Of all the fashion trends out there, bloke core might sound like one of the weirdest. First, you need to know what a bloke even is and how it originated. Get your game on and buckle up, because you’re about to learn a little something about our friends across the pond.
First of all, what the bloody hell is a bloke? It’s British slang, equivalent to our “bro.” Blokes are common,
simple men. “Bloke core” is a term coined by TikTok user @brandonlhuntly, eventually turning into a hashtag viewed 45.7 million times: #blokecore.
The style isn’t too hard to grasp — if you have a soccer jersey, you’re already halfway there. Style the jersey with sneakers and boot cuffed jeans or other bottoms of choice. And voilà! You just mastered bloke core.
Some jerseys are more valued than others, though. Thrifting is a great way to collect an impressive collection of rare jerseys for good teams. In the comments under a video from user @andrqws, viewers admire a white Mexican jersey with a unique design. Another viewer is searching for a 2002 Brazil Thierry Henry jersey and an R9 Madrid jersey.
TikTok has managed to make a variety of styles trend. For example, cottage core hands its credit to the
social media app. Bloke core is no different — the craze likely wouldn’t be trending without TikTok.
The style is a fusion of soccer stadium style and some recent collections on the catwalk. According to NSS Sports, the style incorporates concepts from Wales Bonner for Adidas, Gucci’s collaboration with German brands and other high-fashion snapshots.
Though seemingly simple, bloke core’s roots run much deeper than a last-minute closet choice. Throughout the 1970s and ’80s, brands like Nike, Fila, Puma, Sergio Tacchini and more paved the way for
bloke core. These brands provided accessible, athletic fashion to both men and women. Their audience was referred to as “casuals,” a term that preceded bloke core.
Casuals had low investments in the world of fashion, not caring to put major effort into their wardrobe choices. These athletic brands geared toward casuals created a space where it was acceptable and normal for young, working-class men to have an active interest in fashion. In many ways, it was the first time there was any hype around sportswear.
The principle behind bloke core is that it serves as a vehicle to subvert the expectations of men’s fashion: it’s antifashion. The catwalk can be overcomplicated with expensive styles. Bloke core reverses that: practically anyone can achieve the look and still be trendy.
Blokes are too cool to care what they throw on, hence the simplicity. Soccer is a vital part of bloke core.
Europeans love their football, and for good reason. Pubs have undeniable influence on culture, making its appearance in fashion now. With the Fifa World Cup approaching in November, now is the perfect time to incorporate the jerseys into your staples.
Fear not, this trend isn’t limited to Europeans or the British. Its following has expanded worldwide, even appearing in places like Japan and Argentina. Whether you consider yourself a bloke or not, you can join the hype. Founder Brandon Huntley described it as the “hottest trend of 2022.” It’s not too late to hop on the bandwagon.
So, when you’re feeling run-down, throw on your favorite pair of baggy jeans and jersey and call the frumpiness fashion. Dressing up jerseys may seem like a jarring concept, but we’re to tell you to be fashionable is to be shocking. Adding glasses, jewelry or a statement bag will turn this casual concept into a trendy street style fit.
What’s more bloke core than soccer? Sorry, we meant football. Adidas pieces, team jerseys, sneakers and sportswear scream bloke. This style brings out the British for a day, fair warning though it is tough to refrain from the accent.
words_andrius espinoza. design_isa marquez. photo_nina d’agostini.
This article was published in Distraction’s Fall 2022 print issue.