Why you'll see everyone wearing waistcoats today
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Today, you might notice an inordinate amount of men (and women) wearing waistcoats to work.
The mid-week upsurge in waistcoat-wearers has even found itself trending on Twitter in the form of the hashtag #WaistcoastsWednesday (albeit spelt incorrectly).
But what’s with the sudden love for the sleeveless upper-body garment?
Well it’s all to do with England’s run in the World Cup and the man who’s got us this far.
England manager Gareth Southgate is a longtime fan of the waistcoat and his pitch-side outfits have been a source of sartorial influence to people over the country.
Today, and England face Croatia in the semi-finals of the world tournament, people far and wide are honouring the man of the hour and supporting their country by donning the suit piece.
So many are getting involved that M&S have even reported selling out of waistcoats ahead of #WaistcoatWednesday and reported a 35% increase in waistcoat sales during England’s run to the last four.
While Bloodwise, a blood cancer charity, is asking today’s waistcoat-wearers to donate to its cause while supporting England.
Everyone from Piers Morgan and Susannah Reid on Good Morning Britain, police officers, sports pundits, erm, cactuses and thousands across the UK are getting on board to will football home.
Good morning Britain ☀ It’s @England’s biggest football match since 1966 today and it’s also #WaistcoatWednesday pic.twitter.com/kkx1v14i6m
— Good Morning Britain (@GMB) July 11, 2018
It’s #WaistcoatWednesday so, @CCLeicsPolice has donned his own waistcoat to deliver a video message to England football fans, ahead of tonight’s #WorldCup semi-final against Croatia. 🏴🇭🇷 #CROENG #ENGCRO https://t.co/eSqFynt0hM pic.twitter.com/CSSiLObdnx
— LeicestershirePolice (@leicspolice) July 10, 2018
Outside the #Luzhniki for #WorldCupBreakfast with full on #WaistcoatWednesday @bbc5live pic.twitter.com/CxFAnh38IM
— Rachel Burden (@rachelburden) July 11, 2018
Found a cactus in Arizona taking part in #waistcoastwednesday COME ON ENGLAND 🏴🦁🦁🦁🏴 pic.twitter.com/y8qnmqGiEl
— Jamie Stangroom (@jamiestangroom) July 11, 2018
Southgate’s ‘Peaky Blinders’-style garment has even become so iconic that museums are fighting to display it after England’s historic World Cup run.
The Museum of London first said it wanted to acquire Southgate’s navy blue waistcoat for their collection, while the National Football Museum in Manchester retaliated saying the waistcoat should be theirs due to its sporting significance.
Beatrice Behlen, the the Museum of London’s Senior Fashion Curator, told the Telegraph: “Waistcoats were born in London in 1666, promoted by King Charles II.
“Now Watford-born Gareth Southgate is reviving that London tradition and bringing waistcoats home to the forefront of fashion.”
Gareth Southgate: fashion icon.
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