Football is one of the most loved sport in the world. In recent years, more and more fans started collecting classic football shirts to show their years of support. So, aside from watching the games of their favourite teams, they also get as many football kits as they can.
However, there’s another way to show your support. You can also modify football shirts to make them either personalised or something that represents the football team more.
In this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to transform and modify football shirts into a more creative show of support.
1. Plan Your Design
Before you start with any modification, take some time to sketch your ideal design. And while you’re at it, try to think about the colour palette, patterns, and other features you want to include in your football shirt.
As mentioned, it’s your choice whether you want to make it more personalised or something that the team would appreciate. If this goes well, you can even wear this shirt during games, and who knows, the team you’re supporting may notice you from the crowd. On the other hand, simply posting it online can easily reach your team, so make sure to think about the design thoroughly.
2. Gather the Right Materials
The right materials can help you achieve the perfect football shirt modification. You can start by looking for the materials that suit the fabric of the football kit. Failing to acquire the right material may result in damaging the shirt.
If you’re having doubts about this, you can look at online videos that can recommend the right brand and products to achieve the kind of design you want.
3. Choose the Right Shirt
Although it’s not recommended to modify classic football shirts, you still have the option to modify replica shirts. Nowadays, various sports brands are releasing replica shirts of the classic ones to revive the retro feeling.
Meanwhile, if you decide to modify an old football shirt and turn it into a football shirt representing a specific team, you can do so. This option can prevent you from feeling guilty about ruining a perfect replica or authentic shirt from your favourite football team.
4. Practise on Scrap Fabric
If this is your first time modifying a shirt, you should try it on an old regular shirt first or a scrap fabric. That way, you won’t ruin the shirt you’re planning to design.
Once you get the idea or the best way to incorporate your designs in fabrics, you can start doing it on your football shirt. Meanwhile, if you don’t have the type of fabric as the football shirt to practise the designs, you can look for at least something similar. However, other types of fabric would also suffice.
5. Stencil Techniques
If you’re not the kind of person who can design using freehand drawings, having stencils is recommended. In addition, this can make your design look more professional and
Stencilling is an effective way to achieve precise and professional-looking designs. Create or purchase stencils that match your vision, and use them with fabric paint to add logos, numbers, or intricate patterns to your football shirt.
6. Embrace Embroidery
Have you noticed a lot of embroidered products sold online? Maybe this is the right time for you to embrace embroidery, too! This is a great technique that doesn’t require handmade drawings, but the designs can be as accurate as possible, depending on your level of focus.
For instance, you can embroider the football team’s logo or sponsors. And if you want to add a personal touch, you can also embroider your name on the shirt.
7. Be Mindful of Team Symbols
Although modifying the football shirt is your way to creatively express your support, there are things you shouldn’t alter, such as logos, symbols, and sponsors. Make sure that you won’t violate any trademark or copyright laws, especially if you’re posting the shirt online. Instead, you should focus on the creative side of altering the football shirt.
8. Experiment with Dye
Another must-try way of altering a football shirt is to experiment with dyes. As you may have observed in other shirts, using dyes can transform a shirt to another level, depending on the planned design. However, when choosing the right dye, make sure to consider the fabric.
9. Protect and Seal Your Design
After modifying the shirt, make sure to protect and seal the new designs. You can apply a fabric sealant that can help preserve the design and prevent it from fading.
10. Document Your Process
Another fun way to enjoy the process of modifying a football shirt is to document the process. Even if you’re not a vlogger, it’s nice to look back on this special project.
We hope this article helps you get started with planning and modifying your football shirt. If you’re planning to do this or have already started, don’t hesitate to share your experience by commenting below!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aliana Baraquio is a web content writer working for Retro Football Kits, an international shop that offers a wide selection of retro football shirts and match-worn classic football shirts from the 70s to the 00s. As a writer, she is passionate about providing good quality articles that will help readers in making the right choice.
