The best normcore pieces inspired by your dad’s wardrobe

Normcore. Dadcore. 90s nostalgia. Whatever you want to call it, the unpretentious and the simple continues to pervade men’s luxury fashion in 2021 as a major trend. And we’re not mad about it.

Not exclusively loyal to just one thing — sportswear, skate culture and the clothes our very own dads wore some 25 years ago (not to mention the cast of ‘Friends’ and Seinfeld) — normcore or dressing “normal”, as opposed to dressing overtly stylish and fashion-forward, has a fresh face this season, thanks to a host of designer brands and luxury labels releasing updated versions of our favourite normcore fashion items.

From comfy dad jeans and chunky trainers to baggy tees and baseball caps, here are 6 of the best normcore items for men in 2021.

Acne Studios Jeans

Photo: Mr Porter

In the past, normcore was all about light blue jeans. This year, it’s grey. Acne Studios have released a washed-out selvedge denim pair in a calm smoky shade, that look lived-in and feel comfy, from the get-go. The jeans sit low and loose too, thanks to a relaxed straight leg cut; the Swedish label’s pink stitching is a welcomed update on these staple dad jeans.

Balenciaga Sneaker

Photo: Balenciaga

Balenciaga released its latest collection last month. And, with Justin Bieber front and centre wearing these hyper normcore sneakers from the famed Paris fashion house. Made from vegan leather, mesh and nylon, the Runner sneaker is a modern take on the 90s sports trainer known to dads, thanks to an even chunkier sole and modernised grey backing at the heel. Wear these guys with white socks, slouchy jeans and a relaxed tee. 

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Vetements T-Shirt

Photo: Matchesfashion

Relaxed in shape and fit, with a high-cut, wide round neck design, Vetements latest t-shirt offering is normcore down to a tee. Made from plush cotton jersey, the black shirt is stamped with a rainbow slogan print at the front; the colourful design a subversive slant on tech giant Apple, and its Apple Mac branding, in the 90s. Nostalgia nerds gotta love.

Louis Vuitton Slides

Photo: Louis Vuitton

A huge part of normcore’s appeal is its ‘ugliness’; taking traditionally unlikable items that were once considered a fashion faux-pas and reintroducing them to contemporary fashion as cool. Enter the Louis Vuitton mules. In coated cotton canvas, the full-cover brown slides are stamped with French maison’s all-over gold monogram print — the neon stitching and chunky rubber sole a modern update on the already kitsch. Wear these slides with socks for extra normcore y’all.

Ralph Lauren Cap

Photo: Luisaviaroma

In a nod to 90s sporting heritage, cap off your normcore looks with this classic hat from Ralph Lauren. Made from black cotton twill, the six-panel cap is branded with the New Yorker’s signature embroidered logo in red. The cap’s timelessness makes it not just a normcore staple, but a wardrobe staple, too, and a worthy style investment.

Also see: 6 white sneakers for men to sport right now