Over the last decade, there have been a number of compelling micro-trends influencing mainstream fashion. Some, like the short-lived cottagecore, which saw its adopters don prairie dresses and straw hats to cosplay romanticised pastoral living, have come and gone in a flash. Others, such as the workwear revival platformed by brands like Carhartt and Dickies, and gorpcore, which saw the technical gear of a trail hike find its way to the high street, have endured. So what’s next? Well, the newest subculture to be commodified for our wardrobes might just be the most interesting yet.
Welcome to anglercore. Granddad’s fly-fishing vest has officially been gentrified. Here, the wear of riverbanks and fishing boats has been re-tooled for the modern urbanite. Taking its inspiration from gorpcore – and the movement’s fixation on utility and authenticity – this new micro-trend rose to prominence in 2024 with designers like JW Anderson, Miu Miu and South2 West8 leading the way. Driven by celebrity endorsements by the likes of Canadian rapper Drake, who was behind NOCTA’s Opal Collection and its blend of contemporary streetwear and fly-fishing attire, the style has continued to grow.
Gaining further visibility thanks to social media influencers, particularly on TikTok, anglercore is defined by two main design approaches. The first is inspired by the casual, coastal look and features breathable fabrics like linen. The second takes its influence from utility wear, adapting waterproof chest waders and multi-pocketed outerwear for the everyday urban wardrobe.
Cropped fly-fishing vests are some of the most popular items. Cult labels like Creek Angler’s Device and legacy brands such as Patagonia have styled these around technical mesh or weather-resistant nylon with built-in D-rings. More prominent outerwear, like wax-cotton Barbour Spey jackets and fisherman sandals, are other examples of the aesthetic romanticising the rivers and the seas.
What’s Driving Anglercore’s Appeal?
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Fashion commentators and market analysts believe the trend has emerged thanks to wearers wanting a closer connection to nature through their clothing. Developing on the wave of gorpcore’s success, the outdoor aesthetic has been embraced by both men and women who have been drawn to the style’s functional appeal.
Similarly, the current growth of sports fishing is complementing anglercore’s appeal. On YouTube, the exploits of influencers have seen many enthusiasts, like Fish with Carl, become the platform’s most-followed channels. In the United States, Major League Fishing is enjoying its best-ever viewing figures, while in the UK, the critically acclaimed docuseries Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing has introduced a new generation to the sport. Elsewhere, in iGaming, with reels sporting rods and bait boxes, slots like Big Bass Bonanza have become popular titles.
Crucially, fashion industry experts point out that anglercore has the legs to outlast many of the short-lived micro-trends of recent years. Because it belongs to the utilitarian fashion niche, history tells us that occupational wear rarely disappears entirely. The style is defined by its multi-functional design, comfort, and durability, giving it a longevity that goes beyond the typical hype spiked by short-lived internet fads.
Here to Stay
More than a fleeting obsession, anglercore is destined to be here for a while thanks to its versatile durability and the widespread cultural revival of the sport itself. It’s a style that bridges the gap between urban necessity and outdoor escapism, allowing its appeal to stretch from the riverbanks to the high street.
