You might've noticed, the FIFA World Cup officially kicked off last week (there's no forgetting in the Cosmopolitan UK office, with our daily sweepstake updates). After a very entertaining win for England in their first knockout game, spirits are high, and the football frenzy continues.
No wonder, then, football shirts have become the style statement of the summer. Worn with passion and pride, from the stands to the pub garden to becoming the going ‘out-out’ option of choice, the football shirt has firmly earned its place as a streetwear staple.
Football culture has long been a favoured reference point for luxury fashion, and the 2026 World Cup has seen a significant amount of fashion collabs, proving more and more that these two worlds are constantly in sync. Just check out Martine Rose's ongoing partnerships with Nike, or Simone Rocha's latest AW26 collection, which was heavily influenced by the sport, featuring side-split track jackets and styling striped gym shorts beneath delicate lace dresses.
Elsewhere, football stars have been popping up off the pitch, appearing in big fashion house campaigns, including Declan Rice (❤️), who, after walking Labrum's SS25 show, is now modelling alongside England Captain legend Leah Williamson in Burberry's AW26 campaign and Kylian Mbappé fronting Jonathan Anderson's debut Dior Collection.
It's the celebrity fans, though, who've been sporting the shirts loud and proud. Anne Hathaway celebrated like a true Gooner in her Arsenal shirt after their first Premier League win in 22 years (yes, Anne!). Meanwhile, Cosmo cover girl Olivia Rodrigo attended the LaLiga EA Sports game between Barcelona and Real Madrid, representing Barca with a special edition shirt that replaced Spotify's sponsor logo with her own “OR” logo emblazoned across the kit.
Whether you're sourcing classic retro shirts – either from resale sellers on eBay and Vinted, or vintage retailers like Classic Football Shirts – nabbing the newest team merch, or investing in designer iterations, it's how to make styling the trend work IRL that's our top priority. As in, not for a five-a-side kickabout after work.
We've rounded up the best styling tips from the girls who make it look effortlessly cool, to help elevate your match-day looks, no matter where you're wearing it.
Layer with lace
Follow Simone Rocha's lead by introducing ultra-feminine accents into your football-chic 'fit. We love love love the classic sporty styling of an oversized tee worn over a long sleeve, especially with this pretty, lacy twist. Plus, the twee bloomer shorts to top off the dainty detailing are genius.
Punk meets football culture
They might seem worlds apart, but punk culture and football have shown lots of overlap for decades, both rooted in community and working-class rebellion. A bit of pleated tartan and heavy silver hardware offset a colourful football shirt in the best way. Dedicated Cosmo readers (hi, friends!) will already know that sneakerinas and Mary Jane ballet trainers are a shoe trend we're obsessed with, and with this outfit, they tie everything together perfectly.
Classic in denim
Whether it's frayed Daisy Duke mini denim shorts, à la Bella Hadid or the on-trend baggy jorts style that's everywhere right now, football shirts and denim just make sense. It's a winning pairing that you can't go wrong with.
Dress it up
Conner Ives' shirred upcycled football shirts have been a favourite among fashion editors making the rounds at every Fashion Week the past few seasons. Now the New York designer can count Rihanna a fan, as she was recently spotted in a reconstituted American football dress with killer heels and lashings of jewellery. Alongside fashion editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, the pair give us a masterclass in how to style a football jersey for the evening.
Festival season
Guaranteed to be part of the festival season's new uniform, you'll see a sea of football shirts across stage crowds this summer. Oversized and airy is the way forward, and you don't have to ditch any of the bohemian markers of the usual beloved aesthetic. A lace or crochet skirt in maxi and midi lengths makes for a cute set with the shirt. Add more boho goodness with embroidered bags and intricate beaded jewellery.
Sophie Leen is the Bookings Editor for Cosmopolitan UK and Women's Health UK. She specialises in creating fashion and shopping content across both digital and print platforms, as well as producing all of our fashion editorial photoshoots, which have included our digital cover with Olly Alexander and our curve influencer’s letter to the high street story. Sophie also looks after our Try Before You Train franchise where our team have tested and reviewed over 100 gymwear items.
