With roots grounded in community and a love for the game, 1FIGURES has found its home in football culture without ever forcing the fit. We caught up with founder Chris Figures to talk origins, influence, and how a simple idea became one of the most recognised caps in the game.
There’s a new energy moving through football fashion right now — one that feels organic, effortless, and rooted in the rhythm of the streets. At the heart of it is rising streetwear label 1FIGURES, a brand that’s quietly shaping its own lane. See, in football culture, authenticity can’t be faked. It’s either lived or it isn’t, and for Chris Figures — the creative force behind 1FIGURES — that authenticity runs deep.
From the terraces to the tunnel, 1FIGURES has quietly become part of the modern game’s visual language, with its clean 1F insignia worn by players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Calvin Bassey, Bryan Mbuemo, and Joe Willock among many others. What began as a community-driven project has evolved into a symbol of self-expression — a brand built on graft, connection, and a genuine love for the sport.
We sat down with Figures to talk about the roots of 1FIGURES, the rise of “the best cap in the world” (a bold claim if ever we’ve heard one, but absolutely love the pure brass behind it), and how football’s creative renaissance is reshaping style both on and off the pitch.
1FIGURES has quickly become a familiar name around the game — from the tunnel to the terraces. When you see top pros like Bryan Mbuemo, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Calvin Bassey wearing your pieces, what does that moment mean to you?
As a lifelong football fan, it’s honestly surreal. It’s a blessing to see top-level athletes embrace our work the way they do. Personally, I’ve been in this game for a decade, and moments like these reflect all the ups and downs we’ve endured along the way.
The connection between 1FIGURES and football feels authentic — like it’s come from within the culture rather than outside of it. Was that always the plan?
From day one, the goal was to create quality products for our community, and that’s still one of our core pillars. Whether you’re a footballer or a nine-to-fiver, we see everyone as equals. My love for the sport and my relationships within it have made this moment especially meaningful. Authenticity has always been part of our DNA — our story, the struggles, and the small wins have all played out in real time alongside our community.
You describe 1FIGURES as “for everyone,” but footballers in particular have really gravitated toward it. Why do you think players connect with the brand — especially its headwear?
1FIGURES does exactly what it says — we’re communal outfitters, and communities exist everywhere. Footballers have shown huge love for our headwear, and the feedback has been incredible. It’s a product made with real intention. Players resonate with it because it lets them express individuality in a sport often criticised for lacking personality off the pitch. Our caps give them a subtle but powerful way to show who they are — whether it’s match day, training, or just day-to-day life.
The 1F cap has become a bit of a match day essential — seen in the stands, on the streets, and in the tunnel. What gives it that universal appeal?
The game’s been missing personality, and I think players feel that too. “Tunnel fits” have helped bring individuality back into football, and The Best Cap in the World complements that movement perfectly. It works with everything — a tracksuit, a night-out look, or even in the stands. It’s just a great, versatile product. With our range of primary colours, there’s a style for nearly everyone.
There’s a real conversation about how football style and streetwear are blurring together. Where does 1FIGURES sit in that space?
1FIGURES bridges that gap naturally. Beyond the hats, we make quality clothing — from easy layering pieces to standout designs. One of my dreams is to collaborate with a major club on a match day warm-up kit. We want to create pieces that people see as grails — items that stand the test of time. Brands like LABRUM and KidSuper are huge inspirations; they’ve shown how football and creativity can merge beautifully, producing kits full of story and soul instead of default templates.
A year on from your first release, what have you learned about how people are wearing and representing the brand?
Honestly, hearing people stop me to say, “This hat really is the best in the world,” never gets old. The hat’s reach is universal — men, women, different generations. It’s amazing to see such a range of people styling it in their own way, whether at events, match days, or just out on the street.
"Players resonate with our headwear because it lets them express individuality in a sport often criticised for lacking personality off the pitch."
Football’s always mirrored culture. How much of what you do is inspired by the game — on and off the pitch?
Football influences everything I do. As a kid, I dreamed of going pro, and one of my closest friends actually did. The sport shapes my conversations, my wardrobe, and my creative eye. I always pay attention to what players wear — they’ve been cultural leaders for years, from Beckham to Bellerin to Willock. I like staying in tune with every aspect of the game.
You’ve mentioned that 1FIGURES’ connection to football existed even before launch. Where did that relationship begin for you personally?
Before 1FIGURES, I wanted to run a creative sports agency called Figures Football. The idea was to merge fashion, talent, and sports under one roof — a bridge between the football world and the streets. That dream didn’t last, but it lit the spark that became 1FIGURES. In many ways, things have come full circle.
The phrase “the best cap in the world” is bold — and it’s catching on. What makes it worthy of that title in your eyes?
[Laughs] I knew this one was coming! It was a bold claim, but it came from belief in the process. We built the cap from scratch — sourcing materials, refining the shape, choosing threads and colours, testing logos and fits. Nothing was rushed. I’m a headwear fanatic, and I can spot a well-made cap instantly. I also wanted a logo strong enough to rival the iconic NY cap — something instantly recognisable. That vision drove everything.
"The game’s been missing personality, and I think players feel that too. 'Tunnel fits' have helped bring individuality back into football, and The Best Cap in the World complements that movement perfectly."
With so many footballers now doubling as cultural trendsetters, how important is it for 1FIGURES to stay rooted in both fashion and football?
Our roots in football run deep — it’s the heartbeat of everything we do. From football-inspired apparel to the spaces we create for fans to come together, our aim is to celebrate the game and the culture around it. We want to keep building environments where people feel a sense of belonging and pride, blending the spirit of football with authentic, everyday style.
You’ve built strong momentum in the UK game — are there plans to expand internationally?
Absolutely. Our goal is to be a globally recognised brand. We’re open to collaborations wherever they make sense. I love the boldness of players in France, Germany, and beyond — their style is carefree and expressive. You really see it during international breaks. Wherever authentic culture lives, we want 1FIGURES to have a presence.
Finally, when you think about the future, how do you want 1FIGURES’ relationship with football to evolve?
Since day one, I’ve dreamed of designing a capsule collection with a Premier League club. We’ve come close a few times, and even though it hasn’t happened yet, every experience has taught us something and pushed us forward.
On a personal level, a headwear collaboration with The Arsenal would be a dream come true. As a lifelong fan, combining that passion with my work would be the ultimate milestone.
The future’s unwritten, but one thing’s certain — football is our home. Our ethos, our design philosophy, and our love for the game will keep driving us to create, collaborate, and connect with people across the world.
Check out 1FIGURES here.
