Allotment chic, young fogey, gardencore… the trend of wearing rustic workwear in earthy colours has several names and seems to be led by many of our most famous gardeners. Here are 12 online shops to browse if you’re after the same look.
At a time when global fashion houses are enlisting garden designers to create runway installations and influencers proudly share the outfits they wear to Chelsea Flower Show, it seems fashion and horticulture are becoming more closely interwoven.
You only need to look at some of our most respected horticulturalists and head gardeners to spot an almost ubiquitous preference for cool workwear balancing practicality with the fabrics and colour palette of the natural world. Think cotton chore jackets, corduroy trousers, dungarees, linen shirts… anything with a rustic, vintage look in earthy tones.
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It’s a trend recently dubbed ‘allotment chic’ or ‘young fogey’ – or ‘gardencore’ in the US, and seems to be led by horticultural icons like Monty Don, with his famous blue workwear jacket.
While you can find the allotment look at many online stores, there are several gardener-approved brands loved for their classic young fogey pieces. Here are the retailers with the best collections, across a range of price points.
12 brands to shop for the allotment chic look
Toast
Top of the list is, of course, Toast. Aspiring to “a slower, more thoughtful way of life”, it’s created a collection full of beautifully crafted pieces made from natural materials.
Toast has recently collaborated with several head gardeners, including Errol Reuben Fernandes from the Horniman Museum, and Sissinghurst’s Troy Scott-Smith. The former picked out these Cotton Wide Leg Trousers and Striped Workwear Shirt, as well as a pair of Cotton Twill Trousers and a Dropped Shoulder Shirt.
Seasalt
You can find plenty of allotment chic styles at Seasalt, particularly when it comes to shirts and knitwear. We love this smart Cord Blazer, Artist’s Linen Shirt and Blue Knitted Jumper, which would work just as well for everyday errands as it would for gardening jobs.
Blundstone
Chelsea boots have become a staple for gardeners, and a pair of trusty Blundstones works perfectly for any young fogey look. Find similar styles in our guide to the best Chelsea boots you can buy this year.
White Stuff
If you’re after a high street brand with allotment chic pieces at a slightly lower price point, try White Stuff. Its linen range in particular is worth browsing, including these beautiful Green Cropped Dungarees and Blue Linen Jacket.
Gardenheir
The US brand Gardenheir has a carefully curated selection of vintage-inspired gardening pieces. We love this mustard-yellow Washed Cotton Drill Smock and charming Corduroy Farm Pants with Braces. Try the handy Waterproof Hat and Blue Waxed Cotton Tote Bag if you’re after allotment chic accessories.
Dickies
For durable, neutral-toned gardening workwear with a vintage-inspired look, you can’t go wrong with Dickies. The brand’s Canvas Chore Coat is a stylish outer layer, and has featured in many of our buyer’s guides over the years.
Lucy & Yak
Known and loved for its relaxed silhouettes in a range of cheerful colours, Lucy & Yak has become a favourite among gardening influencers. These hardwearing corduroy dungarees in caramel or dark olive are perfect for a day in the garden.
Carrier Company
Female-founded and Norfolk-based, Carrier Company is another one of our favourite gardenwear brands. Its Norfolk Work Jacket is a close lookalike for Monty Don’s beloved blue workwear blazer.
Me+Em
Me+Em sponsored MHLK Collective’s installation at the Chelsea Flower Show this year and, as one of the retailers you can shop there, it’s become a real favourite among influencers and visitors alike.
The brand doesn’t have a huge selection of outdoor workwear pieces, but you can find items like these stylish Cotton Twill Cargo Pants and browse its smart tailoring, luxurious knitwear and, of course, Chelsea-worthy dresses.
Sarah Raven
Sarah Raven is best known for its plants and gardening tools, but it also stocks a small selection of rustic gardening clothes and accessories, including this Pinafore and Waxed Cotton Hat, and a blue Gardener’s Smock with handy front pockets.
Mad About Land
As the name suggests, this brand champions getting back to nature and tending your garden. Not only did it launch its new range of garden clothing at this year’s RHS Urban Show, but it’s also been endorsed by garden designer Tom Massey.
The brand’s clothing range includes just an armful of items, but the smart Unisex Gilet and Women’s Garden Trousers, Utility Top and Chore Coat are well worth considering.
Fat Face
Another high street brand for those on a budget, Fat Face is always worth a browse if you’re looking for countryside styles. We’ve picked out this Grandad Stripe Linen Shirt and forest green Chloe Cable Knit Cardigan from this season’s collection.
Find more allotment chic pieces in our guides to the best gardener’s Chelsea boots to buy and our favourite Monty Don workwear jacket lookalikes.