Gen Z is breathing new life into old-fashioned fashion trends, bringing a resurgence of nostalgia to the forefront.
In the wake of the recent resurgence of retro items like vinyl records and VHS tapes, a trend known as ‘grandpa core’ is emerging in the fashion scene.
This style channels the essence of vintage fashion with a contemporary twist, drawing inspiration from your grandfather’s wardrobe. Characterized by loose-fitting silhouettes, cozy materials, and warm, vibrant hues, the grandpa core look exudes a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Key pieces include throwback patterned knit sweaters, patchwork cardigans crafted from various fabrics, faded shirts, worn-out denim pants, oxford shirts, rugby shirts, and corduroy pants.
Celebrities renowned for their fashion-forward sense, such as Gigi Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Harry Styles, and Tyler The Creator, have embraced the grandpa core aesthetic, further popularizing the trend.
In the realm of Korean celebrity fashion, figures like Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung, singer P.O, actress Jung Hae-in, and IU have captivated fans with their adoption of this fashion trend. Sooyoung, for instance, recently shared a photo on Instagram sporting rustic ‘ugly sweaters,’ accentuating the grandpa core vibe.
The surge in popularity of the grandpa core look among celebrities has translated into increased sales of related merchandise.
According to Future Market Insights, the market for grandpa core-inspired items is experiencing rapid growth. For instance, the global market capacity for oxford shirts reached $5.8 billion last year and is projected to grow to $6.8 billion by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 6.1%.
Similarly, the market size for rugby shirts, valued at $1.24 billion in 2022, is anticipated to expand to $3.54 billion by 2032, growing at an average annual rate of 11.1%.
Moreover, the second-hand clothing market, a hub for retro-style apparel, is forecasted to grow by 11.1% annually, reaching $4.34 trillion this year and soaring to $12.52 trillion by 2034.
Industry observers view the grandpa core trend as emblematic of the evolving fashion ethos of younger generations. This fashion movement encapsulates the values of Millennials and Gen Z, including a fondness for nostalgia, an appreciation for analog aesthetics, a penchant for style versatility, a commitment to sustainability, and a preference for value-driven consumption.
Furthermore, the accessibility and affordability of vintage-inspired clothing, often repurposed from grandparents’ closets, contribute to the appeal of the grandpa core look.
BY HAEUN CHUNG, HOONSIK WOO [chung.haeun@koreadaily.com]
