Every October, someone at the party turns up as Coach. Colin Farrell's boxing coach from Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen is one of the easiest film looks to pull off, and one of the few you'll still want to wear in November. Here's how to put it together.
Who is Coach, and what does he wear?
Coach runs a boxing gym for a crew of local lads known as the Toddlers. He deals with gangsters in a loud plaid tracksuit and somehow looks like the most reasonable man in the room.
His look comes down to three things:
- A matching plaid tracksuit: a zip-up jacket and trousers in the same check. The film's costume designer based the fabrics on classic English suiting checks, scaled up and brightened.
- Oversized retro glasses: thick, squarish frames in an early-'80s style.
- The calm: no rush, no shouting, a little menace.
The four pieces of a Coach costume
1. The plaid tracksuit
This is the whole costume. Go for a classic check (tartan, glen plaid, houndstooth) rather than a novelty print, and make sure the jacket and joggers match. The match is what makes people say "Coach" before you open your mouth.
Good places to start:
- The Gentlemen Tracksuit: blue-grey glen plaid with red-and-white stripes, the one our customers come back for.
- Camel Coach Gentlemen Tracksuit: warm camel glen check, our take on Coach's look.
- Premium Green Tartan Coach Gentlemen Tracksuit: green and navy tartan in our finest woven cloth.
- Tartan Tracksuit: charcoal and grey tartan, the quieter option.
Or browse every design in Gentlemen Tracksuits.
2. Oversized retro glasses
Thick, squarish frames with clear lenses. Coach's were a one-off vintage pair, so don't hunt for an exact copy: any big '80s-style frame from a thrift store or an optician does the job. Skip the tinted sunglasses. Those belong to Fletcher, Hugh Grant's character.
3. Something simple underneath
A plain white tee or a polo with the collar out. Keep it quiet and let the plaid do the talking.
4. Clean sneakers and the attitude
White or retro sneakers finish it. Then stand still, speak slowly, and let everyone else get nervous.
Group costume: Coach and the Toddlers
Going with friends? This is one of the best group costumes there is. One of you is Coach, the rest are his boxing lads, the Toddlers, all in plaid tracksuits. Pick the same plaid for a team look, or a different check each so everyone stands out in the photos.
Ordering for a group? Our Classic tracksuits come in 7 sizes, S to 4XL, and we can make the jacket and joggers in different sizes at no extra charge. Message us with everyone's height and weight and we'll help with sizing.
Going as a couple? Our women's plaid tracksuits share the same spirit, cut for women.
A costume you'll actually wear again
Most Halloween costumes end up in the trash on November 1st. This one doesn't. It's a lined bomber jacket and drawstring joggers, sewn in our small workshop. Customers wear theirs on game days, on trips, to the bar and on lazy Saturdays. "Comfortable comfortable comfortable! I own 5!" is a real review.
Order early
Every tracksuit is sewn for you after you order, so this isn't a last-minute costume. If the party is close, give yourself time, or plan it for the next one: a birthday, a bachelor party, or a movie night with The Gentlemen on the big screen.
Not sure about your size? Check our Size Guide. Classic tracksuits have a regular fit: between sizes, go one up. Premium runs true to size: take your usual size.
FAQ
What does Coach wear in The Gentlemen?
Coach, played by Colin Farrell, wears bold plaid tracksuits: a zip-up jacket with matching trousers in big, bright checks based on classic English suiting fabrics. He pairs them with oversized retro glasses. That's the whole look, so the tracksuit matters most.
Is your tracksuit the same one as in the film?
No. The film's tracksuits were made for the film. Ours are our own designs in the same spirit: classic plaids, tartans and houndstooth, a lined bomber and joggers, made to order. Classic comes in 7 sizes, S to 4XL, with custom fit on request.
What else do I need for a Coach costume?
Big retro glasses with clear lenses, a plain tee or polo underneath, and clean sneakers. No props needed. If you want a finishing touch, a tweed flat cap suits the British look.
Can I wear it after Halloween?
Yes, and most people do. It's a real tracksuit, not a party-shop costume: a lined jacket, two pockets on the jacket and two on the joggers. It works for game days, travel and weekends.