Fashion

Bloke Core: The Rise of Lad-Inspired Fashion in the Digital Age

Now Reading:  
Bloke Core: The Rise of Lad-Inspired Fashion in the Digital Age

Fashion is cyclical—let’s get that straight. Trends are born, evolve, and sometimes fade away, only to come back reinvented, giving us fresh new ways to express ourselves through style. As spring moves into summer, one trend is standing out loud and clear: Blokecore. This movement, blending fashion and soccer culture, isn’t entirely new. But if this is your first time hearing about it or you're wondering why it’s everywhere right now, you’re in the right place.

Blokecore finds its roots in the British subculture known as the "casuals," where soccer fans in the ‘80s and ‘90s expressed their love for the game through fashion. Brands like Fred Perry, Lacoste, and Umbro became key staples, worn to matches not just for support, but to stand out in the stands. Today, that fusion of fashion and football has made a comeback, reimagined to fit modern trends and widely popularized on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. There, users mix vintage soccer jerseys with modern pieces to create outfits that are both nostalgic and fresh.

Influencers and celebs like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, Rosé, and many others have embraced blokecore, pairing retro soccer shirts with contemporary fashion pieces. It's no longer just a look for die-hard sports fans — it's a full-on style statement. The term “bloke” is British slang for “guy,” while “core” refers to a niche aesthetic or stylistic identity.

On the fashion front, multiple brands are jumping on board, incorporating sporty elements into their collections. One standout example is Italian label AVAVAV, which collaborated with Adidas on a capsule titled “Forza e Coraggio” (Strength and Courage). Inspired by Adidas’s classic Adicolor tracksuit, the collection played with dramatic cuts, exaggerated shapes, and satirical touches — pushing the boundaries of traditional sportswear and fully embracing blokecore energy.

The rise of blokecore has also been fueled by partnerships between major sportswear brands like Adidas and Puma with global music stars. Dua Lipa, for instance, has been a global ambassador for PUMA since 2020. She’s fronted campaigns such as Puma Palermo, which drew from 1980s football aesthetics and Italian lifestyle. She’s also starred in other collections like “Flutur” and, most recently, promoted the Speedcat sneakers — all reinforcing blokecore’s ongoing evolution and relevance.

At the heart of Blokecore are a few key elements: comfort, functionality, and effortlessly cool. Soccer jerseys — whether current, vintage, or from lesser-known teams — are the centerpiece of the look. They’re styled with distressed jeans, relaxed trousers, or joggers, and paired with iconic sneakers from brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, or Puma. Bad Bunny gets it — his ongoing collaboration with Adidas has consistently dropped some of the most sought-after sneakers in recent years. The latest, the Ballerina Bold Gold, released on March 29, is a minimal silhouette that fits perfectly within blokecore’s values: simplicity, practicality, and unmistakable style.

Accessories take it all up a notch. Think studded belts, vintage Nike kicks, city baseball caps, or even micro handbags — like the one Timothée Chalamet rocked in Paris recently. The actor was spotted signing autographs wearing a Las Vegas Raiders windbreaker, True Religion jeans, and a mini Chanel purse, proving blokecore is more than just a trend — it’s a personal fashion statement.

While blokecore once celebrated the crossover between soccer and fashion, today it represents the fusion of sport, style, and self-assured attitude. It’s a trend that encourages creativity and individuality while staying rooted in comfort. Its low-key, retro vibe makes it the perfect look for anyone wanting a casual yet bold everyday outfit.

So now you know — blokecore is very much alive and kicking. Just search the hashtag on social media for endless inspo. The ball’s in your court — time to score some serious style points.

Photo Credits (from left to right): Dua Lipa — Instagram @dualipa · Aissaoui Nacer / SplashNews.com · AVAVAV — Instagram @avavav