Terrace Culture

By now, football as a sport has touched almost every single far-reaching corner of the globe. It’s the sport that unites the world and brings smiles to the masses. But there’s something else that has come from football, more subtle than the popularity of the game itself, but still undoubtedly part of the allure of the famous world game. That thing is terrace culture. 

What Is Terrace Culture & Fashion?

For decades, PUMA’s Formstrip has been at home on the terraces of Europe. Terraces : British : noun. : TERR-iss : A section of a stadium with wide steps where fans stand to watch football matches. During the late ‘70s, traveling football supporters returned home to the UK with a different sort of trophy; trainers.

They returned home on days-long train rides, wearing gum-soled models originally intended for handball, tennis, and indoor football, picked up on away days in France, Germany, and Italy. Colourful low-tops with dark, straight-leg denim or newly trendy cords became a match-going uniform in Northwestern cities like Liverpool and Manchester, worn in place of team colors. Donning your club’s kit became patently uncool, something one’s dad did, and instead, the term “clobber” was popularised to describe the style. At first, there wasn’t a name that stuck to this emerging subculture. Certainly not a mod, or a punk, or a Scally. Eventually, “The Look” as it was first called around Merseyside, spread through the rest of the UK.

Terrace was more than just a look; it was a new era of football fans. And its followers, deemed 'Casuals,' established the true beginning of trainer culture in the UK. What began as a borrowed trend found in the stadiums, inadvertently became a fashion statement—a movement that emerged from European football with its own codes, attitudes, music, hairstyles, and its own shoes. It was about where you were from, as much as who you were with, and what trainers were on your feet.

Honouring a chapter in PUMA’s rich 75-year history, PUMA’s new terrace collection is immersed in late ‘70s and ‘80s terrace nostalgia, featuring retro colour palettes enhanced by new material evolutions. Three archival styles that are united in their design DNA, which are also features of terrace culture themselves, are the PUMA Palermo. Simple, smart, and classic, these terrace styles will be icons forever.

Worn & Loved by Dua Lipa & Jack Grealish

The terrace culture's revival is championed by style icons Dua Lipa and Jack Grealish, two modern embodiments of the essence of the PUMA terrace collection. 

The combined powers of Dua Lipa’s on stage flair and Jack Grealish’s dazzling moves on the football pitch bring these classic styles into the modern era. They showcase just how the PUMA Palermo and its counterparts transcend time, uniting old-school cool with contemporary fashion. Their endorsement highlights the collection's timeless appeal but also its versatility in today's evolution of terrace culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Style Terrace Culture Clothing?

Embracing terrace culture in your wardrobe is all about striking a balance between casual and polished. Start with a classic – the PUMA Palermo or similar terrace-style sneakers. Pair them with straight-leg denim or crisp chinos for that effortlessly cool vibe. On top, opt for simple, clean-cut pieces like a polo shirt or a slim-fit crewneck sweater.

Layering plays a key role too; think lightweight jackets or a sharp Harrington for that added edge. The key is subtlety and simplicity – terrace fashion isn't about loud logos but rather a nod to understated, timeless style. Accessorise minimally; let the clean lines and iconic silhouettes of terrace culture speak for themselves. This way, you capture the essence of terrace fashion while making it relevant and fresh for today's streets.

How Do I Find My Size?

Finding your perfect fit in the PUMA terrace collection is straightforward. Start by referring to PUMA’s detailed size guide, available on our website. This guide is your best friend for comparing foot measurements to actual shoe sizes. Remember, terrace culture footwear like the Palermo often has a unisex design, so the guide includes a comprehensive range of sizes to cater to everyone.

The guide also provides a helpful conversion chart to make sure you're selecting the right size. It's important to measure your feet accurately, and then match those measurements to the sizes listed.

For clothing, consider your usual size but also the fit you prefer. Terrace culture attire is often about a relaxed yet neat fit, so if you prefer something roomier, you might consider sizing up. If you're in-between sizes or still unsure, customer reviews can be a great resource to see how the sizes fit on different body types.

Ultimately, if the size you choose doesn't fit as expected, remember our easy return and exchange policies. We want to ensure you feel comfortable and stylish in your PUMA terrace wear.

Is Your Terrace Range Unisex?

Absolutely! PUMA's Terrace Range is designed with a unisex appeal in mind. We embrace inclusive fashion, offering styles that suit everyone. You'll find our terrace clothing and footwear, like the iconic Palermo, available in a range of sizes suitable for all, capturing the spirit of universal style.