I've ditched the waistcoat for a cuddly cardi, Gareth Southgate reveals: England manager unveils new image ahead of the Euros because he doesn't want to look 'too stiff'
- Gareth Southgate showed off his new wardrobe, sporting a £3,325 cardigan
- READ MORE: Gareth Southgate admits 'very critical' coaches used to 'bully' players during his career
His signature sharp suit look led to a surge in waistcoat sales during the World Cup.
But England manager Gareth Southgate has revealed he is retiring his buttoned-up combination in favour of a more relaxed approach for the upcoming Euros.
He said he was shaking up his look in a bid to appear more approachable to his younger players when the tournament kicks off in Germany next month.
Southgate, 53, said: 'This year, there will be more shortsleeved knits than a suit and tie because we're trying to create a relaxed environment.
'When you're working with young lads, you don't want to be too stiff – in what you're doing or wearing.'
He added: 'Whenever you put something on, you're making some sort of a statement. I am conscious of that now.'
The England boss, modelling for QC, confirmed the waistcoat will not make a return at Euro 2024 and instead he has opted for a 'cuddly cardigan'
Gareth Southgate famously wore a waistcoat throughout the 2018 World Cup as England reached the semi-finals
Southgate has traded in his waistcoat collection in favour of soft, cuddly cardigans. Above: Pictured in 2018
Southgate's choice in outfit is a sure talking point during any England tournament.
During the 2018 World Cup, his first as manager, Southgate wore a £65 waistcoat from Marks & Spencer.
As the team progressed in the tournament, the phrase 'lucky waistcoat' began to trend online and the retailer reported a 35 per cent increase in sales.
The phenomenon was labelled as 'the Gareth Southgate effect' and his look coined 'nice-dad-atthe-wedding-disco' with many praising his unpretentious clothing choices.
Showing off his new wardrobe in a feature for GQ, he wore a £3,325 cosy, cream cardigan and £620 linen twill trousers, both from Loro Piana.
- Read the full interview online at British GQ now.
