Los Angeles: Classic Football Shirts

I visited the new Classic Football Shirts LA location in the Mid-Wilshire area and was immediately greeted by Milton upon entering. I was treated to a genuine, one-of-a-kind tour. 

We talked about his experience working with streetwear brands in Los Angeles, and how those years helped him better understand and become more knowledgeable about both culture and fashion in general. The Classic Football Shirts location sits in a storied neighborhood—home to many of the streetwear brands that started in LA and later went international. That local insight is likely a uniquely valuable asset for an international brand now opening in L.A. 

I always like to ask about personal favorites, and Milton pointed out the Staff Picks rack before dividing the store into its two main front collections: World and Premier League. After these displays are the $80-and-under section, the current season, the future classics, many walls of vintage kits, and a “Unique” rack—where he showed me the King’s Hawaiian National Team kit. 

Moving past a Panini-stuccoed dressing room, we made our way to the Match Day viewing room and event space. On the walls were countless football treasures. I recognized the familiar signs of an eBay treasure-hunting addiction—and Milton confirmed that the owner, Matt, shared that affliction. 

Upstairs, there are match-issued kits, each sourced in a unique way. There's also a "Wall of Legends." Neither of us are big Madrid fans, but I did grow up watching the Brazil national team—so the 2003 UEFA Roberto Carlos kit really hit home. I was told they won that match 3–1 against Milan. This upper level also holds a rack of what the team considers to be the most iconic name sets in the store. 

A connecting loft space doubles as an art gallery dedicated to the beautiful game and is also set up to host watch parties. From the loft, you can look out over the entire store. A mini-pitch on top of the changing room catches your eye—hand-painted, stapled, and maintained by Matt, the head of business development. I commend the dedication. 

One of the things that resonated most was a quick story Milton shared about a recent promotion. Just before I arrived, Thierry Henry had visited the shop and stayed for hours. They spent a lot of time together, and while Milton was understandably impressed by Henry’s presence, what stuck with me was the moment he pulled a 1994 Monaco kit from the rack. Henry, clearly emotional, explained that this was the first professional kit he was allowed to wear after his 11-year youth career. 

You don’t need to be Thierry Henry to feel that kind of connection to football. Places like Classic Football Shirts exist to help you find it—whether it’s something you’re just discovering, something you’ve lost, or something you just keep feeding.