Nowadays, most of the fashion of the 60s/70s is rather unpopular, although parts of it are making a comeback. In the Skinhead scene, things look a little different. Looking as original as possible like back then? Partly, by some skins, a desirable goal (myself included). Most of the clothes we wear are quite timeless. Jeans, Shirts, Martens? Timeless. Bomber Jacket? Back in the mainstream – skins are no longer the only ones to wear this military garment. Coat? Every business man wears one. But which item of clothing is really 60s and virtually extinct?

In my opinion: Grandpas Knit or rather ‘The Waffle Knit Cardigan’. You can find one in films and television from time to time, especially worn by older people. Makes sense somewhere! But there’s much more to this garment than the look of a grandad watching the news on a tube screen in a cosy armchair.

But first, what is a waffle cardigan? Quite simply, a cardigan that has a texture like a waffle – hence the name. It’s usually made from wool, but there are also some modern versions made from plastic. I’m not going to give a scientific lecture on why wool is the better material, let alone the coolest material for making clothes, I’ll leave the research to you. The Waffle Cardigan is characterized by, among other things, quite large pockets in which you can bury your hands. Slightly oversized, the cardigan is quite comfortable, but it can also look damn good in a tighter fit.

Well, why was the waffle cardigan worn by the early Skinheads? Good question, I don’t think anyone really knows. Presumably the Cardigan was simply available and combined with a shirt it just looks good. In the film ‘Made In Britain’ from 1982 (a not really good film about a completely derailed bonehead, i.e. Neo-Nazi) there is a scene where the main character looks through a shop window and looks at a waffle cardigan. A homage to the early Skinhead scene? Probably. In any case, the lead doesn’t comment on it.

The waffle cardigan can also be seen almost as a matter of course in the great film ‘Bronco Bullfrog’ from 1969. The film is a pretty accurate contemporary document of youth fashion from the time, even if all the actors are more in the Suedehead category. The actors were cast from the street, so I doubt that they were actually dressed in by the movie makers.

From this one can conclude that this piece of fashion was definitely represented in the late 60s. Exclusively worn by Skinheads? No, I personally think that the waffle cardigan was worn by all kinds of people and was simply forgotten at some point after people’s fashions naturally changed. In the Skinhead scene, however, it has survived and, as already mentioned, is, in my opinion, an item of clothing that has never lost its 60s/70s charm.

I want one! What to get? (Attention: Non-Paid Advertising)

Unfortunately, the choice of Waffle Cardigans is relatively limited. Probably the best choice these days is the Waffle Cardigan from Relco (can be found online). It’s made from plastic but still keeps you warm and looks authentic. I was recently lucky enough to buy a Waffle Cardigan from TRiCKETT England that was made according to the original pattern in a factory where these things used to be produced. Unfortunately they are only available seasonally and according to the internet this was probably the last batch. Fred Perry probably also has Waffle Cardigans on offer, but for me personally they look a bit too modern. But if you like that, you’re certainly well served here. Alternatively, you can of course look around in second-hand shops! You’re sure to find one or two originals there for a very reasonable price.

Conclusion:

I can’t really say much more about the Waffle Cardigan. There isn’t really much information available, so you can only rely on pictures, films and statements from other Skinheads. Oh, one more thing: these things keep you wonderfully warm in the coming winter temperatures! Combined with a coat, they are usually a chic combination if you wear a button-down shirt underneath. Alternatively, a white T-shirt with jeans and sambas also looks really cool – but I’ll leave the combinations up to you, you can’t really go wrong!