Like Liverpool’s white suits in 1996, or Italy at Euro 2021? How Hong Kong national team footballers got dressed for success
- Hong Kong’s stylish travelling attire this year is the brainchild of coach Jorn Andersen, who wants the players to look more professional
- ‘The ‘dress smart, play smart’ theory is nothing new, with Italy’s national team lauded for their Giorgio Armani attire when they won Euro 2021
Jorn Andersen’s bid to upgrade the outlook of the Hong Kong Football Association has extended to a heavy influence in its partnership with a fashion designer, which will supply his players with suits to wear for national team duty.
Head coach Andersen was keen for Hong Kong to show a “professional” and united front when they journeyed to the Asian Cup finals in Qatar this year.
Dressed in their sharp, matching white suits, the team and staff arrived in the Middle East “with elegance”. The “dress smart, play smart” theory is nothing new. Italy’s national team were lauded for their Giorgio Armani attire at the 2021 European Championship long before they won the tournament.
How footballers dress for the English FA Cup final at Wembley still stirs online commentary, judging by the irate reaction to Manchester City turning up for the 2023 final in their casuals.
Hong Kong performed beyond expectations in the Asian competition, despite finishing pointless from three matches. They might have upset much-higher ranked opponents but for ill fortune and controversial officiating in their first major finals since 1968.
Togetherness on the field was mirrored off it, with Andersen’s fingerprints across every aspect.
“I tried to improve the team … and we have to be, in many ways, more professional,” Andersen said. “I talked to the FA, and emphasised that we had to look for a sponsor who could [provide suits].
“They found 852 Tailor House, in Causeway Bay, who were ready to sponsor the HKFA, and provide our suits for the Asian Cup. We sent all the players [for measurements], and they made new suits for everyone. I think it was a great idea.
“We travelled as a team with the suits, and it was a positive. I watched the footage of teams arriving in Qatar. Five or six were in suits. There was South Korea, Japan … then Hong Kong. Arriving with elegance.
“Some teams were in tracksuits, or their own suits. And you saw the difference.”
Andersen brought the dress code from his playing career in his native Norway and from Germany’s Bundesliga. “We always had the same suits,” he said.
Hong Kong are not the first football team to be suited as well as booted.
Italy’s Armani suits, Euro 2020
Italy, inevitably, sit top of the pile for style, or “drip” for younger readers. The national team were kitted out by Armani for their Euro 2020 campaign, with big boss Giorgio taking a personal interest.
“I worked on an idea of elegance that is spontaneous, sporty and authentic,” he said of the button-up light blazers, and snug, dark trousers. Italy played as smartly as they dressed, beating England in the final.
Pep Guardiola’s hoodie, FA Cup final 2023
Manchester City may be streets ahead of United on the pitch, but it was the opposite sartorially at Wembley.
City manager Pep Guardiola wore a hoodie, while his players’ untucked T-shirts looked like last night’s outfit off the bedroom floor. United went traditional, in sharp suits, but they lost the final 2-1.
Liverpool’s white suits, FA Cup final 1996
After the White Horse final of 1923, Liverpool had the White Suit final of 1996. They acquired their Spice Boys label after gaining a reputation for enjoying the high life. Armani suits for the Cup final were in keeping.
Sir Alex Ferguson, manager of opponents Manchester United, recalled sighting Robbie Fowler, Steve McManaman et al and saying to assistant Brian Kidd: “1-0.”
“I think that’s arrogance or over confidence … it was ridiculous,” Ferguson said later. “Blue shirt, red-and-white tie and a white suit. With a blue flower. Who designed that? I mean, Jamie Redknapp’s got his sunglasses on.”
The actual score? 1-0 to United.
