Waistcoat Wednesday: England fans don Gareth Southgate's trademark garment for World Cup match

The M&S garment is close to selling out

Rachel Hosie
Wednesday 11 July 2018 10:46 BST
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Gareth Southgate has led England to the World Cup semi-finals
Gareth Southgate has led England to the World Cup semi-finals

Today has been dubbed Waistcoat Wednesday in homage to Gareth Southgate’s trademark item of clothing - #WaistcoatWednesday is trending on social media.

As he's worn one for every match so far, the England football manager has prompted a revival of the formal attire, and to mark the team’s historic semi-final match against Croatia this evening, fans across the country are donning their own waistcoats.

Southgate’s waistcoat is considered by many to be a good luck charm for England, which has led to a surge in sales amongst fans back home.

The waistcoat in question is by M&S, where stock of the £65 garment is dwindling as football supporters scramble to look the part for this evening’s game.

In fact, some historians are even calling for the waistcoat to be declared an item of cultural significance and multiple museums are fighting to take ownership of Southgate’s trademark item of clothing - both the Museum of London and the National Football Museum are keen to acquire the garment.

Southgate’s sharp look has seen him become something of a style icon amongst fashion experts and football fans alike - wearing a waistcoat without a jacket allows him to remain cool at the side of the pitch whilst still looking smart.

Today, #WaistcoatWednesday is trending on social media as fans share pictures of themselves replicating Southgate’s style and sporting waistcoats of their own.

Good Morning Britain presenters Piers Morgan and Susanna Reid joined the movement by donning waistcoats on today’s episode of the breakfast TV show.

Charity Bloodwise is urging people to donate towards fighting blood cancer by taking part in Waistcoat Wednesday.

England play Croatia at 7pm BST this evening for a place in Sunday’s final against France.

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