Clothes for casual football

Short answer: Recreational football is ninety minutes outside in all kinds of weather. The inner layer and the socks are what you choose yourself, and they matter most for staying dry and avoiding blisters.

The layer under the shirt

A thin inner layer keeps you dry, even when it is cold and you stand still. The club shirt is given, but what you wear under it is up to you. A layer that moves moisture away from the skin makes the cold minutes without the ball more comfortable. See bamboo sweatshirts for women for the bench.

Football is running and standing

A match switches between sprints and long spells waiting for the ball. That means sweat one moment and cold the next. A thin, close fitting inner layer helps with both, because it does not hold moisture and it lies still against the skin when you run.

Socks under the football socks

A thin inner pair reduces friction and blisters in the boot. Two layers slide against each other instead of the sock rubbing against your skin. The inner pair should sit smoothly without folds, so it does not create pressure points in a tight boot. See socks for men and women.

The boot and the foot

Football boots fit tightly to give control of the ball, and the foot gets little air. Moisture from sweat and wet grass stays in the boot all match. Take the boots off as soon as you finish and let them dry with the insole out. Change into dry socks right away.

Rain and cold

Ninety minutes in the rain makes everything wet, and you feel the cold most at half time and after the final whistle. A thin inner layer that dries quickly is better than a thick one that soaks up water. Bring an extra layer for the bench and half time.

Dry clothes for after the match

The changing room is rarely warm, and wet clothes turn cold fast. A fully dry set for after the match is the simplest way to get home warm. Remember dry underwear too, so you are not sitting in wet fabric on the way home. See bamboo panties.

What to pack

Pack dry underwear, a pair of socks, a top and a warm layer. Keep them in a bag so they stay dry, even if your kit bag sits in a damp changing room. Bring another bag for wet clothes and muddy boots, so the rest stays clean.

Washing after the match

Match clothes are wet with sweat and often with rain and mud. Rinse off the worst and wash them at a moderate temperature with a mild detergent. Let them air dry instead of using a tumble dryer. Turn the socks inside out so sand and grass from the boot wash out.

Frequently asked questions

What should you wear under football kit

A thin layer that moves moisture. It keeps you dry in the breaks and in the cold minutes without the ball, without getting heavy when you sweat.

Does a thin inner pair of socks help

Yes, against blisters. Two layers slide against each other instead of the sock rubbing against your skin, so there is less friction in the boot.

What should go in the bag

A fully dry set for after the match. It is the only way to get home warm in winter, when the changing room is cold and your clothes are wet.