The 20 iconic clothing items Britons are most obsessed with, from Barbour wax jackets to Nike Air Maxes… so how many do YOU have in your closet?
We’ve all likely got a little black dress and a dependable pair of posh jeans stowed away in our wardrobe – while those who don’t mind spending a pretty penny on their garbs may have splurged on a cult designer item like a Burberry trench or Barbour wax.
Elsewhere, trusty, comfy Birkenstocks have become so popular that even Andy Burnham, outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s main challenger, was spotted wearing a pair over the weekend.
These clothing items have taken over the nation’s closets so ardently that they have been dubbed Britain’s ‘most iconic fashion items ever’.
According to a new survey of 2,000, the country is mad for Fila tracksuits, Lacoste polo shirts and – serving as the perfect outwear for British weather – North Face puffers.
Topping the list, it was vintage band tees and cowboy boots that Britons found themselves reaching for the most.
But first place – with 17 per cent of respondents dubbing it a timeless classic – were Levi’s 501 jeans.
The brand invented the garment in 1873, embracing a timeless look, best recognised for its classic straight leg, 100 per cent cotton construction and signature button fly – ever since, becoming the blueprint for modern jeans.
In second place, meanwhile, were Nike Air Max trainers, which came out in 1987 when the brand first introduced its revolutionary air cushioning technology, in order to adapt how athletes approached the choices they made in their running shoes.
Also in the line-up were Ray-Ban aviators, Gucci loafers, Ralph Lauren cable-knit jumpers and Fred Perry shirts.
Mel C, second from right, of the Spice Girls, wearing Nike Air Max trainers, which came out in 1987 when the brand first introduced its revolutionary air cushioning technology
Kate, the Princess of Wales, wearing a Barbour jacket in 2020
Noel Gallagher, right, pictured sporting a Lacoste shirt in 1998
Andy Burnham was spotted wearing Birkenstocks recently
Alexa Chung wearing a Burberry trench coat during London Fashion Week last year
New Balance 530 trainers also made the cut, as did Vivienne Westwood orb necklaces, Harrington jackets and pleated tennis skirts.
Many of the items also show Britain’s love for all things vintage. Eight in ten said nothing beats unearthing a bargain, with over a quarter calling a classic find one of life’s ‘top mood boosters’.
Elsewhere, nearly a third said they hunt pre-loved for the price, while one in five prefer the quality of older pieces.
The research was commissioned by Nationwide Building Society to celebrate the launch of its Fairer Share Drops, fronted by style star Maya Jama.
‘We all love the unexpected win of finding a vintage classic you’ve been after for ages,’ the reality star said. ‘I’ve loved curating Nationwide’s Fairer Share Drops — the ultimate preloved collection to help members treat themselves this June.’
Elsewhere, Stephen Noakes, Group Retail Director at Nationwide, added: ‘As our £100 Fairer Share payment lands, we’re stretching the joy of the unexpected even further with great finds for a fraction of the original price – giving back again, in a way as unique as the pieces on offer.’
