Supermodel David Gandy has hung up his suits and given into "lockdown chic" throughout the pandemic.

For most, lockdown has seen us wearing the same loungewear for days on end and putting on a smart top for the odd Teams meeting.

And while David, from Billericay, has followed suit as fashion trends move closer towards comfort, he's hopeful that formal clothing will make a comeback - suggesting we will all be "desperate" to dress up when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

But David insists he embraces all fashion and doesn't like the idea of dress codes.

He said: "I don't like the idea of dress codes or anything like that. For me, there's no right or wrong in fashion, it's personal choice - I'm never going to criticise anyone for dressing the way they want.

"I'm not a big trend follower. I pretty much stick to a style that suits me, suits my body style and I feel confident in.

"When I put on a suit, it always feels to me like a suit of armour. It’s something I put on – not to hold people back or make a barrier or anything – I just feel more confident in it."

However he insists you shouldn't underestimate the work that goes into simple outfits, adding: "It’s not just a T-shirt and a pair of jeans – it’s a very well put together, good fitting pair of jeans that look great. To make that relaxed look really stand out – sometimes, it’s not as easy as you think."

David Gandy has become a unique figure in an increasingly dressed down fashion industry.

He added: "I suppose I’ve always gone against the grain in many ways, but I’m not doing anything particularly out there or new – and I’m just as happy in a suit as in a good T-shirt and a pair of jeans.

Speaking about his fashion heroes, David said: "I still look at the Paul Newmans, the Steve McQueens and the James Deans from the 1960s as being icons.

"Ironically, the more I read about them, the more they wouldn't be dressing or styling anything - they were all very utilitarian.

"They all had racing teams, so they have the jackets, the hats, the sunglasses and everything - they wore it because it was the best stuff for racing, but now those items have become more iconic with them."

David Gandy has collaborated with Vodafone to launch Neo, the smart kids' watch.

Visit eshop.v.vodafone.com