Almost unbelievably England has reached the semi-finals, and already the World Cup is hitting fever pitch.
This year's tournament has been full of surprises, not least the fact that Gareth Southgate has become a style icon with a fine selection of waistcoats. Who could have predicted that the England manager’s style choices would set the internet alight?
- We've rounded up the most stylish world cup 2018 kits here
- Celebrate England's win with these gloriously retro shirts
Not only does a waistcoat make a style statement (and flatter most physiques) – it’s also a highly practical garment. For one thing, it’s incredibly versatile: it keeps you warmer in the winter and, during the hottest summer action, you can remove your jacket and still stay looking eminently cool – as Southgate has beautifully demonstrated from the technical area.
Get the look from Marks & Spencer
If you're looking for Southgate's exact outfit you'll be happy to know it's available from Marks & Spencer's official FA collection.
The Navy Slim fit waistcoat is crafted from Merino wool, with heat fused 'Button Safe' technology, unique button detailing and jacquard lining.
It's available from Marks & Spencer's website for £65.
If you're looking for the full outfit, you can get the official 3-piece suit for £264, tailored-fit cotton shirt for £45, and silk tie for £25.
Aside from the official M&S waistcoat, what choices are out there for the aspiring waistcoat-wearer? Jake Allen, Founder of Bespoke Tailors King & Allen, has some hot tips to share:
1. Go Simple with the single breasted waistcoat
One of the most common off-the-peg styles, the single-breasted waistcoat is a great go-to that suits everyone’s body shape. If you’re looking to customise your look, consider adding more buttons (or indeed, taking some away) from the conventional five-button style.
For most body shapes, we’d recommend a pointed finish to the hem, as it elongates the torso, which has a flattering effect.
With its mix of smart style and total wearability, it’s not surprising that Southgate has gone for this style to support his most important career endeavours to date.
Get the look:
- Reiss Rover modern-fit wool waistcoat
- Hugo Boss Blue Wilson Slim-Fit Super 120s Virgin Wool Waistcoat
2. Go traditional with the double breasted waistcoat
This is a more traditional option – perhaps better for autumn and winter, since it’s difficult to unbutton without looking a little messy.
For a particularly formal occasion, the double-breasted waistcoat makes for an elegant and timeless look.
Since the bottom hemline tends to be straight, not pointed, make sure that you try before you buy, to avoid any messy ‘shirt overhang’.
Get the look:
3. Accessorise black tie with the horseshoe waistcoat
The most striking style on offer, the horseshoe is the favoured option for very formal occasions. It lends itself really well to black tie, since it offers a modern alternative to the traditional cummerbund, which can feel cumbersome to wear.
The deep opening also allows for showing off shirt studs, bibs and pleats, whilst covering the waistband of your trousers.
Get the look:
- Flavourbrook Sandalson Prince Of Wales Checked Cotton And Linen-Blend Waistcoat
- Brunello Cucinelli Slim-Fit Shawl-Collar Double-Breasted Cotton-Velvet Waistcoat
4. Lose the jacket with a lapel
Any bespoke waistcoat can feature a lapel and it’s a great choice for very warm weather, since it formalises your waistcoat to such an extent that you could easily go jacket-less and still look up to scratch.
Lapels also offer lots of options to add your own style in a bespoke suit. You can experiment with colour, contrasting cloth and even add a signature stripe to make the look your own.
The signature stripe is something we work with at King & Allen and involves having a few words or a phrase stitched into the cloth, much like a pinstripe. It’s picked up a lot of interest this week, thanks to a photoshopped meme of Southgate’s waistcoat saying ‘IT’S COMING HOME’.
Sadly, it’s not real, but if England were to win the World Cup on 15th July then we think he’d have every right to get several full signature stripe suits made up in celebration!
Get the look:
5. Cut your own style with a custom cloth back
The cloth back isn’t to be confused with the traditional lining back – historically, lining was used as a practical solution as the back of the waistcoat was never intended to be seen. But, in modern formalwear, the cloth lining is coming into its own.
Matching a cloth lining to the rest of the waistcoat is a really smart look, potentially eliminating the need for a jacket in hot weather. Whilst, in cold weather, the cloth adds an extra layer of robustness to keep you warm.
For a statement piece, you could even contrast the cloth – but be careful, there’s a difference between statement and just plain odd!
6. Other style options Southgate might have loved
We may well see more on-the-pitch statements from the England manager in days to come (and fingers crossed that we do - if you’re an England fan). Here are three of our best insider tips we think he might love:
Choose a statement cloth: Tweeds, tartans, velvets, herringbone, brocade…the choice is endless, and don’t forget that your waistcoat doesn’t have to match your suit. Choosing a contrasting colour or pattern can enhance a suit no end. Would a union jack waistcoat be too much? One thing’s for sure, if anyone can carry it off, Southgate can right now.
Wear a pocket watch: Pocket watches are very much back in fashion, thanks to the Peaky Blinders style trend, and they can look debonair if carried off with confidence. Perhaps this might the best way to check extra time on the pitch…
Add a show button: The bottom button rule dictates that you should never do up the bottom button of your waistcoat or jacket. This is a convention driven by practicality – born out of the irritation of having to fasten and undo your button every time you stand or sit. However, it also creates room for the addition of a ‘show button’. It could be a personal tribute, carry an engraved message, feature a precious material, or even – might we venture – be styled as a football? Or maybe that’s just one step too far…
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