Britain’s final style staple revealed – and it is a basic wardrobe staple
Nationwide Building Society surveyed Brits on their favourite fashion staples and found Levi’s 501 jeans came top. It beat Nike Air Max trainers and the Burberry trench coat
Brits have named their favourite fashion items(Image: Getty Images)
Levi’s 501 has been crowned the nation’s ultimate style icon in a new ranking of fashion items. The legendary jeans beat heavyweight classics such as Nike Air Max trainers, vintage band T-shirts and cowboy boots to the top spot.
Other cult favourites that Brits rated highly include the Burberry trench coat, Barbour wax jacket, blue denim jacket, Gucci loafers, Fred Perry polo shirts and Birkenstocks.
Brits also showed a clear love for pieces that have crossed over from practical wardrobe basics into full-blown fashion legends. The North Face puffer jacket, Lacoste polo shirt and Ralph Lauren cable-knit jumper all made the cut, while cowboy boots came high too.
Eight in 10 say there is a real buzz in uncovering an unexpected bargain, and 27% say finding a classic item is one of life’s biggest mood boosters. Almost a third (31%) said price is a key motivation.
The findings, commissioned by Nationwide Building Society, also found 24% believe second hand offers better value than buying new. Nearly a fifth (19%) say older pieces are often better quality than products made today – and the same number cite environmental concerns and a desire to avoid fast fashion.
1. Levi’s 501 jeans – 17%
2. Nike Air Max trainers – 15%
3. Vintage band T-shirt – 13%
4. Cowboy boots – 13%
5. The North Face puffer jacket – 12%
6. Ray-Ban aviators – 11%
7. Blue denim jacket – 10%
8. Barbour wax jacket – 10%
9. Burberry trench coat – 9%
10. Lacoste polo shirt – 9%
11. Gucci loafers – 8%
12. Ralph Lauren cable-knit jumper – 8%
13. Little black dress – 8%
14. New Balance 530 trainers – 8%
15. Vivienne Westwood orb necklace – 7%
16. Fred Perry polo shirt – 6%
17. Birkenstock sandals – 6%
18. Harrington jacket – 4%
19. Fila tracksuit – 4%
20. Pleated tennis skirt – 3%
