Girls and LGBTQ individuals are taking over the trend of wearing sports jerseys, traditionally seen as a symbol of masculinity, as a form of trolling straight men. This trend has been popularized by celebrities like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Julia Fox, leading to a rise in what is now being called “bloke-core” aesthetic. In cities like Paris, fashionistas are seen sporting soccer shirts, football guernseys, and baseball tees, challenging traditional gender norms.
London tourist Alex Gilbert, 31, believes that appropriating straight man culture is part of the “gay agenda,” describing it as a chic way to incorporate a slightly gay-ish twist to masculine fashion. This trend is also seen as a playful take on straight clothes, with individuals like Zoya Suinin, 17, resorting to petty crime to keep up by stealing jerseys from family members. Others are willing to pay high prices for vintage jerseys as seen in trendy Paris shops like Fripe Vintage and Vintage System, where the prices of jerseys have been hiked up significantly.
Fashion retailers like The Iconic have seen a significant increase in sales of sports jerseys, particularly from brands like Adidas, indicating a growing interest in this trend. Additionally, brands like Teamm8 have even released a range of men’s underwear inspired by sexy football gear, catering to a diverse audience. However, one rule of this trend is not to wear the jerseys in a sports context, as it is more about making a fashion statement rather than being associated with actual sports participation.
The trend of wearing sports jerseys has extended beyond traditional male accessories, raising the question of what other items can be co-opted in this manner. From G-shock watches to Threadbare Tradie briefs, individuals are pushing the boundaries of gender norms through fashion choices. It seems that the combination of masculine sports jerseys with feminine tailoring has created a new, sexy, and boyish look that is gaining traction in the fashion world.
Despite the increasing popularity of this trend, some individuals like Charlie Trapp, a fashion student at Parsons, wear jerseys in a more ironic manner since they are not actually involved in sports. This trend showcases how fashion is evolving to challenge traditional gender norms and stereotypes, allowing individuals to experiment with different styles and expressions of their identity. Co-opting sports culture in this way has become a form of self-expression for many, adding a touch of humor and creativity to fashion choices.
In conclusion, the trend of wearing sports jerseys as a fashion statement is gaining momentum, with more individuals embracing this gender-bending aesthetic. From celebrities to fashionistas on the streets of Paris, this trend has evolved into a playful form of expression that challenges traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. By incorporating sports apparel into everyday fashion, individuals are redefining what it means to be stylish and breaking free from rigid gender stereotypes. The future of fashion looks bright with the increasing diversity and inclusivity of gender-neutral trends like “bloke-core” aesthetic.
