The Dugout’s New Uniform: How Guardiola Redefined Manager Fashion
The Manchester City manager’s departure marks the end of a decade-long shift in Premier League aesthetics, transforming the dugout from a place of rigid suits into a runway for contemporary menswear.
When Pep Guardiola arrived at Manchester City in 2016, the Premier League’s managerial fashion landscape was defined by stark contrasts. José Mourinho was frequently spotted in quarter-zips and macs at Manchester United, while Arsène Wenger maintained a dapper appearance in suits and puffer jackets at Arsenal. Guardiola, by comparison, presented a formal, almost schoolboy aesthetic, favouring V-necks, shirts, ties, and blazers that suggested he was not yet a sartorial threat.
Ten years later, the manager confirmed he is leaving the club, having become the undisputed champion of dugout style. He is credited with relaxing the unwritten dress code that previously oscillated between wedding-worthy smart suits and club-issued tracksuits. Guardiola chose to wear clothes that functioned beyond the touchline, introducing blouson jackets, fine brogues, and three-quarter coats to the sideline.
His influence on men’s fashion gained significant traction by 2019, particularly through his repeated use of a £1,200 grey knit cardigan. Wearing the piece 30 times during Manchester City’s domestic treble-winning season, he inadvertently helped make cardigans a staple trend for men. This shift towards relaxed luxury continued with the introduction of Stone Island jackets, combat-style trousers, and baseball boots by designer Rick Owens.
Guardiola has attributed his transformation to his then-wife, Cristina Serra, who he credited with picking his outfits. Speaking to Sky Sports, he noted that he was a "disaster" before meeting her, but became elegant under her influence. The couple split in 2025, but the stylistic legacy of that period remains visible in his current wardrobe.
Recent looks have further cemented his status as a fashion icon. A slacker-style checked shirt by Swedish brand Our Legacy, worn to a Champions League game in March, was described by GQ as a "cool stoner" aesthetic and went viral. Speculation ranged from the influence of his Gen Z daughter to the hiring of a professional stylist. He has since paired elegant polo necks and pleated trousers with this casual approach, creating a look that would not be out of place on the front row of menswear shows.
As Guardiola departs, the Premier League loses a figure who demonstrated that managers could embrace fashion without sacrificing authority. Football continues to require style champions to show men and managers alike that there is life beyond the quarter zip, a lesson Guardiola taught over his decade in charge.