GARETH Southgate’s smart look on the touchline is boosting sales of waistcoats in Oxford.

England fans are trying on the dapper garments, according to gentlemen’s outfitters in the city.

Despite everyone trying to keep cool in the heatwave, the England manager’s habit of appearing in a waistcoat for every game at the World Cup in Russia has focused attention on the waistcoat.

Lee Constable, head tailor at Clements and Church in Little Clarendon Street, which sells custom-made suits, said: “Gareth Southgate is in good shape and the look suits him so this is bound to give waistcoat sales a boost.

“Not every sale is a three-piece suit but it has been a big part of business since we opened here six years ago.

“We also sell some knitted waistcoats off the peg - they can cost about £250.”

Brian Kevern, floor manager at Shepherd & Woodward in High Street, said: “Waistcoats have been selling well for a couple of years - we are selling tweed waistcoats from £29.99 to £140 - they are very popular.

“Gareth Southgate can only help sales - it’s a good talking point with customers.”

For each of England’s games the former Middlesbrough and England Under-21 manager has been dressed in a fully buttoned Marks & Spencer navy waistcoat.

The 47-year-old has also been wearing a pale blue shirt, with a red, white and blue striped tie.

Marks & Spencer, the official suit supplier to the England team since 2007, said demand for its official £65 waistcoats has gone up 35 per cent.