Description

Book Synopsis

Pretty Poly tells the fascinating story of the football shirt, charting its dramatic evolution over a 150-year period, from modest beginnings to a product at the centre of a billion-dollar industry.

An emblem of everything it means to be a fan, the football shirt evokes memories of triumph and disaster and acts as a symbol of belonging to a chosen footballing tribe.

Packed with facts, figures and anecdotes, Pretty Poly explores the history embedded in every feature of modern-day strips. It covers their ever-changing shape, the emergence of dedicated club and national colours and the often surprising reasons behind them. It also looks at the companies and designers behind some of our favourite strips, and explores the birth and exponential growth of the replica-kit industry.

Along the way, we learn the histories of the iconic sponsors, names, numbers, patches and badges, and meet the kit collectors with a burning lifelong passion as we delve into the burgeoning vintage kit market that feeds their interest.



Trade Review

"An engaging, illuminating read... Ireland is an engaging chronicler, enthusiasm and affection for his subject evident in every sentence."

* When Saturday Comes *

Pretty Poly: The History of the Football Shirt

    Product form

    A Hardback by Alex Ireland

    £21.25

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £25.00 – you save £3.75 (15%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 26 Aug 2026.

    2 in stock

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      Book details

      Publisher Pitch Publishing
      Imprint Pitch Publishing Ltd
      Published 14 August 2023
      ISBN-13 9781801504614
      978-1801504614
      ISBN-10 180150461X
      Also in:
      Sport Association football (Soccer)

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Pretty Poly tells the fascinating story of the football shirt, charting its dramatic evolution over a 150-year period, from modest beginnings to a product at the centre of a billion-dollar industry.

      An emblem of everything it means to be a fan, the football shirt evokes memories of triumph and disaster and acts as a symbol of belonging to a chosen footballing tribe.

      Packed with facts, figures and anecdotes, Pretty Poly explores the history embedded in every feature of modern-day strips. It covers their ever-changing shape, the emergence of dedicated club and national colours and the often surprising reasons behind them. It also looks at the companies and designers behind some of our favourite strips, and explores the birth and exponential growth of the replica-kit industry.

      Along the way, we learn the histories of the iconic sponsors, names, numbers, patches and badges, and meet the kit collectors with a burning lifelong passion as we delve into the burgeoning vintage kit market that feeds their interest.



      Trade Review

      "An engaging, illuminating read... Ireland is an engaging chronicler, enthusiasm and affection for his subject evident in every sentence."

      * When Saturday Comes *

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