Top Tips for Displaying Vintage Football Shirts

For football fans, vintage football shirts are more than just memorabilia; they’re cherished pieces of history. Whether it's a match-worn shirt or an authentic replica, displaying these shirts can turn your living space into a tribute to the beautiful game.

At That Vintage Football Shirt, we are experts in everything to do with vintage football shirts. Here’s our advice on how you can showcase your collection effectively, using different ways to enhance your room and preserve your shirts…

Hooks or Hangers

For a straightforward and cost-effective display, hanging your vintage football shirts on hooks or hangers is a great choice. Use durable coat hangers, ideally shaped to maintain the shirt’s structure, and secure them with a sturdy nail or wall hook. This method allows flexibility, enabling you to rotate shirts based on your mood or season. Arrange the shirts with careful spacing and alignment to create a feature wall displaying your kit collection. 

Make sure to go for plastic or wooden hangers to prevent rust and fabric damage, and keep the shirts out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Rails & Clips

For a more structured display, opt for rails and clips for your vintage football shirts. Install a rail securely on the wall to hold multiple shirts side by side. This method not only displays multiple shirts but also makes it easy to rearrange them. Use plastic clips with a gentle grip to prevent damage to the fabric and display shirts by their shoulders to maintain their shape and highlight their designs. 

This setup is ideal for showing off an entire season’s kits or grouping shirts by notable players, creating a full display.

Shadow Boxes

Shadow boxes are a great way to present your most valuable or sentimental vintage football shirts. Unlike traditional frames, shadow boxes offer depth, showcasing shirts as 3D art pieces. Choose a box with enough depth to avoid pressing the shirt against the glass. Go for a background that complements the shirt’s colours to enhance its visual appeal. Lay the shirt flat against the backing, securing it with acid-free tape or pins. 

Shadow boxes are perfect for protecting your vintage shirts from light, humidity, and temperature changes, especially if you use UV-protected glass.

Professional Shirt Framing Services

For the ultimate way of displaying your vintage football shirts, consider professional framing services. These experts use conservation-grade materials and techniques to preserve and showcase your shirts. 

Professional framers handle memorabilia with care, ensuring that each shirt is displayed without damaging the fabric. They offer customisation options such as frame styles, matting colours, and UV-protective glass, which help maintain the shirt’s condition whilst making it look great. This is especially valuable for signed or limited-edition vintage football shirts where preservation is key.

Further Tips & Tricks

Lighting & Environment
Use soft, indirect lighting to reduce shadows and prevent fading. LED lights are a good choice due to their lower heat emission. Keep your display away from direct sunlight and maintain moderate humidity to prevent fabric degradation.

Storytelling
Add labels or descriptions to your display to tell the story behind each shirt. Include details like the year, player’s name, and significant achievements to make your collection really stand out. 

Cleaning & Maintenance
Regularly clean the glass or shadow box with a gentle cleaner to make sure it's easy to see. Dust shirts with a lint-free cloth and handle them with clean hands or gloves to avoid transferring oils.

Security
For valuable shirts, ensure frames are securely attached and consider tamper-proof options for added protection.

Vintage Football Shirts Worth Displaying from TVFS

If you’re looking to expand your collection, explore our range of high-quality vintage football shirts to find your next prized possession.