Pretty Poly: The History of the Football Shirt

Pretty Poly is a book that celebrates the football shirt as a cultural phenomenon and explores its history, design, and impact on fans and the football industry.
Pretty Poly is a book that explores the history, design, and impact of football shirts on fans and the football industry, from their modest beginnings to a billion-dollar industry. It covers the ever-changing shape, emergence of dedicated club and national colors, and the companies and designers behind some of our favorite strips.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 14 August 2023
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The captivating journey of the football shirt is explored in depth in the book "Pretty Poly," spanning a remarkable 150-year evolution. From its humble origins to its status as a multi-billion-dollar industry centerpiece, the shirt has become an iconic symbol of fandom, evoking memories of triumph and disaster and serving as a testament to one's belonging to a chosen footballing tribe.

Packed with an abundance of facts, figures, and anecdotes, "Pretty Poly" delves into the rich history embedded in the design and features of modern-day football strips. It examines the ever-changing shape, the emergence of dedicated club and national colors, and the often surprising reasons behind these changes. The book also takes a closer look at the companies and designers behind some of the most beloved strips, shedding light on their contributions to the football fashion landscape.

Furthermore, "Pretty Poly" explores the birth and exponential growth of the replica-kit industry. It sheds light on the passionate kit collectors who have a lifelong passion for collecting and preserving vintage kits, as well as the burgeoning vintage kit market that fuels their interest. Throughout the book, readers are introduced to the histories of iconic sponsors, names, numbers, patches, and badges, and they meet the individuals who have dedicated their lives to preserving these pieces of football history.

"Pretty Poly" is a must-read for football enthusiasts, fashion enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in the cultural and historical significance of the football shirt. It offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of this iconic garment, providing a deeper understanding of its role in shaping the sport and its fans.

Weight: 448g
Dimension: 241 x 160 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801504614