Get the look: Get match ready with these 6 blokecore must-haves
Blokecore channels what any respectable British dad would wear to the pub to watch their favourite players (and lots of near misses). Taking inspiration from the crowded football stands all over England, the look consists of baggy football tees and trusty pairs of Levi’s jeans. Matching tracksuits will also earn you a couple of points. In terms of footwear, the trend hasn’t quite succumbed to football cleats, opting instead for the shoes of the moment, the Adidas Samba.
Brands to look out for are, of course, the sportswear giants, Nike, Adidas and Fila, but it should also be noted that Italian brands like Stone Island and Sergio Tacchini also make up a lot of the football hooligan-inspired uniform. We might scream “football’s coming home” in beer gardens every summer, but when it comes to blokecore, it’s worth treading into international waters.
Though the OG blokecore style icon would have to be britpops own Liam Gallagher, Spanish stallion Héctor Bellerín, dubbed by Vogue as “football’s most stylish player,” is the poster child for a slightly more luxe take on the otherwise effortless fashion trend. His effortless street style often sees Bellerín pair tailored, high-waisted trousers with football shirts which he, of course, has in abundance. His porn stash and mullet are even giving David Beckham a run for his money.
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The luxury fashion sphere is also having a go at making dad chic cool. Just prior to its child exploitation scandal, Bella Hadid starred in Balenciaga’s collaboration with Adidas late last year. In a casual ‘back-to-the-office’ inspired campaign, the model sported a red, oversized football jersey, with matching Adidas striped trackies. The Spanish brand’s hourglass bag was also branded with Adidas’ iconic three stripes.
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Similarly, British designer Grace Wales Bonner collaborated with the German sportswear label, offering her take on the staple Sambas that are now going for over £600 on the resale market. The question now is whether your dad will fork out thousands for the collab when he could spend it on pints at the local watering hole.
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The football fan look, however, is also attached to hooliganism. In the past, footie fans have been known to become violent against rival teams as well as, in some cases, their own players. Despite England’s men’s team reaching the Euro 2020 final, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were all racially abused by fans after missing penalties. Do we really want to celebrate such a culture by wearing its uniform?
The following year, however, the women’s team shed a more positive light on the sport. After the Lionesses made history by winning the Euro 2022—something the boys are yet to achieve, by the way—football has been on the rise among young women.
Further proving that blokecore isn’t just for the boys, Rihanna was spotted wearing baggy jeans with a striped rugby polo, while Bella Hadid repped our capital city in a matching tracksuit that screams noughties Lonsdale straight from Sports Direct.
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The question of whether or not blokecore has longevity is easily answered. Wherever there is football, the blokes will descend. Which is why we’ve rounded up some blokecore staples to get you ‘match ready’ to sink some pints at your local pub:
1. Football shirts
The key to nailing the look is mixing the old with the new. Vintage football shirts are all the rage with specialised stores popping up all over London. If you’re too focused on the game to go shopping, simply head to your Vinted and Depop app, or even the back of your dad’s wardrobe.
In case you already have a favourite club, then you’re in for a treat since football teams are also hopping on the trend by launching their own retro-inspired collections.
2. Adidas Sambas
With celebrity fans including Robert Pattinson and Kendall Jenner, Adidas Sambas are on everyone’s wishlist.
3. Tracksuits
Get Bella’s look with these matching tracksuits:
4. Stone Island items
Despite being an Italian brand, Stone Island has been a staple among football fans since it launched in the 80s.
5. Levi’s
When it comes to jeans, keep them baggy and oversized. No one wants to be in the stands feeling like their trousers are too tight, the crowd is overwhelming enough as it is.
For the summer months, swap these for some jorts. It’s giving noughties Adam Sandler, and we’re so here for it.
6. Accessories
Supporting your favourite football team doesn’t always have to be loud and garish, accessories make for great subtle tokens of affection. Let’s hope Bellerín can see us from the pitch.
