The aesthetic of football and balaclavas How ergonomic garments turned into the new trend

Igor Tudor is standing inside the goal, and while his hands clutch the net, his gaze remains fixed on the Juventus players training on the pitch. It’s the most classic of midweek social videos posted by football teams, showing the coach supervising and carefully observing his players, waiting for that flash of genius that might lead the team to victory. But in this shot with Tudor in the spotlight, the meaning takes on a different layer thanks to one of the items worn by him: a balaclava pulled just under his nose, leaving only the fierce eyes of a man who has built his career on a warrior-leader persona.

Ergonomic garments are undoubtedly the most widespread trend linked to sports aesthetics, and Tudor’s balaclava is just the latest piece in a very long collection. adidas had already brought it onto the football field in previous seasons, creating for Bayern Munich a long-sleeve jersey with a built-in balaclava, famously worn by Alphonso Davies and Jamal Musiala. It was the Winterized Tiro 23 — a winterized tracksuit with padding around the chest and shoulders, and a collar extending up to become a balaclava. A distinctive line also worn by Juventus players and which could see further evolution during this season.

When talking about ergonomic apparel, it’s impossible not to mention Kappa, which in 2025 celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Kombat jersey, the shirt that changed football aesthetics forever thanks to Emanuele Ostini’s intuition. He designed a stretch jersey that, starting from EURO 2000, became the benchmark for football shirts. The anniversary also led to a collaboration with SLAM JAM, resulting in a dream piece for collectors, fashion enthusiasts, and futsal loyalists: a Kombat-inspired football shirt with exposed stitching on elastic fabric, paired with a zip-up balaclava. A unique product unveiled during Paris Fashion Week, proving once again how fashion can influence sport and vice versa.

Making functionality cool is the foundation of gorpcore. But now that technical sportswear is slowly disappearing from our wardrobes, functionality is returning to its natural place. Athletes are constantly searching for garments that can enhance performance without compromising comfort. Ergonomic clothing perfectly answers this need and also fuels the coolness of technical sportswear. Whether through balaclavas sewn onto football jerseys or training hoodies, or — as in the collaboration between Slam Jam and Umbro — a cropped Polartec top with integrated gloves, it makes little difference. Brands are shifting their focus back to sport, leaving behind streetwear — but without forgetting style.

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