U.S. soccer jersey is suddenly haute fashion for fans

Soccer is suddenly hot in the United States, and so is the U.S. team’s official jersey. “It’s been hard to keep them on the shelves,” said Allan Rojas, a spokesman for Academy Sports + Outdoors. The red, white and blue jersey, sometimes likened to a Bomb Pop frozen bar, was created for U.S. Soccer by Nike and unveiled in April. Worn with red shorts and red socks, it’s the away uniform of the U.S. men’s and women’s teams.

The companion home uniform — which the U.S. men are wearing for today’s World Cup game against Belgium, has a collar and resembles a golf shirt. Academy, headquartered in Katy, started stocking $90 jerseys before the World Cup started. Many stores have since sold out, Rojas said.

“I think the U.S.A. jersey resonates with the country, so customers feel a sense of pride when they wear it,” Rojas said. Will sales soar even further if the Americans beat Belgium and advance to the quarterfinals this afternoon? Will the jerseys be moved to the discount rack if Team USA loses? All Rojas would say in response was, “At this point, we’re really looking forward to today’s game.”