From Traditional to Trendsetter: Guardiola’s Dugout Evolution
When Pep Guardiola took charge of Manchester City for the first time in 2016, the Premier League’s managerial fashion scene was dominated by figures like José Mourinho, who sported a quarter zip and mac at Manchester United, and Arsène Wenger, known for his sharp suits paired with an unzippable puffer jacket at Arsenal.
Guardiola, initially dressed in a V-neck, shirt, tie, and blazer, resembling an overgrown schoolboy, did not immediately present himself as a sartorial force. Yet, a decade later, he stands as the undisputed champion of dugout style.
Relaxing the Unwritten Dress Code
Guardiola is credited with loosening the strict, unwritten dress code for football managers, which traditionally oscillated between formal suits fit for weddings or club-issued tracksuits. Instead, he opted for attire that transcended the confines of the technical area, incorporating blouson jackets, elegant brogues, and three-quarter coats into his wardrobe.
By 2019, his fashion choices had become a talking point within and beyond football circles. Notably, he played a role in popularizing cardigans among men, famously wearing a £1,200 “lucky” grey knit cardigan during the season Manchester City secured a domestic treble.
Expanding the Style Palette
Guardiola’s sartorial evolution continued with the inclusion of combat-style trousers and Stone Island jackets, reflecting a more relaxed yet refined aesthetic.
His growing reputation for style was acknowledged in 2022 when he credited his then-wife, Cristina Serra, for influencing his wardrobe choices. The couple later separated in 2025.
“Absolutely, ever since I met her,” Guardiola said. “Before I was a disaster, now I’m elegant, thanks to her.”
Influences and Viral Moments
In March 2026, Guardiola wore a slacker-style checked shirt by Swedish brand Our Legacy to a Champions League match, a look described by GQ as “effortlessly cool” that quickly went viral across fashion and football social media timelines.
Speculation arose about the inspiration behind this style shift, with some attributing it to his Gen Z daughter’s influence, while others suggested he had engaged a stylist.
Following this, Guardiola embraced elegant polo necks and pleated trousers, outfits that would be fitting on the front row of menswear fashion shows.
Legacy Beyond the Pitch
As Guardiola prepares to depart the Premier League, his impact extends beyond football tactics to influencing how managers and men approach style, moving beyond the traditional quarter zip look.
