Gentlemen of a certain era, your time has come. Generation Z declared that the most stylish dressing style of autumn is the grandfather style. As noted in a recent story in GQ magazine, what were hitherto considered staples of grandfathers’ wardrobes have been rediscovered by young men. That trusty old cardigan with patched elbows and worn lovingly is a much more stylish look than a pair of logo-emblazoned sneakers, it seems they’ve finally figured it out.
We’ve seen the rise of “allocation grandad” and “coastal grandad” among social media trends in recent years, so it’s clear the old man is finally getting his time in the sartorial sun. Now is the time; Check out the offbeat flamboyance of 87-year-old David Hockney or the flamboyant style of 85-year-old author and interiors guru Nicky Haslam.
“If we define grandpa-core with chunky knits, loafers and soft-shouldered St Michael blazers from Vinted, then yes grandpa style is ubiquitous now,” says Zak Maoui, style director of Gentleman’s Journal. “It’s a more freewheeling approach as opposed to a more structured and put-together look. Lots of big ties, soft knits and trousers.”
Perhaps this goes hand in hand with how the fashion industry is reshaping the narrative about the old man; You might see Pierce Brosnan, 71, as the new face of Giorgio Armani, Mr. Armani, who hosted a huge party in New York last week when he was 90, or Sir Antony Hopkins, 86, as the face. Loewe’s impact in 2022. The latter brand’s influence exemplifies the grandfather’s rise as a style icon in recent years. The celebrity-studded Spanish brand has become particularly known for the kind of clothes your eccentric grandfather would happily wear (albeit luxury at stratospheric prices); shaggy knits, slip-on shoes and acres of corduroys and vintage fabrics in treacherous colors and patterns.
So what symbolizes grandpa style? First of all, we are not stereotypically describing what the old man is wearing these days; He’s just as likely to wear sharp jeans and sneakers as he is to wear trousers and slippers. However, there are some pastiche-heavy tropes about what a grandfather would be like, and it shows that the younger generation of men are willing to adopt these; Sweater vests at Timothee Chalamet, expertly woven cardigans at Harry Styles, oversized trousers at Jacob Elordi. Grandad style focuses on great knitwear that’s a little more interesting than your standard, neat crewneck – chunky cardigans, argyle sleeveless tops.
“Knitwear is very important and I have two knits that are based on my grandfather’s essence,” says Maoui. “Not only is there something comfortable about grandpa style, it’s also comforting to wear something that reminds you of your own grandpa.”
There is also a softer version of tailoring; looser trousers, softer jackets; It’s all pretty nice after spending your working life in tight clothes. Also look for shoes that tend to be laceless and less sturdy “steep”, and the fact that the shirt is often in textured, brushed cotton and donnish plaid rather than pure starch and sharp collar. There is a charm and softness to the way Grandpa dresses. This is not meant to sound arrogant in any way; It’s about supremely comfortable clothing that’s full of character, rather than deliberately designed to be flashy or bright. So what are the distinctive parts?
Knitwear
Ah, the joy of a chunky knit or buttery cashmere to swaddle you against this cruel world. Knitwear is a quiet wardrobe delight, a sensory delight. Fueled by ’90s nostalgia, the sweater vest has made a resurgence in recent years and gone straight into grandfathers’ playbook. See also the cardigan, a sexist status symbol today; Furry alpaca varieties in thick marquetry and even James Bond. The hairiness of braids needs some structure, so pair them with sharp jeans or under a blazer for a put-together look.
Patchwork cardigan, £360, Koyuninc.com
plaid shirts
Again, it’s a pretty casual wardrobe piece that has been embraced by Gen Z as extremely cool. Plaid shirts have a geekiness that speaks to your credentials, and they don’t require as much fuss as a crisp white shirt does. . Wearing an ice-white shirt and chinos also has a little “City boy” vibe; Plaid is more understated and muted.
Brushed flannel shirt, £29, charlestyrwhitt.com
slip-on shoes
Smart shoe sales have declined in recent years, partly due to the ubiquity of formal wear sneakers but also to preference for easier varieties that aren’t as painful and sturdy. See all varieties of slip-on; moccasins, slippers and moccasins. There’s an inviting sense of relaxation to them. Add “sockless socks,” or for extra flattery, go the opposite direction and opt for thick-ribbed varieties. They will look eccentric and a little strange. Also they are hot.
Boston oiled leather shoes, £110, birkenstock.com
soft silhouettes
Maoui points out that the rise of vintage style is an important part of the grandfather aesthetic; tailoring that is less precise in proportions and has some flexibility, especially if it comes from periods of looser styles, such as the 50s or 80s. Softer shoulders on jackets, a bit of sag on trousers, and a material with some texture and vibrancy; such as corduroy or a classic herringbone or check. Forget flashy suits, instead there’s plenty of joy to be had in nice foggy suits.
Corded jacket, £110, marksandspencer.com