While the internet got its knickers in a twist about men wearing rompers, we’re here to remind you all that 20 years ago real men, with alpha male pursuits and muscles for days weren’t afraid of showing their artistic side through fashion statements. They were bold and bright, vividly designed and suspiciously heart-slaying. In the way some get misty-eyed about Memphis Design or minimalist furniture, the wacky masterpieces of bygone era kits have us getting nostalgic. It was the era of acid house and fast, polyester fashion, so maybe some football kit designers got ahead of themselves, but surely these looks certainly deserve extra time.
Getting A Kick Out Of This
Oh, Klaus Baumgart, you scored an own goal with this banana yellow vaporware jersey.
Goaaaaal
While football teams may have moved their fashion goal posts in recent years, we’d happily watch Peter Schmeichel strike this pose from the sidelines any day.
In A League Of His Own
The world deserves a red card for letting Mexico retire Jorge Campos’ utterly brilliant Kandinsky-lite kit.
Back Of The Net
Like a headache of print and pattern, surely David Seaman made it impossible for all the players to keep their eye on the ball.
Hat-Trick
Campos back again in seizure-inducing colours has us Googling: ‘where can I buy multicoloured striped tube socks’.
He Knows The Score
Is it deranged for us to appreciate Newcastle Brown Ale ripping off of Converse All Star’s badge and then printing it on a sunset background?
Champion
Gloriously bonkers, Neville Southhall’s dazzling red, yellow and black Everton kit struck gold with stripes
Obliterate The Competition
Russia’s Dmitri Kharine brought a Mondrian-like air to the pitch and a Waynes World appreciation to hair.
It's Coming, Football's Coming Home
When the final whistle blows, let's all remember David Seaman’s Missoni style chevron polo.
Liked this? You might also be interested in:
7 Magnificent Balenciaga Moments To Get You In The Mood For The V&A’s New Blockbuster Exhibition
Follow Lucy on Instagram @lucyalicemorris
This article originally appeared on The Debrief.