The worlds of sport and fashion have continually collided over the years, with styles designed for the more active among us quickly being incorporated into the everyday wardrobe. This season, along with classic athletic labels from the eighties and nineties, old school sportswear pieces have been pushed to the fore, with the industry’s penchant for all things vintage the driving force behind the trend. With this in mind, here are five retro pieces you should consider adding to your wardrobe this season.
1. The Open Collar Polo Shirt
Sophisticated and elegant, an open collar polo shirt instantly transports us back to the sixties – what many consider to be the golden era of sport. For the current day, this vintage-feel piece is best worn off the court, styled in a smarter, more sophisticated manner. Look for designs in crisp, clean shades of white or light blue for ultimate versatility, then add your favourite slim-fit trousers and a pair of slip-ons shoes for a suave daytime look. It’ll leave you looking gentlemanly yet fashion-forward – a winning combination.
Image: Mango Man 2015
Recommended
Pocket Polo Shirt, available at Mango, priced £14.99.
2. The Track Jacket
A sporting classic, the track jacket has reigned supreme on and off of athletics tracks for generations. Simple and lightweight in form, the slick outerwear piece has proven itself an easy-to-wear cover up for men of all ages and lifestyles. This piece is one that works well with a flash of colour, with strong colour-blocked options harking back to the original designs worn and loved by sportsmen of the past. However, opt for deeper hues over neons to sidestep any negative shell suit connotations. Finish your look with plain, dark denim and smart chunky soled shoes (white socks optional) for a sporty look with a refined edge.
Image: ASOS 2015
Recommended
Fred Perry Track Jacket with Colour Block, available at ASOS, priced £80.
3. White Tennis Trainers
With minimalism a key movement in modern menswear, it’s no surprise that the white tennis trainer has returned for another round. Providing welcome relief to the bold (and sometimes garish) options that have dominated the sneaker market over recent years, this classic canvas silhouette is not only understated and timeless, but an extremely versatile shoe that can be dressed up or down to suit. When it comes to styling, opt for an elegant and pared-back approach; a pair of cropped grey or navy trousers and your open collar polo are the ideal match.
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Recommended
Jack Purcell Canvas Trainers, available at Reiss, priced £80.
4. Athletic Shorts
Often cut a little higher than your average chino shorts, athletic shorts are great for those who want to give their off-duty looks a laid-back, sporty slant. The slightly hitched leg creates a sharper, boxier silhouette, while soft nylon or jersey construction ensures comfort over long periods. A simple, neutral pair will serve you well this summer, working with everything from a white crew neck T-shirt to a terry cloth polo shirt. Finish with minimal tennis trainers to emphasise the underlying sportswear influence.
Image: Sunspel SS15
Recommended
Sunspel Loopback Sweat Short, available at End Clothing, priced £80.
5. The Barrel Bag
This classic sporting accessory hasn’t changed much over the years, with sturdy, boldly-branded barrel bags remaining a favourite of gym goers and fashion fans alike. Offering just the right amount of space for daily use, the barrel bag is practical, easy to transport and robust, making it a nice everyday alternative to your leather weekender. When it comes to securing your perfect style, look to labels with a strong sporting heritage, such as Fred Perry, New Balance, Converse and adidas.
Image: ASOS 2015
Recommended
Fred Perry Classic Barrel Bag, available at ASOS, priced £60.