Scarves are well known for their versatility. They're a simple, well-constructed garment that can help keep you warm in the winter, and they're a timeless fashion accessory that can elevate any outfit.
But there's one realm where the scarf reigns king: on the football pitch.
That's right, we're talking about football outside of the United States, the traditional use-your-foot-to-kick-the-ball sport. In the sports world, scarves fall into the category of branded team merchandise, where club colors and crests adorn anything you can imagine. Official club websites offer everything including mugs, hats, keychains, and of course the season's kit (what we call jerseys).
Football fans are known for creating uplifting and boisterous stadium atmospheres across the leagues worldwide. Bright banners called tifos combined with flying flags and rambunctious singing all help to create an intimidating and hostile environment for the visiting team. If you tune into any broadcast for a match, you're bound to spot a load of team merchandise in the hands of supporters, including the ubiquitous scarf.
The origin of the football scarf dates back to the early 1900s when supporters had to endure brutally cold weather to support their teams. As a result, scarves were woven with club colors so fans could proudly represent their clubs while bundled up in the stands.
Fans traditionally stretch the scarf from either end and hoist it high above their heads. When thousands of other supporters join in and raise their scarves, it can create a dizzying image full of color and supporter unison.
But Europe isn't the only place where football scarves are popular. The craze and fascination have also crept into numerous cities across the US through Major League Soccer. With more high-profile players joining MLS coupled with the rise of the US national teams making noise in international competitions, the fervor and atmosphere have turned MLS stadiums into party towns. Teams like the Seattle Sounders and Atlanta United have boasted sell-out crowds due to their distinct and rowdy fanbases.
With over 6,000,000 fans present for MLS matches in the 2021 season, the increasing popularity means more supporters have an all-in mentality to their clubs. That results to an increase in merchandise sales, meaning more scarves in the hands of fans looking to make noise.
Scarf fever from professional football clubs can crossover into the branded merchandising world as the market for scarves is a hot one. Collegiate, high school, and rec league teams can capitalize on providing professional-level gear for supporters and families, bringing a more full-fledged atmosphere to their matches.
Whether the scarves are knitted, woven, or even sublimated now, scarves can act as a unifier for any team, cause, or organization.
So if you feel inclined to dive into this crazy world of scarves, tune in on weekend mornings to take in all the action across the leagues in Europe. Who knows, you might find a new team to root for, and a new market to pursue.
