Pep Guardiola’s Best Fashion Moments at Manchester City: From Stone Island to Our Legacy
May 23, 2026
Pep Guardiola has officially left his role as manager of Manchester City at the end of the 2025/26 season. The Catalan coach has confirmed his departure from the Citizens, bringing to a close a cycle that has profoundly shaped contemporary European football and the club’s recent history. During his time in Manchester, Guardiola collected an extraordinary trophy haul: 20 titles in total, including six Premier League crowns and, most notably, the UEFA Champions League triumph in the 2022/23 season, a milestone that firmly established the club’s project at the very top of world football.
Beyond his sporting achievements, Guardiola’s era at Manchester has also had a culture and aesthetic impression. The Spanish coach has become over time a style icon, influencing the way modern football managers dress: from Stone Island knitwear to C.P. Company jackets, through the classic flat cap and more unexpected choices such as outfits by Our Legacy. A journey that has helped redefine the view identity associated with the role of the football manager in the modern game.
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When Guardiola arrived at the Etihad in 2016, he brought with him a refined, almost minimalist elegance that contrasted sharply with the more traditional tracksuit-and-puffer look prevalent among Premier League managers. His early City outfits were dominated by impeccably tailored slim suits, often worn with crisp white shirts and subtle ties. The silhouette was sharp — narrow trousers, fitted blazers — reflecting both his Barcelona roots and his desire to project control and precision from the touchline.
One of his signature early looks involved a simple white tee paired with black cargo pants and white shoes. This casual-yet-polished ensemble became a staple during training sessions and less formal matchdays. It was functional for the sideline but still carried an air of effortless cool. Fans and fashion observers quickly noted how Guardiola elevated even the most basic pieces through perfect fit and posture.
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As City’s dominance grew, so did Guardiola’s embrace of premium casualwear. Enter Stone Island — the Italian brand known for its technical fabrics, iconic compass badge, and understated luxury. From 2017 onwards, Pep was frequently spotted in Stone Island sweaters, jackets, and knitwear, often in dark navy, black, or charcoal tones.
The Stone Island phase uniquely matched Manchester’s industrial, no-nonsense vibe while adding a layer of reticent exclusivity. Pep’s habit of sometimes removing the view badge (a practice widely discussed in fashion circles) only added to the mystique. It became a symbol of his discerning eye — appreciating the quality without needing the overt branding. Many fashion analysts believe this was partly influenced by club partnerships, particularly with DSquared2, but Pep’s loyalty to Stone Island remained strong for several seasons.
These looks were practical for the often cold and rainy Manchester nights: insulated yet stylish outer layers that allowed him to gesture animatedly without restriction. The combination of a Stone Island crewneck under a slim overcoat became one of the most copied manager looks of the late 2010s.
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Guardiola’s relationship with C.P. Company deepened over the years, especially as the brand partnered officially with Manchester City. The Italian label’s signature goggle jackets, turtlenecks, and lens-detail pieces appeared regularly on the touchline.
Pep’s affinity for high-neck turtlenecks — often layered under bombers or lightweight jackets — became a defining element of his mid-City tenure. These pieces offered warmth and a sleek profile, while the technical details (water-resistant fabrics, thoughtful construction) aligned with his meticulous personality. C.P. Company’s connection to Manchester’s football culture made these choices feel authentic rather than performative.
During the historic 2022/23 Treble-winning season, Guardiola’s C.P. Company pieces were photographed endlessly: a navy turtleneck paired with tailored trousers and his signature watch, exuding quiet authority even in the most high-pressure moments.
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In his final seasons, particularly 2025/26, observers noted a noticeable shift in Pep’s style. Moving away from ultra-slim silhouettes, he embraced slightly more relaxed fits — a subtle nod to comfort and perhaps a symbolic farewell to the intensity of daily management.
The most talked-about moment came during a Champions League clash against Real Madrid when Guardiola wore an Our Legacy flannel check shirt (the “Borrowed Shirt” model) over a black long-sleeve tee. Priced around £270, the oversized, slightly worn-in Scandinavian design marked a departure from his usual technical Italian brands. Fashion publications like GQ Sports hailed it as groundbreaking — the first time a top football manager had brought such a niche, high-fashion label onto the pitch in such a seen way.
This “cool stoner lumberjack” look, as some cheekily called it, featured straight-leg trousers and burgundy leather boots, creating a relaxed yet intentional aesthetic. It sparked countless discussions: Had Pep hired a stylist? Was this his way of signaling a new chapter?
Our Legacy represented a maturation — moving from pure functionality toward more expressive, personal style. Paired with his ever-present IWC watch and occasional flat cap, these late-era outfits cemented his status as football’s foremost style icon.
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No discussion of Guardiola’s fashion is complete without mentioning his accessories. The flat cap (often in neutral tones), premium sneakers (Puma collaborations), and chunky scarves in winter became cultural touchstones. His monogrammed sweaters and personalized touches later inspired an official Puma x Pep “Decade” collection in 2026, featuring bombers, hoodies, and trainers echoing his touchline wardrobe.
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Guardiola didn’t just dress well — he changed expectations. Managers were once expected to look corporate or athletic. Pep showed that the touchline could be a runway for thoughtful, elevated menswear. His influence stretched far beyond City: young coaches across Europe began paying more attention to fit, fabric, and brand choices.
As he steps away from the dugout (while remaining a Global Ambassador for City Football Group), Pep leaves behind not only 20 trophies but a view legacy that elevated the aesthetic of modern football management. From ripping Stone Island badges to debuting Our Legacy on the pitch, his fashion journey mirrored his tactical evolution: always one step ahead, always intentional, and always stylish.
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