Apparently “Blokecore” Is Trending, and Vancouver’s Faulkner Is All Over It

You’ve probably never heard the term blokecore, but you’ve seen evidence of it around: stylish folks pairing vintage soccer jerseys with jeans and trendy accessories, transforming sportswear into streetwear. According to James Faulkner, founder of Gastown-based fashion retailer Faulkner, it’s big in the UK—and it’s growing in Vancouver. 

Newcastle x Adidas ’90s Training Kit ($495)

It’s not surprising, given our city’s history of turning athletic wear into everyday fashion (see: yoga pants, running shoes, bike shorts, literally any person taking a walk in Kits). And while blokecore draws on UK pub culture—not-so-put-together men sporting their favourite team’s jerseys, possibly saturated with beer—the fashion-forward have elevated it into a very specific trend. 

Liverpool x Adidas Vintage 1995/⁠1996 Mesh Home Jersey ($200)

This week, Faulkner dropped their latest collaboration with Grailed, a menswear online resale platform. It dives right in to the blokecore vibe. That’s fitting, since founder James grew up playing soccer just outside of Manchester (and worked as a coach in the U.S. as an adult). “We’re bringing back sportswear from the ‘90s,” he explains.  

Leeds United AFC x Admiral 1992/1993 Vintage Training Top ($500)

Faulker says that Grailed has created a list of the 20 best sellers from around the world— “to keep the platform really current, high end and high quality,” he adds. These aren’t your dad’s old jerseys: the Leeds United AFC x Admiral 1992/1993 vintage training top (above) is $500. 

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