There were celebrity sightings aplenty at Team USA's latest World Cup match in Los Angeles. Paris Hilton, for example, strolled in with her kids looking expectedly stylish as ever, donning a vintage jersey that turns out to be quite the iconic fashion piece.
Dating back to 1994, the denim shirt was styled as a dress by the American socialite, 45. And new data released on Friday, June 26 from Classic Football Shirts reveals that Hilton apparently picked the most in-demand vintage U.S. soccer shirt of the summer. The recent study by Classic Football Shirts reveals that U.S. Google searches for "blokette" — the viral fashion trend of pairing masculine sportswear with hyper-feminine delicate clothing — have risen 4,950% in the past year alone, according to the company's recent news release, signaling that the vintage soccer jersey this summer is as much a fashion statement as a fan one.
The 1994 U.S. World Cup Jersey: A Denim Icon
In 1994, the United States hosted that summer's World Cup on home soil, reaching the Round of 16 — but it's what the team wore that's trending again. The standout is the away shirt: a faux-denim print with oversized distressed white stars across a washed indigo base, finished with red trim at the collar and sleeves. This bold design broke away from traditional soccer jerseys, which typically featured solid colors or simple stripes. The denim look was a deliberate nod to American culture, evoking images of blue jeans and rugged style. At the time, it was considered a novelty, but it quickly became a collector's item. The shirt was produced by Adidas, which was then the official kit supplier for U.S. Soccer. The partnership lasted until 2015, when Nike took over, but the denim jersey remains one of the most recognizable and beloved kits in U.S. soccer history.
Paris Hilton's Fashion Influence
Paris Hilton has long been a trendsetter. From her early days as a socialite and reality TV star to her current role as a DJ and entrepreneur, she has always had a keen eye for style. Her choice to wear the 1994 denim jersey as a dress is no exception. By knotting the oversized shirt at the waist and pairing it with accessories, she transformed a sporty piece into a chic summer outfit. This look aligns perfectly with the blokette aesthetic, which contrasts masculine sportswear with feminine touches like heels, jewelry, and skirts. Hilton's ability to blend high fashion with streetwear has made her a style icon for multiple generations. Her endorsement of the jersey has likely contributed to its surge in popularity, as fans seek to emulate her effortless cool.
The Rise of the Blokette Trend
The term "blokette" is a portmanteau of "bloke" (British slang for a man) and the French feminine suffix "-ette." It describes a fashion movement that pairs traditionally male sportswear – like football jerseys, baggy shorts, and sneakers – with delicate, feminine items such as lace skirts, pearl necklaces, and kitten heels. The trend gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where influencers and celebrities alike have showcased their own interpretations. The 4,950% increase in Google searches for "blokette" underscores just how quickly the trend has taken hold. Fashion analysts attribute its popularity to a desire for comfortable yet stylish clothing that challenges traditional gender norms. The vintage soccer jersey, with its oversized fit and bold design, is a perfect canvas for this hybrid look.
Adidas Reissues the Iconic Kit
Despite no longer holding the U.S. Soccer contract, Adidas recognized the enduring appeal of the 1994 denim shirt and reissued it in March 2026 as a full lifestyle collection. The collection includes the jersey, track jacket, shorts, cap, and a special-edition denim Samba sneaker. The campaign featured 1994 squad members Alexi Lalas and Cobi Jones alongside musician Lil Dre – proof of the shirt's multigenerational appeal. Lalas, a defender known for his red beard and rock-star persona, has become a beloved figure in American soccer, while Jones is the most capped U.S. men's player. Their involvement adds authenticity and nostalgia, bridging the gap between the 1994 World Cup and today's fashion scene. The Samba sneakers, originally a training shoe for indoor soccer, have also seen a resurgence as lifestyle footwear, making the collaboration particularly timely.
Styling the Denim Jersey
For those looking to replicate Paris Hilton's look, here's some advice: The deep indigo colorway works as an alternative to a classic denim jacket, and the oversized fit lends itself perfectly to the blokette formula. Think white midi skirt, kitten heels, lots of jewelry, and the shirt knotted at the waist. Alternatively, the jersey can be paired with high-waisted shorts and platform sandals for a more casual vibe. The key is balance – let the shirt be the statement piece while keeping the rest of the outfit simple. The distressed white stars add visual interest, while the red trim ties in with other red accessories. Because the shirt is made of denim, it's durable and can be dressed up or down. It also works well when worn unbuttoned over a tank top or bodysuit, offering versatility for different occasions.
Historical Context: The 1994 World Cup in the United States
The 1994 FIFA World Cup was a landmark event for soccer in the United States. It was the first time the country had hosted the tournament, and it set attendance records that still stand today. The U.S. team, led by manager Bora Milutinović, exceeded expectations by reaching the Round of 16, where they lost to Brazil. The tournament is credited with sparking a surge of interest in soccer across the country, eventually leading to the formation of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996. The denim kit became a symbol of that era – a uniquely American take on a global sport. Its revival now, more than 30 years later, speaks to the lasting impact of that World Cup and the nostalgia many fans feel for that period.
The resurgence of the blokette trend also reflects broader shifts in fashion, where comfort and individuality are prized over rigid dress codes. The vintage soccer jersey is no longer just for football fans; it's a canvas for self-expression. With summer in full swing, the denim World Cup shirt is likely to be spotted on streets from Los Angeles to London. Whether worn as Paris Hilton did, or styled in other creative ways, it has earned its place as this season's hottest fashion trend. The data from Classic Football Shirts confirms that it's not just a fleeting fad – the shirt is the most in-demand vintage U.S. soccer shirt of the summer. As the blokette movement continues to grow, expect to see more vintage sportswear integrated into everyday wardrobes.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News