News + Trends

Grandpacore trend: why we now dress like grandpas

Stephanie Vinzens
16.1.2024
Translation: machine translated

Time to rummage through granddad's wardrobe. The new hype for 2024 is called Grandpacore - and it's far less niche than you might think.

Dad trainers, dad blazers, dad trousers - that probably wasn't enough. Now we're adding another generation on top. Grandpacore is the new buzzword in fashion. According to industry magazine The Business of Fashion, the grandfather-inspired aesthetic is one of the big trends for the current year. The annual trend report from the inspiration platform Pinterest shows that search queries for the keywords grandpacore and grandpa style have increased by 65 and 60 per cent respectively.

What does that mean exactly? That you should get out your cardigans, pullovers, knitted jumpers, shirts, corduroy and pleated trousers, classic coats, blazers and loafers. All of these are actually durable basics without an expiry date - we love them. There is also a promising mix of comfort and nostalgia: the clothes should fit loosely and comfortably and exude a good dose of retro flair.

Two very chic, grandad-tested looks.
Two very chic, grandad-tested looks.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

Grandpacore combines several trends

Most of the visual concepts trending on social media are very niche. Grandpacore, on the other hand, represents a comparatively versatile and timeless aesthetic. This makes it much more wearable and durable than contemporaries such as Barbiecore or Mermaidcore. What's more, Grandpacore embodies several current trends at once: Oversized cuts, vintage fashion as well as formal and functional clothing. These are not just short-term hypes, but trends that have been relevant for several seasons - and will probably remain so for some time to come.

Autumn/Winter 23: How Miu Miu interprets Grandpacore.
Autumn/Winter 23: How Miu Miu interprets Grandpacore.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

The popularity of grandpacore is probably also due to the fact that the look can be styled in a variety of ways thanks to different interpretations. Gorpcore fans are inspired by the functional hiking grandpa, maximalism enthusiasts like the eccentric, so-called eclectic grandpa and those who prefer an urban look are inspired by retro streetwear. Whether chic or relaxed, minimalist or unusual: The scope is wide and leaves plenty of room for your own personality.

Break in style desired

By the way, if you want to take part in the Grandpacore trend, you don't have to cover yourself from head to toe in grandpa-appropriate clothing and accessories. Style breaks make the look all the more exciting. For example, combine pleated trousers and a cardigan with Vans or a blazer that looks like you stole it from grandpa's wardrobe with leather trousers and pumps. Mix and match quirky vintage finds with hip trend pieces to create your own individual look. Grandpacore can also be found super cheaply in brockis, vintage shops and flea markets - or in your grandad's wardrobe.

The colourful pattern mix screams Eclectic Grandpa.
The colourful pattern mix screams Eclectic Grandpa.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
This huge blazer could just as easily have been stolen from Grandpa's wardrobe.
This huge blazer could just as easily have been stolen from Grandpa's wardrobe.
Source: Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Cover photo: Launchmetrics/Spotlight

17 people like this article


User Avatar
User Avatar

Has endless love for shoulder pads, Stratocasters and sashimi, but a limited tolerance for bad impressions of her Eastern Swiss dialect.


Fashion
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

4 comments

Avatar
later