The Britpop Renaissance
As we step into 2025, the Britpop aesthetic, with its gritty swagger and unmistakable normalcy, is once again dominating runways, streets and even local pubs.
Words by Josh Williams
If you listened closely this past August, you might have caught the faint echoes of a cultural resurgence reverberating across Britain. Oasis – Manchester’s rock legends, erstwhile rivals turned reunion headliners – announced their comeback tour, sparking not only a musical revival but also a seismic influence on fashion. As we step into 2025, the Britpop aesthetic, with its gritty swagger and unmistakable normalcy, is once again dominating runways, streets and even local pubs.
To understand today’s Britpop revival, we must rewind to its origins in the mid-1990s. Born as Britain’s answer to American grunge, Britpop captured the pulse of working-class youth with melancholic, nostalgia-drenched lyrics and thrumming guitars. Led by bands like Oasis, Blur and Pulp – and later joined by The Verve and female-fronted acts like Elastica – Britpop became a cultural revolution. Its fashion ethos was a stark departure from polished icons like The Beatles or Elvis. Instead, Britpop style was gloriously pedestrian, rooted in practicality and worn with irreverence.
The Gallagher brothers epitomised this ethos, their outfits often pulled together from locker rooms or dressing rooms. Liam Gallagher’s infamous Umbro drill shirt, hastily sourced from a stadium during a 1996 Manchester gig, symbolised the effortless cool of the era. Bucket hats, Adidas trainers, parkas and polo shirts became staples – not carefully curated but rather organically adopted, blurring the lines between casual wear and cultural statement.
Fast-forward to today, and Britpop’s style resurgence feels as authentic as ever. Driven by a longing for simplicity and self-expression, this revival is less about modernising the look and more about reclaiming its unvarnished charm. Vintage shops are booming as younger generations hunt down original ’90s pieces. Even resale platforms like eBay and high-end retailers like Mr Porter report surging demand for classics like parkas (up 64%) and Adidas Gazelles (a staggering 221% increase).
But it’s not just about clothes. Haircuts are following suit, with Oasis-inspired mod styles making a bold comeback. This intersection of ’60s Mod and ’90s Casual – think Stone Island coats, Fred Perry polos and Burberry scarves – is reshaping men’s fashion. The appeal lies in its accessibility; essentials like button-down shirts and jerseys, worn untucked and baggy, are already wardrobe staples for many.
As Oasis prepares for a headline-grabbing tour, their influence is poised to deepen. Expect Britpop’s blend of retro and rebellion to dominate summer festivals and urban streets alike. While trends may ebb and flow, the simplicity and authenticity at the heart of Britpop ensure its timeless appeal, making it more than a moment – it’s a movement.
In 2025, Britpop isn’t just back; it’s redefining fashion with a nostalgic yet forward-thinking twist. So, dust off that parka and lace up your Adidas trainers – the Britpop renaissance is here to stay.
