Menswear trends have become more eye-catching in recent years. A lot more textures, colours and structures are coming together, creating sartorial upgrades for different men with varying styles. From dudes who want to look relaxed and less fussy to gentlemen who opt for quiet luxury to cool guys who honour heritage but embrace individuality, fashion trends in 2024 offer something for every man.
What does the year hold for men – style-wise? Anything but basic, that’s for sure. Think big, bold and debonair anchored on a new take on masculinity. Breaking free from conventions, today’s fashion for men celebrates their softer, emotionally engaged and expressive side. Of course, you’ll still see the occasional pops of the traditional with the return of suits and ties – but less stuffy this time around.
Swagger Essentials
Gone are the days when men had only the utilitarian watch, the typical sunglasses or the common baseball cap to finish off their look. The modern accessories collection features colourful details, textured embellishments and motifs that seem to have been inspired by pop stars. Think Harry Styles meets glam rock.
We’re talking about a full-on accessories revolution as designers create statement pieces.
- Skeleton watches: Something very sexy about a man with a classic timepiece on his wrist. Skeleton watches have been around for a long while (as far back as the 18th century, with King Louis XV’s clockmaker pioneering the design), but they’re rising in popularity. Even better, skeleton watches can pair off with casual wear, for tee time or evening wear, for a night on the town.
- Statement jewellery: The bigger and shinier, the better. When it comes to bling, men are super sizing it, from chunky chains to stacked necklaces with heavy pendants. Some statement pieces speak volumes even without being big; instead, you’ll find intricate patterns, vibrant gemstones or unusual shapes.
- The neckerchief: Forget the stuffy cravat. Bring on the printed, silk neckerchiefs. They add quite a bit of interest to an otherwise monochromatic, casual look. If wearing ties feels a bit too oppressive, try a printed neckerchief.
Bland to Grand
On the runways of Fendi, Givenchy and Louis Vuitton, you’ll forget ties were ever uncool. Paired with ski jackets, tunics or baggy pants (another men’s fashion trend), the typical suit necessity is turning into a must-have piece. The stylish necktie can take you from the boardroom to a VIPs-only after-party.
Look for the following details:
- Texture fabric
- Lively colours
- Eye-catching patterns and prints
- Sustainable materials (e.g., bamboo, recycled fabric, etc.)
But what’s a tie without a proper suit? Except in 2024, you’ll see less of the slim fit and more of the slouchy, relaxed silhouette.
Men’s suits, much like men’s jewellery, are getting supersized as well. Baggy suits, however, are not an invitation to look sloppy. The suit shift is a mere transition to a modern and even flattering style. The proportions and styling play a role in creating the perfect, contemporary man’s suit. The fabric is also crucial; on Zegna’s summer fashion show, ICON Magazine highlighted the Italian label’s use of linen, which defines a running theme in men’s fashion: comfort.
Vested Interest
Another key piece to have for summer – the vest. Although you’ll immediately think casual, today’s vests aren’t your usual undergarment. Hermès vests were styled beneath crochet short-sleeved tops whereas Dolce & Gabbana’s paired the traditional vest with the trendy short shorts, and Valentino’s vests were made in luxurious silk and cut low.
Jetsetting Jumpsuits
What used to be utilitarian now gets a makeover on the fashion runways of Loewe, Givenchy and Emporio Armani. With top designers, the jumpsuit is anything but usual and no longer just limited to blue-collar. These jumpsuits can trot the globe.
Loewe’s jumpsuits were in bright red leather, Valentino’s took a medical aesthetic with an all-white loose jumpsuit and Armani went with a South African safari look.
Sexy Beast
Men’s fashion has been taking quite a bit of inspiration from women’s fashion, from colours traditionally thought of as feminine to softer fabrics. One other feminine-inspired trend is the animal print. Think zebra, leopard and snake. It’s an empowering look that demonstrates primal confidence.
Designers used animal print in a variety of ways, from Yves Saint Laurent’s leopard printed fur coats to the cow print boots at the Vivienne Westwood show.
Tweed is Good
The need for tweed is fulfilled this year as men’s fashion sees the rise of the wool-woven fabric on nearly every article of clothing. Tweed boxy jackets, tweed vests, tweed pants, two-piece tweed suits – the once-practical fashion for farmers and wealthy and stylish older women is now on men’s fashion runways.
Heritage with a Twist
Traditional garments and styles are also getting a modern spin. In the UAE, for instance, the thobe and kandura can feature embellishments and come in unexpected cuts.
Grandpa Core
Grandpa core is having a moment. Fashion insiders have seen an uptick in the demand for sweater vests and cardigans. Some celebrities have even been spotted styling up a tweed jacket with vintage brooches and patterned ties or straight-cut jeans with vintage loafers and socks.
Aside from the classic tweed, corduroy and wool are also becoming trendy options under grandpa core. Mixing and matching patterns are also part of this trend.
Other trends inspiring men’s fashion are sustainability, gender-neutral styling, crochet and knitwear, and shorts.
The Final Flourish
Overall, the trends encapsulate what every man wants: to be comfortable wherever, whenever. The resurgence of suits, ties and luxury accessories means there is still a need to also look put-together. Indeed, the relaxed tailoring, oversized outerwear and cosy textures all embrace a kind of easiness to dressing, but the cuts, quality fabric and designer touch elevate what looks like effortless fashion.
The beauty of men’s fashion now lies in the creativity and fun you can take when dressing up (or dressing down). Why limit yourself to the basic black suit when you can rock a linen Zegna suit with sustainably made shoes or swap out your double-breasted jacket for a tailored coat in leopard print? From vibrant hues to textural triumphs, from silhouette shifts to nostalgic modernity – men’s fashion is breaking boundaries.
