed.
Speaking of the latter, I’m particularly intrigued with the fashion takes on classic uniforms, like this Tommy Hilfiger Mexico soccer jersey. I like to balance out the traditional, roomy men’s cut with more feminine pieces like a mini skirt and platform jelly flip-flops. It reads easy, breezy, and ready for a win. Vamos México!”
Brooke Frischer, Senior Fashion Editor
“If I’m being honest, I’ve never considered wearing a soccer jersey — until I saw this striped number from Nike. I love how vivid the sky blue hue is, and especially love how bold the pattern is. It makes for a perfect piece to combine with other fun prints for the ultimate maximalist, semi-chaotic pattern-clashing look. I was also pleasantly surprised to feel how lightweight the top is, despite its opaque material. I complemented the sporty garment with my trusty Chopova Lowena carabiner skirt and Sam Edelman studded ballet flats, ensuring every part of my outfit made a statement.”
Eman Naseer, Assistant Social Editor
“I’ve never been a big sports fan, but New York’s World Cup energy this year is truly contagious. The city’s palpable excitement has made me feel like a soccer jersey is a huge gap in my wardrobe — a total first for me, despite watching the style trend over the last few years. Enter this Lotto Sports jersey from the brand’s Legendary Moments collection, and suddenly I'm a convert. The collar detail gives it a slightly preppy, elevated feel, and the single red stripe adds a fun design element without looking cluttered. Plus, the fabric is a bit thicker than your average jersey while remaining breathable. To balance the oversized, sporty top, I played with feminine contrasts. I paired it with a ruffled Isabel Marant miniskirt for some fun texture, and threw on ballet flats to double down on the girly aesthetic. A long mixed-metal pendant necklace and silver bangles finished off the look.”
Kelsey Stewart, Fashion Writer
“As a longtime Reformation fan, I had my eye on the label's new collaboration with Umbro as soon as it dropped. So when I received an invitation from ChatGPT to attend the United States versus Turkey World Cup match last week, I knew I had to wear the baby blue soccer jersey to the game. Because one piece from the collection simply wasn't enough, I paired the slouchy top with the black-and-white track shorts, which were incredibly comfortable. As a fashion girlie through and through, I skipped sneakers in favor of my beloved Mansur Gavriel kitten heels — a bold choice, indeed. A white cherry-print bandana and black sunglasses rounded out the sporty-chic look.”
Eden Stuart, Beauty News Writer
“I’d been eyeing this faded blue jersey by Found for a while; I love the vintage vibes. While I think it would also look so fun with, say, checker-print ankle pants and loafers for a ‘60s-inspired moment, I decided to lean into Britpop energy (something about this jersey was also giving me Oasis?) with big, baggy shorts. These from PacSun have quickly become one of my summer wardrobe staples. I went back and forth on shoes, but something about these denim, lug-sole Sperry x Monse loafers just felt right. Going with the Britpop theme, I think they add a touch of Spice Girls.”
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