The new lucky waistcoat? Gareth Southgate ditches his formal look for £39 M&S white knit top
- Gareth Southgate’s love of waistcoats has been talking point over past few years
- The England boss’ dress sense first came to light at 2018 World Cup in Russia
- So much so that Marks & Spencer saw a 35 per cent increase in waistcoat sales
- However during this years contest, he has been wearing a white knit from M&S
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
England boss Gareth Southgate may be well known for his love of waistcoats – but it seems this World Cup, he has ditched the formal look for something a little more trendy.
The 50-year-old’s dress sense became a huge talking point among England fans during the tournament, with shops like Marks & Spencer reporting a 35 per cent increase in waistcoat sales as a result.
However this year, he has put the waistcoat to one side, and instead has been seen sporting a trendy £39.50 Merino Wool Blend Zip Neck Polo Shirt from M&S at matches.
England boss Gareth Southgate may be well known for his love of waistcoats – but it seems this World Cup, he has ditched the formal look for something a little more trendy
Gareth’s waistcoat earned cult status during its run throughout World Cup four years ago.
It spawned a number of Twitter accounts and petitions to have ‘It’s Coming Home’ versions created during a memorable campaign.
And there is a replica of the actual one Southgate wore in Russia at the National Football Museum.
Meanwhile waistcoat sales boomed – and the phenomenon was labelled as ‘the Gareth Southgate effect’.
However this year, he has put the waistcoat to one side, and instead has been seen sporting a trendy £39.50 Merino Wool Blend Zip Neck Polo Shirt from M&S at matches
The feel-good feeling he brought to the nation – which saw England come agonisingly close to reaching a World Cup final – has stayed with the team ever since.
However last year, ahead of the Euros, he said he was putting the item back in his wardrobe.
He told BBC Radio 4 Today’s programme: ‘It was a lovely moment to have that connection with the public.
‘I haven’t worn a waistcoat on its own since… I don’t think I’ll be wearing a waistcoat this summer.’
Gareth’s waistcoat earned cult status during its run throughout World Cup four years ago (pictured)
Instead, he chose to wear a knitted navy blue polka dot tie for most of national team’s games during the Euros.
Fans dubbed the knitted polka dot navy blue tie ‘the new waistcoat’ – referencing Southgate’s attire at the 2018 World Cup which saw the team do well and sales of the smart garment soar.
On Twitter, @rugbytomc summed up the speculation, saying: ‘Can we all just stop pretending Southgate knows what he’s doing and admit it’s down to his lucky tie (which he didn’t wear v Scotland)’
@timjrich added: @GaryLineker noticed Gareth Southgate has his lucky tie on again, not worn during the Scotland game.’
The England manager wore a knitted navy blue polka dot tie for most of national team’s games during the Euros last year – and fans dubbed it ‘lucky’
@michaelhogan added: ‘Southgate’s knitted polka dot tie is the new waistcoat #ENGUKR’
Although it remains unclear where exactly Southgate’s tie was from – plenty of designer and high street stores have similar versions including Bronci & Bo, Huntsman Savile Row, J. Crew, John Henric and OTTA.
The Huntsman Savile Row, which looked remarkably similar to the one worn by the England manager, retailed at £140.
However it seems this year, Gareth has put the waistcoat and tie to one side and instead, has chosen a more casual attire for the tournament.
The stars of the England squad dressed down in navy bomber jackets and trendy white knitted jumpers in the official squad photo ahead of the World Cup – after previously suiting up in their 2018 snap
In fact, his white polo neck is actually one of a number of different pieces from the M&S X ENGLAND collection.
Online, the range is described as ‘a new menswear partnership reflecting the personality and individuality of the England Men’s Team.’
The collection is described as ‘relaxed’ with ‘modern tailoring’ as well as ‘merino wool separates, footwear and accessories.’
Ahead of the contest, the England team posed in outfits from the collection for their official team photograph.
Gareth’s white polo neck is actually one of a number of different pieces from the M&S X ENGLAND collection
The collection, which Gareth has taken to wearing at the England matches, is described as ‘a new menswear partnership reflecting the personality and individuality of the England Men’s Team’
Players including Jordan Henderson donned the creamy white £45 Merino Wool Blend Textured Crew Neck Jumper, paired with the £79 Performance Bomber Jacket.
The jacket even features the Three Lions motif embossed onto the zip pull.
Meanwhile others, such as Mason Mount, were dressed in the trendy £39.50 Merino Wool Blend Zip Neck Polo Shirt with the £79 Performance Harrington Jacket.
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