Country boy Tom Hawkins has ‘an eye for chinos and a collared polo shirt’

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, AFL player Tom Hawkins.

“I split my pants on the dance floor at a teammate’s wedding. It wasn’t a small split.” Credit: Courtesy of Gant

How would you describe your style? I’m a country boy, so I’ve got an eye for chinos and a collared polo shirt. I keep it classic but love the opportunity to get dressed up and throw a bit of colour in there.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A pair of brown R.M. Williams “Craftsman” boots and an Akubra hat I’ve had since I was 15 or 16.

And the most recent addition? A Gant bomber jacket. It’s green and cream with a yellow G – classic, sporty and versatile.

What would you wear … on a first date? Jeans, a nice shirt and my R.M. Williams boots …on a plane? I keep it very comfortable in trackies, T-shirt, a jumper and Asics sneakers … on the red carpet? I love a classic tuxedo; I have four black-tie suits in my wardrobe, including the one I wore to my wedding eight years ago.

Who are your favourite designers? Gant, Ralph Lauren and Rodd & Gunn have always been staples of mine.

What’s your fragrance of choice? Ralph Lauren “Polo”.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? Chinos that fit well; I’m tall with thick legs, so I don’t like to go too skinny with the pants. I love a cap and, living in Victoria, a good jumper.

Any go-to jewellery? My rose-gold wedding band and a Tag Heuer watch I recently put a brown leather band on.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? I grew up in a small NSW country town called Finley. My siblings and I wore OshKosh overalls and really cute woollen farm hats with ear warmers. I’ve still got my hat and I’m looking forward to my two-year-old, Henry, wearing it once he’s old enough to come on the Gator with me.

“I love a classic tuxedo,” says Tom Hawkins, who owns four black-tie suits.

What was your first fashion moment? The first time I got properly dressed up in a suit was for the Geelong Grammar year 12 formal with my now-wife, Emma. It was a big deal for us and all our friends. Going to my first Brownlow Medal in 2012 was a big moment, getting to express yourself a
bit differently outside being a football player. I’ve thought about pushing the boundaries a bit for the Brownlow – people seem to push it more every year – but there’s nothing better than a classic dinner suit.

And your worst fashion mistake? I split my pants on the dance floor at a teammate’s wedding. It wasn’t a small split.

What’s on your wish list? I’m going to treat myself to a nice watch, like a Rolex or Jaeger-LeCoultre, when this season in done, as a memento of my time in the game.

Is there something you’d never wear? All my younger teammates wear cargo shorts. I wore them as a teenager and just can’t get back into them.

Is there a current trend you like? Golf is a passion and I’m enjoying seeing the trend for oversized pleated pants on the course. I like seeing golf attire move on from the traditional shorts with long socks.

What shoes do you wear the most often? RMs, Blundstones and loafers. Casually, its Birkenstocks and Ralph Lauren slides.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? No one specifically. I’m influenced by my friends, family and the environment I grew up in.

What do you wear on a typical working day? I’m in Asics training gear or Geelong Cats attire.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? I’ll be in jeans, a shirt and boots having a paddock barbecue with the family. It was my favourite thing to do growing up, and now Emma and I love just relaxing and watching the kids run around.

Tom Hawkins is an ambassador for Gant Australia.

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