The Euro 2024 jerseys, ranked by streetwear value

WE CAN’T PINPOINT the exact origins of ‘footballcore’ – more commonly and perhaps more accurately known as ‘blokecore’ – but we’re fairly certain the menswear trend reached its most prolific TikTok feed-filling density around the same time as the 2022 and 2023 men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups. That’s because the worlds of football and fashion only really crossover when there’s a major international tournament to consistently steer the zeitgeist towards sport.

When these international tournaments come around every few years or so, football kits start venturing away from the field and sneaking into streetwear subculture, all while diehard fans are repping their colours in wildly inappropriate settings – note to readers, wearing a jersey to date night is not a good look.

The 2024 UEFA European Football Championships – typically known far more laconically as ‘the Euros’ – begin this weekend. Pundits are divided on who will finish the tournament on top, but today, we’re just as concerned about who will be looking the best out there on the field. Nike and Adidas kit out most of the major nations, while Puma, Macron and Joma have all put their best foot forward. Even niche Danish sportswear brand Hummel serves as the official kit provider for one team – we’re not handing out prizes for guessing which one though.

So, with football and fashion set to collide once again, these are the best jerseys from the 2024 Euros, ranked by their streetwear practicality and admirable adherence to blokecore aesthetics.

10. Denmark (Home)

Yes, the one nation that Danish sportwear label Hummel makes kits for is Denmark. Who would’ve guessed? Hummel may only have a lone nation to design a jersey for, but all that means is that the brand can put all of its efforts into perfecting a single design. That seems to be what happened with Denmark’s home jersey, which features a bold red primary colour, a boxy, tessellating pattern and white chevrons on the shoulders. Beneath the surface, the names of all 1,535 clubs associated with the Danish Football Association are printed on the jersey’s inside, in an homage to Denmark’s grassroots footballing heritage.

9. Slovenia (Home)

Slovenia may not be the most successful footballing nation, but that doesn’t mean we should expect subpar quality from the nation’s jerseys. Slovenia’s Nike home kit for the Euros is a testament to the effectiveness of minimalism. It’s essentially just a plain white design, with a central stripe panel and the peak of Triglav (Slovenia’s tallest mountain) sitting atop the number.

8. Croatia (Away)

As a rule, home jerseys tend to lean on heritage and keep things fairly simple. On the other hand, away jerseys are where designers can let their creativity run wild. Croatia’s traditional red and white checkerboard design remains the basis of the nation’s home kit, but the away kit changes the colour scheme to dark blue, tilting the checks diagonally to make them look like diamonds. Red pinstripes complete the look.

7. Netherlands (Away)

We’ll admit that there’s a touch of public transport upholstery to the Netherlands’ away jersey for the 2024 Euros, but we think it works. The design is inspired by the abstract rectangular patterns of the De Stijl art movement, which gained prominence in the Netherlands in the early 20^th century. It’s a refreshing rebrand for a nation that usually prioritises garish bright orange designs – but don’t worry, if that’s your thing, the home kit is much of the usual.

6. Belgium (Home)

Belgium’s away kit for the Euros has drawn plenty of praise, as it’s inspired by the outfit of iconic cartoon character Tintin, but it’s the nation’s home jersey that steals the show. The base is a deep red with gold and black stripes. The jersey looks fine on its own, but the meaning behind it is difficult to get your head around. Supposedly, the diamond and crown pattern that is plastered across the jersey is a tribute to both the royal beginnings of the Belgium Football Association, as well as the nation’s history with prestige luggage. An interesting choice of inspiration, to be sure.

5. Portugal (Away)

Allow us to preface this by saying that any jersey with the name ‘Ronaldo’ across the back of it is going to sell well, but it helps when the jersey’s design can stand on its own two feet. Portugal’s kits typically feature the green and red colours of the nation’s flag – which remain prominent in the home jersey – but this time around, Nike has gone with a new look for the ornate away jersey. Portugal’s away kit features a crystal blue design in the style of azulejo tiles, which are what you’ll see decorating the walls of churches, homes and palaces throughout the nation.

4. Italy (Away)

It is difficult to balance the traditional colours of Italian football on a single jersey. For while the green, white and red tricolour makes up Italy’s flag, the nation’s football team has historically worn blue – they’re called the Azzurri for a reason. No problem, Adidas has found a way to incorporate all four colours in a single shirt, without it looking overcrowded. Italy’s away jersey uses subtle underarm and shoulder stripes to resemble the Italian flag, while adding a touch of blue on the collar trim and numbering.

3. Germany (Home)

We’re getting into top tier blokecore territory now. Germany’s home jersey makes use of a retro design inspired by some of the nation’s older kits. The jersey’s base is simple, but by using Germany’s national colours on the shoulders to create a gradient flame effect, Adidas adds a touch of sophistication that will appeal to blokes in and out of Germany.

2. Austria (Home)

Austria’s home jersey has had a polarising effect on football fans. Some hate it, some love it. We lean towards the latter. Maybe it’s because we’re so accustomed to seeing the Austrians trot out in plain red or white shirts, but the new jersey’s graphic – which is meant to resemble a picturesque Alpine village – is as creative as it is applicable to a streetwear ensemble.

1. England (Away)

It is fitting that the country where blokecore largely originated has the jersey that’s most suitable for life outside the stadium. After years of tinkering with red, light blue and black colour schemes, Nike has finally created the optimal England away jersey – surprisingly, in indigo. Playing off that bold indigo base, burnished golden numbering and crests present a striking contrast. Meanwhile, the side panel adds a touch of blue along with shapes taken from the St George’s Cross. Truly, this jersey is a pleasure to look at. Expect to see plenty of it in the streets over the next month, especially if England finally manage to bring it home.