Dumping Grounds, Vol. IV: Gone Fishing 🎣
cable-knit sweaters, boat shoes, wellies, mariner stripes—you get the gist.
In honor of the trending ‘fishermancore’ trend, I picked out my favorite vintage/secondhand pieces for this week’s Dumping Grounds. I try not to follow microtrends, but this ‘aesthetic’ has always spoken to me (just read my Boat Shoes post from January 2024). Perhaps I was an Irish fisherman in a previous life?
xx E
Fisherman Sandals, US 7 ($35)
I’m upset the Dr. Martens 8092 Fisherman Sandal—an archive edition from the ‘90s—isn’t available anymore. The brand’s modern fisherman sandal just isn’t as good, IMO. Honestly, the resell market for vintage fisherman sandals is kind of crazy! Who knew these dad sandals would be in such high demand in 2025. Nevertheless, I did find a few gems from other brands; if you want the real thing, though, expect to pay up (although I always recommend making an offer—you’d be surprised what they’ll end up selling for!).
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US 7 ($85), US 7.5 ($50), US 7.5 ($59), US 9 ($148), US 9 ($30), US 9, ($40) , US 10 ($78), US 10.5 ($30), US 11 ($165), US 12 ($125)
Cream Cable-Knit Sweater, XL ($30)
This is perhaps the foundation to attaining the fisherman aesthetic. I tried to choose more lightweight sweaters (and a couple vests) since, thank god, spring is on the way and those thick 100 percent Irish wool sweaters, while ideal for winter, are just going to be too warm for the days ahead. When shopping for knitwear in general, make sure you check the material—polyester and acrylic are no-nos; cashmere, wool, and cotton are ideal. Personally I prefer just pure cotton sweaters. They’re soft while still being durable and thermal-regulating.
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S ($13), M ($32), M ($20), L ($15), L ($20), L ($22), L ($25), L ($24), L ($23), L ($30), L ($36), XL ($12), XL ($15), XL ($80), XXL ($20)
Fishing/Cargo Vest, L ($30)
Cargo vests have begun to come back into the mainstream, but mostly with the gorpcore crowd (outside actual outdoorsmen, I must clarify). However, I think there’s opportunity to actually style these in a more fashion-forward way. Dig out your Sambas, multi-colored knits, and button-downs!
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S ($25), S ($22), M ($30), M ($25), M ($36), XL ($9), XL ($15), XL ($30), XL ($30)
Utility Overalls, L ($28)
The overalls in my closet that I never wear are seething right now. But I fear I might actually need a pair of vintage Liberty overalls. The pop of green on the front bib just adds a little something extra that I adore. These vintage Sears dungarees (union made! contrast stitching!) can easily become a closet staple.
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S ($45), M ($23), L ($50), L ($30), L ($37), XL ($45), XL ($33), 2XL ($25)
Rubber Shoes, US M 8 ($75)
The rainy season is basically here, so rubber shoes can be justified as a functional purchase. I’m really loving my Merry People Billie Clogs (not vintage; I have them in red) so I found a few cutie rubber clogs you can snag, as well as duck boots and wellies. My favorite being none other than these Aimé Leon Dore yellow clogs. Those are in men’s sizing but will likely fit women’s size 9-9.5. On a more minimal note, this black ALD pair is a women’s size 6.5.
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US 7 ($32), US 7 ($9), US 7 ($55), US 7.5 ($30), US 8 ($19), US 9.5 ($28), US 10 ($25), US 10 ($39), US 10.5 ($20), US 11 ($40)
Canvas Tote, $35
L.L.Bean’s Boat and Tote is the obvious choice, of course, so that’s the main direction I took here. In addition to the classic white canvas with colored accents, I love the plaid mini tote I linked above as well as this navy and green tartan version. These canvas totes just last forever—and Eddie Bauer, Land’s End, and G.H. Bass have copycat versions that are just as good.
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L.L.Bean ($25), Land’s End ($30), Kinokuniya Books ($15), U.S.N.A. ($16), Eddie Bauer ($12), Nautica ($15), Alaska Map ($35)
Mariner Stripes, XL ($26)
Striped sweaters, rugby shirts, button-downs—all that would pair well with your new fisherman vest ;) I really like the light blue/navy combo as well as this butter yellow/sky blue shirt.
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M ($30), M ($15), M ($28), L ($7), L ($27), L ($10), L ($25), L ($25), L ($18), L ($20), L ($20), L ($22), XL ($25), XL ($39), 2XLT ($20), XXL ($25)
Lobster Clasp Jacket, L ($75)
OK, any jacket that’s designed with lobster clasps instantly elevates it for me. Surprisingly, there aren’t many available on Depop, so I had to expand my horizons to eBay for this one. Ralph Lauren produced several styles of these in the ‘90s/00s, many that now sell in the hundreds, but I did find a few under-$100 RL gems. These jackets just inspire me to be on a boat eating fresh fish at sunset.
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S ($60), S ($90), M ($70), M ($19), M ($100), L ($55), L ($69), L ($40), XL ($50), XL ($70), 4XL ($24)
Vintage T-Shirt, XL ($7)
Fishing-related vintage tees are just superior, so I couldn’t help but include here. I’m personally eyeing a few myself. I could have featured dozens, so I encourage you to do your own little browse on Depop. I’m wearing mine this summer with track shorts and Salomon sneakers.
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M ($35), M ($24), L ($20), L ($15), L ($25), L ($45), XL ($6), XL ($20), XL ($9), XL ($30), XXL ($15), XXL ($9)
🐟 Accessories: