Share to
Fashion in 2025 is no longer dictated solely by designers or glossy magazines. Social media has become the main stage for new aesthetics, with TikTok and Instagram driving trends from local subcultures to global audiences in a matter of weeks. One of the most powerful movements to emerge this year is blokecore, a look that takes vintage football culture and transforms it into a fashion statement.
At its heart, blokecore is about wearing retro football shirts with casual staples such as jeans, trainers, and bomber jackets. It is equal parts nostalgic and ironic, and it has captured the imagination of Gen Z and millennials alike. For vintage retailers, the trend represents a huge opportunity, since authentic football shirts and sportswear are already staples of the wholesale vintage market.
Blokecore is inspired by the everyday look of working class football fans in the United Kingdom during the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. The “bloke” was the ordinary man on the terrace, wearing his club shirt, a pair of jeans, and a pint in hand. What was once a casual match day uniform has been reimagined into a global style phenomenon.
Blokecore is not confined to football fans. It has been adopted by people who may never set foot in a stadium. The appeal lies in its bold graphics, strong cultural identity, and connection to retro authenticity. It is also flexible. A vintage Manchester United shirt might be styled with baggy jeans and Adidas trainers for a Y2K inspired look, while a retro England kit can be worn oversized with a bomber jacket for a more modern streetwear edge.
Blokecore first began to spread on TikTok, where creators posted styling guides and outfit inspiration featuring vintage football kits. The hashtag #blokecore has attracted millions of views, and videos of thrifted football shirts styled in new ways continue to gain traction daily.
Social media has given the trend an international platform. Fans in Europe, Asia, and North America have embraced blokecore, proving that vintage football culture resonates far beyond its roots in the UK. Luxury designers have also taken notice, with runway collections referencing retro sportswear and incorporating vintage football styling into high fashion.
For wholesale vintage suppliers and retailers, blokecore is a dream trend. Retro football shirts and branded sportswear are already high demand items, but the blokecore aesthetic has pushed them to the very top of customer wish lists.
Blokecore thrives on genuine vintage kits. Shoppers want shirts from past decades, complete with old sponsor logos, classic designs, and the patina of age. Wholesale suppliers are perfectly positioned to provide this authenticity by sourcing large volumes of genuine shirts.
Football shirts often command strong prices on the resale market, particularly those linked to famous clubs, international tournaments, or iconic players. Retailers can achieve significant margins on authentic vintage kits compared to standard second hand items.
While the aesthetic began in the UK, it is now popular worldwide. Shops in Berlin, New York, and Tokyo are all selling vintage football shirts to customers who are drawn to the look. Retailers who stock blokecore friendly items can appeal to an international audience through online platforms.
Retailers looking to take advantage of blokecore should prioritise:
Vintage football shirts from the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s.
Retro tracksuits from brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Umbro.
Casual jackets including bombers, Harringtons, and windbreakers.
Trainers and terrace style footwear that complete the look.
Classic denim in relaxed or baggy cuts that pair with oversized kits.
Wholesale suppliers can provide these items in bulk, allowing retailers to curate blokecore edits that attract trend focused customers.
Rather than mixing football shirts into general stock, retailers can create blokecore focused drops online or themed rails in store. This makes it easy for customers to shop the aesthetic.
Since blokecore thrives on TikTok and Instagram, retailers should use the same platforms to showcase their stock. Styling videos, outfit transitions, and educational content about vintage football shirts can all help attract attention.
Customers love the stories behind vintage pieces. Retailers can highlight the history of specific shirts, linking them to memorable matches, players, or cultural moments.
Blokecore shows no signs of slowing down in 2025. With major football tournaments such as the Euros and the World Cup on the horizon, interest in retro kits is only expected to increase. Social media will continue to push the aesthetic forward, and designers will likely keep referencing it in mainstream collections.
For retailers, this means that blokecore is not a fleeting trend. It is part of a broader shift in fashion towards cultural authenticity, nostalgia, and individuality. Vintage football shirts are becoming collector items as much as fashion pieces, ensuring long term demand.
Blokecore is proof that fashion can emerge from the terraces as easily as the catwalk. By celebrating vintage football culture and turning it into a style movement, it has created one of the most exciting opportunities for retailers in 2025.
For businesses working with wholesale suppliers, the message is clear. Stocking vintage football shirts and retro sportswear is no longer optional, it is essential for tapping into one of the most influential aesthetics of the year. With authentic supply and smart marketing, retailers can use blokecore to connect with customers, grow their brand, and stay ahead in a fast moving fashion landscape.
