The New Face of Menswear
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.
Streetwear Grows Up
Menswear Through the Female Gaze
Break Sizing Barriers
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.
The New Face of Menswear
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