THE HISTORY .....

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The history of the Shellsuit has its origins in the 1980's, the decade of Yuppies, The A-Team and most importantly Jim'll Fix It. Its definition can only be described as something along the lines of, "a lightweight front zippered nylon jogging top matched with loose bottom trousers cuff gathered and with an elasticated waist." (www.fashion-era.com). More importantly as www.fahion-era.com mentions they came in a vast array of colours, the more clashing colours the better. As it says, "colours were bright and often combined with a contrast of secondary colours and white. Typical combinations were navy and white or sea green, sea green and purple, purple and pink, purple and mauve, purple and yellow, peach and sea green, sea green and pastel aqua, royal blue and pale blue, black and white, red, black and white and white or multi computer generated prints of all these colours with just about every colour in the design."

These "suits of colours" were first pioneered by the athletes of the day, namely one of Britain's best, Kris "aaaright!" Akabusi. The silky materials and ease of movement gave a new sense of energy and proudness to these sportsmen and this soon rubbed off on the general public, helpless to resist the pure comfort and feel of this wonder garment.

Soon the Shellsuit was in every household, street and town but like so much in the 80's it outstayed its welcome. Before too long this uber-trendy garment had been relegated to cupboards, charity shops and fashion history. However today the seeds of change have been sown and the time has come for the Shellsuit Revolution to begin. Once again clashing colours and fabric that feels too good for words will envelop the nation for its epiphany.