
Published 18 August 2023
Menswear – a market projected to reach a global valuation of $988.24bn by 2030 (MRFR, 2023) – has been undergoing a metamorphosis of late, evolving to meet the new emerging needs of contemporary consumers. From streetwear’s grown-up transformation to a flourishing feminine focus, this super-visual report breaks down the key opportunities, trend drivers and challenges defining the modern menswear market.
Favouring sleek soft tailoring and all-American prep, streetwear is exiting its hypebeast era. Instead, it’s embracing a more pared back, luxe-leaning look that aligns perfectly with both fashion’s ongoing ‘quiet luxury’ obsession and its penchant for work-life fluidity. However, sports aesthetics continue to have a major impact, and more haphazard ‘dad-dressing’ styles emerge as a playful antidote to grown-up minimalism.
Favouring sleek soft tailoring and all-American prep, streetwear is exiting its hypebeast era. Instead, it’s embracing a more pared back, luxe-leaning look that aligns perfectly with both fashion’s ongoing ‘quiet luxury’ obsession and its penchant for work-life fluidity. However, sports aesthetics continue to have a major impact, and more haphazard ‘dad-dressing’ styles emerge as a playful antidote to grown-up minimalism.
From revered female creative directors to girls shopping in the men’s section, a heavily feminine perspective is shaping the modern menswear market, influencing fabrications, palettes and silhouettes. Additionally, accessories categories like bags and jewellery are booming for men, while tentpole pop-culture moments are eschewing toxic masculinity, providing cues on how the changing face of gender-fluid fashion will evolve.
Plus- and mid-size representation is lacking in fashion across the board, but that’s especially true for menswear, where ‘big & tall’ offerings fail to serve plus-size men of average or below average height. Additionally, as unisex and gender-fluid dressing become increasingly mainstream, traditional merchandising and sizing processes must be re-examined to ensure a more seamless and enticing shopping experience for all.



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