Grandpacore Is A Major Win For All The ‘Old Souls’ Out There

While he may not be the style icon you envisage having in 2024, your grandpa (and his wardrobe) could teach you a thing or two when it comes to crafting your own eclectic style. Here’s how to tap into the grandpacore trend.

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What Is Grandpacore?

Grandpacore, or ‘eclectic grandpa’, is a burgeoning fashion trend that takes inspiration from (you guessed it) the clothes your grandpa would wear. It’s become something of a holy grail for self-confessed ‘old souls’, who spend their weekends raiding vintage shops, collecting vinyls and relaxing with a good book.

The trend was first flagged by Pinterest at the end of 2023, which noted in its annual Pinterest Predicts report that searches for ‘grandpacore’ had gone up by 65 percent since last year. ‘2024 style inspo? Your grandad,’ exclaimed Pinterest. ‘In 2024, Gen Z and Boomers will embrace “grandpa core” and bring eccentric and expressive elements for the ages to their wardrobes. Think retro streetwear, chic cardigans and customised clothing. Because the coastal grandma aesthetic is so last year.’

@tgavy Gandpa core, thoughts? 👨🏼‍🦳 #mensfashion #grandpacore #mensweartrends #eclecticgrandpa ♬ original sound – Tristan

And it seems the trend has caught on, especially on video-sharing platform TikTok where searches for the term ‘grandpacore’ already have over 19 million views. Videos upon videos show Gen Z creators hitting up their favourite thrift shops, lounging around cable knit jumpers and giving audiences tips on how to achieve that key grandpa aesthetic.

‘My daughter told me I dress like an old man and I think I’m gonna take it as a compliment,’ said TikTok user Xander Torres, aka @therealprofessorx.

@therealprofessorx Coastal grandpa core #fyp #fypシ #fashion #fashiontiktok #springfashion #summerfashion #vacation #mensfashion #vintagefashion #vintage #grandpacore #oldmancore ♬ Yacht Club – MusicBox

But how exactly would you describe grandpacore? ‘Grandpacore is the act of combining thrifted grandpa components with something not grandpa,’ explains another TikTok creator, @cryptidartgoblin. ‘Like thrifted slacks with a tight crop top, a sensible cardigan and loafers. Comfortable, theoretically stylish and practical – because old man slacks are amazing! They have hidden stretchy waists! And POCKETS!’

@cryptidartgoblin #grandpacore #grandpacoreasthetic #trampygrampy #dit #thrifted #thrifty #sensible ♬ original sound – Cryptid Art Goblin

So, from what we can gather, it’s adding an extra layer of eccentricity, modernity and personal style to that mental image you have your grandpa. Think Harry Styles and his countless sweater vests, A$AP Rocky and his penchant for a tweed jacket and Tyler, the Creator and his impressively patterned knitted jumpers.

If you want to try out the trend yourself, we’d recommend paying a visit to your local vintage shop; see what looks cosy, quirky and a bit of you, then team it up with the wardrobe you have at home. Just don’t forget the stretchy slacks.

Steal Your Grandpa’s Style

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