Gareth Southgate turns into Gen-Z trend icon along with his ‘Grandpa-core’ model

On Jun 1, 2024

England manager Gareth Southgate has fuelled a rise in “Grand-pa” fashion.

The waistcoat wearing footy boss recently announced he had shunned his normally smart clobber in favour of woolly knits.

Gareth said his Euro 2024 outfits would be “more short-sleeved knits than a suit and tie” in a bid to relate to younger players.

It comes after the England boss was pictured in a cosy looking button up cardigan and a pair of loose looking beige linen trousers.

Southgate showed off a new look in British GQ’s latest style column Match Fits
(Image: Niall Hodson/ GQ)

And since then a string of retailers have said the former sportsman has sparked a surge in people snapping up grandad style fashions.

Cardigans, elasticated linen trousers, socks, knitted polo shirts and jumpers have been in demand since Gareth admitted he was switching up his style.

Menswear brand Jacamo said sales of their knitted stone button up cardigan rose by 130% the day after Southgate wore a similar £3,000 style.

England fan in Southgate-style waistcoat — The England Manager has already influenced fans over the years with his waistcoat look
(Image: Nottingham Post)

Linen trouser suits, also sported by the former Man Utd player, were also snapped up, whilst views of the retailer’s linen blend tapered elasticated trouser also rose by 10%.

British jewellery brand Clogau said fans were desperate to recreate the sportsman’s ‘grandpa core’ aesthetic.

Ben Roberts, their managing director, said: “Nostalgia has a major influence on the fashion trends cycle and ‘Grandpa-core’ is a stand-out example, with the latest convert being Gareth Southgate in his upcoming GQ shoot.

Gareth Southgate — Southgate told GQ that fans would see ‘more short-sleeved knits than a suit and tie’
(Image: Niall Hodson/ GQ)

“This trend has seen the iconic cosy cardigans, baggy shirts and vintage jewellery that once stood out in old family photos experiencing a fast resurgence, prompting Gen-Z to raid their Grandpa’s wardrobes for vintage finds.

“But it’s not just old family snaps where this trend takes inspo from. Celebs and TikTokers alike are drawing inspiration from viral series and iconic celebs such as Tyler the Creator, who made haute-comfort cool by regularly rocking Grandpa vests with socks and sandals.

“Even cardigan-loving Ted Lasso has become another unlikely influencer inspiring both Gen Z and Mr Southgate himself to embrace their inner OAP’.

“For those looking to channel this look themselves, you can make it your own by layering and stacking your favourite gold necklaces and rings over a bermuda shirt or argyle cardigan. You can dress it down even more with a pair of socks and your favourite Grandpa sliders.

“Grandpa-core won’t be going away anytime soon, fitting in perfectly with ever-popular vintage styles. This trend is super transitional, as you can pair up your favourite piece of vintage knitwear with a cool and airy pair of linen trousers for summer.”